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.

adjoining room, take note and then place her in the allotted area…” There’s something about that sentence that makes me uneasy, but I don’t think much of it as I follow one of the men to

ledge of the door to our quarters. “What if he doesn’t find it? Are you certain this is your final

on the doorframe to yours and the prince’s quarters.

“Yes please.”

after he goes to

take you to your destination.” I nod and I’m passed onto another man and told to

me, Zedkiel finding that

I made the

clothes for you

say surprised and grateful for the consideration, but at the same time, I’m concerned by what he means that

for you.” The man nods

step inside and find I’m not the

into these clothes Luna.” The dark-haired woman says, holding out a

that I slip on. Once

Luna!” She

guards down the hall, I walk towards

letter as I’m led through to the back of the castle and

alarmed, Luna.” One of the two smiles. “Please

it, where they gesture for me to stop. It’s dark and empty, without

try to escape. This test is for prince Zedkiel.

is something everyone should be

are you going to do to me?” I say as I look at the dirty empty pool I’m standing in. It isn’t the largest, but it’s big and dirty. This place hasn’t been used for

until the prince comes, and depending on how fast he

the empty pool, but because my ankles are bound, I

it necessary to

The dark-haired one replies with a smile, as he then ties a

of the contest, good luck Luna.” The other says as I stare at the huge rock that the other side of the rope is tied

my wrists

soon because the next thing they do is

of the contest… I tell myself, taking a deep shuddering breath. They won’t hurt me. I’m trying not to panic when they tie my hands painfully tight and then they turn and climb out of the

hear a gurgling sound before I hear

pool. Only then

take time… it’ll take

I watch them, but they don’t bother looking back

taking deep breaths to calm myself when I hear the door shut and the old rusty padlock reapplied to the door, leaving

fast. I don’t know how long I’ve been here, but my legs that are tied together feel heavy and numb. The icy water that smells of mould and copper is making