Chapter 6 The Reward that Has Not Been Announced Yet

Noah Foster's POV:

As I was heading out, I glanced into the distance and, out of nowhere, a portal popped open at the edge of the forest cliff, from which a woman tumbled out.

Was that Ava? Wow, that was unexpected. I never thought Ava would be such a scaredy-cat and have such bad luck.

But she was in my pack, so I couldn't just leave her hanging. I shot a message to Ethan through MindLink to go help her out.

Ava Taylor's POV:

When I came to, my whole body ached. I really was unlucky.

Out of a thousand chances, I had to be the one to fall off a cliff after escaping that illusion.

Thank goodness I landed on a branch, or I'd be toast.

"Ava, you're finally awake!" It was Olivia, looking all worried. "If I knew you'd get hurt, I would've waited for you to come out with me after I finished my Trial."

I felt a bit awkward with Olivia's concern, so I changed the subject. "How did the Trial go?" I struggled to sit up in bed and asked.

Olivia's face turned a bit red, and she covered her face. "I heard the winner of this competition gets to have dinner with Alpha Noah. But the real results of the Trial aren't out yet. To be a good Luna, we have to go through a bunch of tests. Since you're pretty banged up, I asked Alpha Noah for an extra room and care so you can get proper treatment. When I saw Noah, I couldn't help but think how amazing it would be if I could be his mate."

I looked at Olivia, feeling indifferent. I had never seen what Alpha Noah looked like. But I didn't care. I was just looking for a way to escape my home. "Well, I hope you can be the first. I don't know if I'll make it," I said.

I felt a bit lost, but Olivia grabbed my hand tightly, looking at me with determination. "Don't worry, Ava! You'll definitely pass the first Trial!"

Her eyes sparkled like little suns, lifting my spirits. She was really sweet. I hoped we could be friends for life.

I had survived in this world for 18 years, constantly bullied. I hated Sarah, who gave birth to me but never loved me. I hated my stepfather David, who pretended to care but pushed me into the abyss. Simply put, I hated this world. But Olivia was different; she was so kind to me that I'd do anything for her.

"Thank you!" I nodded to thank Olivia for her blessing, and then I heard her excitedly say, "By the way! There's a masquerade ball tonight, Ava! Let's go and have some fun! Are you okay with your injuries?"

Seeing Olivia so happy, I didn't want to let her down, so I nodded and agreed.

"Great! I'm telling you, Alpha Noah will be there too. You haven't seen him yet, right? He's really handsome!" Olivia excitedly pulled me along by the hand, and I looked at her helplessly but felt happy inside.

I chose an autumn outfit to cover my scars, even in this hot summer. It felt ridiculous, but I had no other option. Many girls who came for the Trial were fashionable and beautiful. My outfit, in comparison, was undoubtedly out of place.

Even Olivia looked a bit surprised. "Ava, you're wearing this? Noah will be there too. Are you sure you want to go like this?"

I nodded and took Olivia's hand affectionately.

I never thought about becoming Luna. I was too weak. I just needed to escape my home.

No one was willing to teach me how to use wolf abilities. I just hoped to use this opportunity to train my abilities and protect myself, nothing more.

Seeing my insistence, Olivia didn't ask further.

We soon arrived at the place where the dance was being held. The weather was hot, and sweat was already forming on my back.

I saw Anthea in sexy pants and a cute, playful tank top, making her look very bright.

Seeing me, Anthea greeted me with a smile, but her gaze turned hostile when it landed on Olivia, making me cautiously shield Olivia behind me.

Sitting on the side, I watched the girls play in the water, feeling a bit sad. In the river’s reflection, I saw my shadow—a girl with chestnut curly hair, round eyes, and a few freckles on her face. I realized I looked a lot like Sarah.

Maybe I was pretty? Didn't Logan in the cabin also say I was good-looking? Should I be more confident?

Suddenly, a cheer snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Look! I caught a big fish!"

"Look at mine!"

Olivia quickly joined the others in playing, more lively than the other girls. If someone had to be chosen from our group to be Noah's partner, I thought Olivia would be the best choice, despite the others being equally excellent.

But I didn't see the young Alpha anywhere. David had made me believe all men were alike and enjoyed playing among women, so Noah's absence puzzled me.

Because of my inconvenient clothes, I sat far from the shore, but water still splashed on me. I was almost completely soaked, and my long sleeves and pants stuck to my unhealed wounds, causing a burning sensation.

"Ava! I'm sorry! I accidentally splashed water on you. I was too focused. You won't blame me, right?" Olivia walked over with an apologetic look, water dripping down her neck.

I shook my head. "It's okay. Since that's the case, I'll head back first."

Olivia stared at me, looking a bit hurt. "Ava, if you're mad at me, you can say it directly. No need to be like this," she sighed, then her eyes suddenly lit up. "How about this! You wear my clothes and stay a bit longer!"

Before I could refuse, Olivia had already taken out her clothes. They were a bit revealing, which I had never dared to try.

Taking the clothes, Olivia pointed to a small grove nearby, signaling me to change there.

I didn't want to refuse her, so I took the clothes and carefully examined them. It was a lace-trimmed dress, very sexy, perfectly showcasing the figure.

The trees in the grove were dense, blocking the sunlight. Shadows fell on me like spots.

I looked around, making sure no one was there, and started taking off my clothes.

Once the restraints were gone, I felt much lighter, even wanting to run naked in this vibrant place.

I placed Olivia's clothes on a nearby branch and stared at my scars, taking a deep breath, trying to use my abilities to heal them.

But just as I was fully immersed, a voice sounded above me. "Who are you? Who sent you?"