Chapter 133 The third trial announced 2

Chapter 133: Chapter 133 The third trial announced 2

Talia’s POV

Alpha Aldric stood at the front of the hall.

His gray hair was combed back, and his face was unreadable. His eyes found me immediately, and something like concern, or maybe pity, flickered across his face. But I could not tell which.

When we got close to him, he gave me a small smile, and he turned to Kaelen. "Why did you shut down the mind link? I had to send a servant, just to reach out to you."

"I am sorry, Grandfather. But I had to shut it down because Jax would not stop talking. I am sorry for the stress," Kaelen said.

Alpha Aldric waved his hand at him. "I understand. Jax talks a lot, so I avoid him too." He gave a small laugh, and Kaelen joined him with a smile.

I looked at both of them, and my heart broke. Because I never had anyone close to share that kind of genuine smile with. I thought about my father, who never cared for me, and how I had suffered since my mother, who was the only one who genuinely loved me, disappeared.

I pushed the thoughts from my mind, and focused on the moment.

Alpha Aldric raised his hand, and the room went silent. "The third and final trial, which is the Trial of the Wolf, will begin in three days," he announced.

Murmurs spread through the crowd. Wolves exchanged glances, and some of them looked at me with curiosity, while others looked at me with something like pity.

My heart pounded, and my hands were shaking, but I kept my face calm.

Aldric continued. "The Luna must shift fully into her wolf form and control it before the pack. She must prove that her wolf is strong, that she is in command, and that she is worthy to stand beside the Alpha."

The murmurs grew louder.

"Three days," someone whispered.

"She has not shifted once since she arrived, not even when she fought the rogues," another voice said.

"Do you think she can do it?" one voice said.

"I do not know," another answered.

I pressed my hands flat against my thighs to stop them from shaking.

Aldric raised his hand again, and the room went silent. "That is all," he said. "You are all dismissed."

The wolves began to file out of the hall, as their voices buzzed with excitement and speculation. But I did not hear any of it.

My mind was racing as I thought about the timing of three days. I had three days to prepare for a trial I could not win.

Because I could not shift while wearing the glamour charm.

Kaelen took my hand and led me out of the hall. The hallway was crowded, but wolves parted as we passed. Some bowed, some nodded, and some just stared.

But I did not look at any of them.

Kaelen did not speak. He just walked, with his hand wrapped around mine, and his thumb tracing slow circles on my skin.

When we reached our room, he opened the door and stepped aside. I walked inside, and he followed, closing the door behind him.

I stood in the middle of the room, staring at the wall. My hands were shaking, my heart was pounding, and my chest was so tight I could barely breathe.

"Talia," Kaelen called.

But I did not turn around.

"Talia, look at me," he said.

I shook my head.

He walked around me and stood in front of me, as his gray eyes searched my face, looking for something I could not name.

"What is wrong?" he asked.

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.

"Talia..." he called.

"I cannot shift," I said in panic.

His brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

I looked away. My throat was tight, and my eyes were burning.

"I have never shifted before," I said. "Not in Cresswood, and not ever in my life."

Kaelen was quiet for a moment. "Do you feel her?"

I looked at him. "Yes, I do, but not every time."

He held my gaze. "It must be because of the abuse, and because she has grown weak over the years. So you can train, eat, and get better, and your wolf will get stronger. We could also get the healer to check on your health, which is the quickest way."

"I do not know if I am ready for that last part," I said with a shaky voice.

He stepped closer, and his hands cupped my face. His thumbs brushed across my cheeks, and his gray eyes were soft.

"You do not have to decide today," he said. "You have three days."

"But what if I am not ready in three days?" I asked.

"Then we will figure it out together," he said.

I stared at him. His face was calm, steady, and unafraid. I felt bad for not telling him the truth about the glamour charm, and for making him think that my wolf was weak. But I really did not know how to.

"How can you be so sure?" I asked.

"Because I am not going anywhere," he said.