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 sentence that makes me uneasy, but I don’t

door to our quarters. “What if he doesn’t find it? Are you certain

this above the door, on the doorframe to yours

“Yes please.”

he goes to the bedroom, maybe

you to your destination.” I nod and I’m

nervous, something tells me, Zedkiel finding

hope I made the

men stops. “There are some warmer clothes for you to change into inside the washroom and please

of course!” I say surprised and grateful for the consideration, but at the same

you.” The man nods and

I’m not the only one

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

I say, taking the clothes and putting them on. There are sweatpants and an oversized hoodie that I slip on. Once I exit the toilet, I wash my

Luna!” She

exit the bathroom. Spotting the guards down the hall, I walk towards them and they continue

praying that Zed kiel finds that letter as I’m led through to the back of the castle and down into the

of the two smiles. “Please

the dirty steps into the empty pool and into the middle of it, where they gesture for me to stop. It’s dark and

is for prince Zedkiel. If you break the rules, you will immediately fail this round.” One of the men

Zedkiel’s wrath is something

empty pool I’m standing in. It isn’t the largest, but it’s big and

to wait until the prince comes, and depending on how fast he finds the letter, he’ll be assessed and graded on

to something in the empty pool,

necessary

with a smile, as

I stare at the huge rock that the

my wrists

because the next thing

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

gurgling sound before I hear water gushing.

into the pool. Only then do I realise how deep it

time… it’ll

encouragement from the two guards, I watch them, but they don’t bother looking back

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

icy water that smells of mould and copper is making me nauseous, and it isn’t clean. I can feel bits of something or other in the water brush against my hands