Chapter 3 3

I had spent the night and the next day training, and preparing myself for the hunt. To everyone else, it looked like I was simply using sparring as a way to cope with the pain of my groom abandoning me on our wedding day.

So, no one suspected that I was secretly preparing for the hunting contest the next morning. So at dawn, instead of joining my father, Margaret, and Hunter in their carriages to the arena, I mounted my horse, Saddle, and rode there on my own.

On arrival I tied my house to a tree and made my way to the side of the bleachers with my bow in hand, to see that the Arena was filled with Pack members gathered on the stone steps and bleachers while holding banners that fluttered in the morning breeze.

Elder Tyler rose from the dais, his gray hair glinting in the sun. “Today is the annual Pack Hunting Ceremony.” He announced. “All who wish to participate, step forward.”

One by one, men strode into the center of the Arena led by Hunter who had that infuriating swagger, and I could hear their whispered bets on who would win.

Then, slowly, I stepped forward and murmurs rippled through the crowd.

“What in the…” Hunter muttered, striding closer. “What are you doing?”

I ignored him, lifting my chin and walking past as the murmurs swelled into quiet outrage.

An Elder in one of the stands nearest Father rose.

“Amelia, you should leave this place.” He called. “Women are not allowed to participate in the Hunting Ceremony.”

I turned to him.

“No Pack law has ever stated that women cannot participate.” I retorted. “Women have been told not to, yes, but if there is truly a law forbidding my participation, I request that it be read to me now. Otherwise, I shall participate, and if you insist, I will return to my chambers.”

The Elder hesitated, flustered, before lowering himself back onto the bench. Then he turned to Father, who, after a long pause, said with a dismissive shrug, “It is fine, she may participate. After all… she is a woman. What can she do?”

I smiled to myself. ‘I will show them.’

Elder Tyler cleared his throat.

“There are three parts to the Hunting Ceremony.” He continued. “The first is archery. Each participant will shoot at the bullseye and the one with the most hits shall be the victor of this round.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“The second round.” He continued. “Will be hunting in the forest where the participant who returns with the largest animal shall be declared the winner.”

“And the third, will test not only your smartness but also your endurance.” He said, leaning forward. “You must track and capture a trained, wild wolf released into the forest without killing it. The one who returns the wolf to the Arena unharmed shall be victorious.”

I exhaled softly as the horn was blown, signalling the beginning of the hunt.

For me, the first round went poorly because my hands trembled slightly. And though I struck near the bullseyes, several arrows grazed the edges. In the end, Hunter scored more hits than I or anyone did and was declared the winner of the first round.

But when the second round began, I ran as fast as I stalked a massive buck, drawing it away from the other hunters strategically. Until I found the right time to strike it and return to the Arena dragging the animal behind me.

The crowd erupted into cheers, men and women alike clapping and shouting my name while Hunter’s face darkened with fury.

“You’re lucky!” He spat. “I’ll deal with you later, Amelia!”

Then he made his way to the forest for the third round that tested me in ways I had never imagined. The trained wolf darted into the forest, while I followed it quietly. Hours passed as I tracked it, staying downwind, until the wolf paused near a clearing.

I moved in carefully to avoid startling it, then a loop of rope and a swift maneuver later, it was in my control. I dragged it back to the Arena, exhausted and the crowd roared like thunder.

Applause and cheers washed over me as I stood in the center of the Arena, chest heaving, hair damp with sweat.

My eyes sought Father in the stands who watched me silently, with an unreadable expression, though I caught a flicker of pride in his eyes.

I felt a flush of pride rise in my chest as I mounted my horse and rode back to the Packhouse where Margaret intercepted me as soon as I stepped inside.

“I see the Pack has… deemed you worthy of praise.” She said, voice sweet but dripping with contempt. “Do you feel very heroic, Amelia?”

“I have done what was necessary.” I said, meeting her gaze evenly while climbing off the horse and dragging it towards the stables. “If that unsettles you, that is not my concern.”

Hunter approached next, fists clenching at his sides.

“You’ve humiliated me, Amelia.” He growled, stepping close. “Do not think this ends here.”

“I do not fear your threats.” I said firmly. “If that is all, I have more pressing matters.”

With that, I left the horse with the stable man then made my way to Father’s study because during the final round of the hunting ceremony while I was basking myself in everyone's praises, I had noticed the Beta whisper in Father’s ear, and the sudden tension that crossed his face had unsettled me.

I wanted answers, and I also wanted to hear him praise me for proving that I was more than capable. So when I reached the slightly opened door, I was just about to push it open when I overheard his voice.

“The Scouts reported seeing Denary Williams and his forces camping near the Northern grounds. They believe he may be planning an attack to take over our territory tonight and it's already past 8.”

“But we do not have the manpower or resources to challenge him.” Father said and my heart sank.

All of this was Father’s doing.

After marrying Margaret, he had focused on her and Hunter, neglected the Pack, lost manpower and supplies. And now, Denary’s threat existed only because of his neglect.

I made a decision then, and I sought out for Serah. “Tonight, I will be leaving for the northern lands to kill Denary.” I whispered. “If I do not return, you must tell my Father what  you can.”