His Dark Obsession

47. An Unexpected Trial

EVANGELINE.

One minute I was looking down at Zedkiel at the table and the next we were being whisked away. Apparently, our first round was meant to start simultaneously, or so we thought.

“What is this?” Maryka asks holding up the envelope in her hand.

We were each given one; they are identical aside from the name on it. Mine reads ‘Zedkiel’ in gorgeous gold embossed writing.

“Well, this is part of your first test.” Jean says. “Let’s say you are the queen and this city is under attack, and you are most likely going to be kidnapped or killed. Now, to save your people, you have the chance to leave your Alpha a message. Where will you put it, knowing that time is short, and he must find it before anyone else?”

“Is this part of our test?” Celia asks, frowning. 4

“Yes, it is. It’s a good chance to display how in touch with your Alpha you are.” Jean replies in a clipped

tone. 2

Celia looks down. “Then that’s surely unfair. Some of us have been married for far longer-”

“There is no place for protests.” Jean says calmly, yet her eyes are hard as she glares at Celia. “You have five minutes to think of a place and then you have a further five minutes to tell one of our messengers who will place the envelope exactly where you ask them to. It can be anywhere, in your Packs even and the rest… well, that depends on if your Alpha can find it.”

“So, it’s a combined examination…” Kayla murmurs worriedly.

I’m no longer listening, focusing on what Jean just said and staring down at the letter in my hand. Think Evangeline think!

Where should I put this so that Zedkiel will find it? Celia wasn’t wrong to panic. Zedkiel and I don’t really have a place we’ve spent much time together, aside from our bedroom. That is the first place that comes to mind, but where could I put this in our quarters?

I close my eyes, trying to think where Zedkiel would look.

A sudden thought comes to my mind, and my eyes fly open. When Zedkiel is angry, he bangs doors! I can use that!

If I have it placed above our bedroom door on the ledge, I’m uncertain it’ll be considered a valid place, but it is worth asking… if not, I should think of a backup…

“It seems that we at least have two Lunas already trying to think of a solution. The clock is already ticking.” Jean says, giving us all a hard stare.

H*ok up to see Poppy. The Luna of the Moonshine Pack is also silent as she thinks deeply.

“I’ve decided.” I say suddenly. Jean raises an eyebrow.

that makes me uneasy, but I don’t think much of it as I

and politely ask them to place the letter above the door on the ledge of the door to our quarters. “What if he doesn’t find it? Are you certain this is

the doorframe to yours and the prince’s quarters. That is correct,

“Yes please.”

least after he goes

nod

something tells me, Zedkiel finding that letter

sure hope I made the right

“There are some warmer clothes for you to change into inside the washroom

but at the same time,

for you.” The man nods and motions

I’m not the only one

these clothes Luna.” The dark-haired woman says,

I slip on. Once I exit the

luck Luna!”

the bathroom. Spotting the guards down

minutes later, I’m no longer hoping but praying that Zed kiel finds that letter as I’m led through to the

One of the two smiles. “Please

and into the middle of it, where they

simple. You are not to free yourself or try to escape. This test is for prince Zedkiel. If you break

Zedkiel’s wrath is something everyone should be afraid

I say as I look at the dirty empty pool I’m standing

how fast he finds the letter, he’ll be assessed and graded on how efficiently he finds

I’m tied to something in the empty pool, but

is it necessary to tie

smile, as he then ties a cloth around my

as I stare at the huge rock that the other

my

that too soon because the next thing

taking a deep shuddering breath. They won’t hurt me. I’m trying not to panic when they tie my hands painfully tight

gurgling sound before I

I see the two men who stand at the top looking down into the pool. Only then do I realise how deep it is. They are standing a good foot

take time… it’ll take

one last sentence of encouragement from the two guards, I watch them, but they don’t bother looking back at

when I hear the door shut and the old rusty padlock reapplied to the door, leaving

legs that are tied together feel heavy and numb. The icy water that smells of mould and copper is making me nauseous, and it isn’t clean. I can feel bits