Chapter 4 The Inescapable Predicament

Ava Taylor's POV:

Olivia's eyes widened at my soaked outfit as she asked, "Ava? What happened? You look like you just took a swim with your clothes on."

I felt my face heat up with embarrassment. What would she think if she knew I almost hooked up with a stranger in that house?

"I... slipped and fell into the river. Then I thought maybe I could find some dry clothes in that house, but no luck. Let's head back! I haven't eaten yet, and I'm starving." I forced a smile, hoping Olivia would buy my story.

Olivia, being the sweetheart she was, didn't press any further. She just shrugged off her jacket and draped it over my shoulders, shielding me from the chilly wind.

She was amazing. I had a feeling we were going to be great friends.

Time flew by, and before we knew it, we were gearing up for our first Luna Trial.

I was a bundle of nerves, not sure if I had what it took to pass. I hoped I could, but even if I failed, there was no way I was going back to the ClearedMoon Pack. I'd rather wander aimlessly than compromise.

Dawson Law, the pack's wise man, laid out the rules for the trial.

The trial had different stages, split into three main checkpoints. The first one was an illusion, broken down into three parts. After finishing the first part, one would move on to the next.

The illusion was a solo gig, not too tough. It was all about testing our courage and skills. Once one made it out, she would be randomly dropped somewhere in the forest to test her luck.

Olivia and I got separated, but I knew that was normal. I had to learn to handle things on my own.

This was the start of my new life.

The portal was this circular hole made of obsidian, with a thin layer of light blue liquid in the middle, looking like something straight out of a fairy tale.

As soon as I stepped in, I felt something wrap around me, and then a wave of dizziness hit. When I opened my eyes, I was in a place that looked like a cave.

The rules were carved into a huge stone in front of me. I walked up to it, squinting to make out the blurry writing. It took me a while to get it.

[Dreamland.

A true Luna shouldn't be held back by her deepest fears. So, every girl in this trial has to face her worst fears one by one.

If you fail at any point, you'll be sent back to the real world. The results will be ranked based on the time taken by those who pass. The top performers will get a grand prize from our pack.

Now, begin your trial.]

I clenched my fists. My worst fear?

Honestly, growing up, I was scared of everything, except maybe inanimate objects. Even Sarah's pet cat could freak me out.

I was super nervous. Just as I was about to head to the nearest checkpoint, new words appeared on the stone.

[Olivia passed, time: 50 seconds.]

[Anthea passed, time: 51 seconds.]

I couldn't even imagine how brave they must be to get such amazing results, but soon, it was my turn to face my first real trial.

I stepped into the stone house, and the door slammed shut behind me. Dust swirled up, making me cough. Then I heard Zephyr's growl.

It was dangerous!

I snapped to attention, instincts kicking in. I dodged the first attack without even thinking.

What was that?

Through the dust, I suddenly saw a creepy, dense mass coming at me. It was spiders!

Cold sweat formed on my palms, and my back was drenched.

When I was a kid, spiders didn't freak me out until David found out how much fun it was to torment me. Whenever I pissed him off, he'd lock me in a dark room and dump a bunch of non-venomous spiders on me. Their bites didn't hurt much, but it left a big scar on my heart.

"Ava, come on, we can do this. I'll give you strength," Zephyr's voice echoed in my mind.

As the energy surged through my body, I felt invincible, like a mighty wolf ready to face any challenge.

The spiders launched their attack, and a huge web flew at me.

Trying to trap me and then devour me? The old Ava who could be bullied by anyone was gone. Now, I was stronger and could protect myself.

I let out a wolf-like howl and charged forward. My claws had grown out, sharp as knives. I scattered the spiders, and the black ground was slick with green liquid, reflecting my wild reflection.

This felt amazing. Zephyr bared her teeth, and I could feel her excitement.

She loved the thrill of the fight. No wonder werewolves struggle to control themselves during a full moon. The power was intoxicating.

"Let's finish this!" I rushed forward, smashing the spiders into pulp with my fists. A few managed to bite me, injecting venom, but I felt no pain. I wasn't the weak, timid Ava anymore. I could control my life and protect myself.

In no time, the spiders were dead at my hands.

"Zephyr, I'm so pumped. Good thing there are no monitors in this trial. Without the wolf's power, I'd probably be dead." I chirped.

Zephyr chuckled softly. I saw a determined look on her beautiful face. I stepped closer to see better, but Zephyr touched my face, stared into my eyes, and said, "Ava, you have to believe that even without the wolf's power, you'll become the strongest. Those who bullied us rely on the wolf's blood in their veins. But we need to make ourselves strong first, then the wolf."

I didn't fully get what Zephyr was saying. Since she appeared, she had always been more mature, more steady. In a way, Zephyr was my greatest teacher during those dark times.

"I'll work hard to get stronger." I clenched my fists.

One day, I would make everyone who looked down on me, humiliated me, beat me, and bullied me kneel at my feet, begging for my protection. But to get there, I needed to work a hundred times harder. I believed I would.