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.

in the allotted area…” There’s something about that sentence that makes me uneasy, but I don’t think much

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

door, on the doorframe to yours and the

“Yes please.”

least after he goes

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

me, Zedkiel finding that

I made the

the men stops. “There are some warmer clothes for you to change into inside the washroom and please do use it. The night will be

surprised and grateful for the consideration, but at the same time,

wait for you.” The man nods and

inside and find I’m not the only one

Luna.” The dark-haired woman says,

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 hands and the other woman

Luna!” She

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

I’m led through to the back of the castle and down into the lower grounds of

don’t be alarmed, Luna.” One of

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

to escape. This test is for prince Zedkiel. If you break the rules, you

is something

me?” I say as I look at the dirty empty pool I’m

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

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

it necessary to

a smile, as he then

is part of the contest, good luck Luna.” The other says as I stare at the

my

thought that too soon because the next thing

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

sound before

the edge of the pool, I see the two men who stand at the top looking down into the pool. Only then do I

time… it’ll take

last sentence of encouragement from the two guards, I watch

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

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 of something or other in the water brush against my hands at