Beneath the Surface
Jasmine's POV
Hours passed.
As soon as I was strong enough to stand, I got dressed and went out. The throats of the pups howled as the moon rose, lighting the pack grounds.
I moved along very cautiously. However, I moved with a clear goal in mind.
I wanted to understand the situation with my own eyes.
Several young wolves gathered on the outskirts of the ring and talked in whispers. Everyone was quiet when I appeared.
One bowed. I have to say, you were truly amazing.
The other member of the team nodded while staring at what was happening. I thought that was the last round for you.
I merely shook my head and said nothing. I was satisfied with that approach.
A good or bad reputation was passed quickly amongst the group. The way they were looking at me made it clear they had grown to respect me.
I got it as the result of my hard work. It's not simply because of their family. Not only because of their election titles.
However, it was the fire that helped people eat.
–
Late at night, I was by the koi pond, all by myself. It felt quite chilly outside. The night is calm.
While heading back to my quarters, I came to a realization.
Revenge was the only thing in my mind but for now I needed to survive more than anything.
---
The discomfort in my ribs had subsided, but now I felt burdened by what I was supposed to do. When I came to after the fight, I found some people whispering, a few new bruises and some unknown people staring at me. I went from being unseen to receiving attention from people. But there were those who disagreed with my appearance.
I had not heard from Alpha Aiden since the day we left for the game. He could have done it another way. The point he made was simple: "You have to come out on top no matter what is happening."
Not only did I have to prove my worth, but I was supposed to fit in as well.
That was the biggest challenge for me.
I was let down by how much I enjoyed training alongside the others. The Wolf guards were sharp, brutal and paid great attention. A few respected me during the training. Most weren't. I stopped being the outcast and instead became something they feared.
The one who had dared to steal the spotlight.
On a regular basis, Lena took me to the training field and watched over me as I practiced. Even so, after I arrived, she always gave me time for solitude. Perhaps she wanted me to become independent. Perhaps she sensed the disagreement and didn't interfere.
I worked hard on every task. Finished all the laps. Bore the hits without flinching once. Even after the others seemed to hit me harder, I didn't complain. I stayed with the rest of the team. I never showed signs of pain. I was unfazed when someone talked about me as Alpha's pet.
Making friends was never in my plans. Lena was already but moving means surviving.
Still, there was a wolf who decided to push me so far that my very last nerve would snap.
Her name was Nylah.
She was tall, had bronze skin and piercing gold eyes, making her walk as if she were Queen of the world. Three years or more had passed since she became a member of the Wolf Guard. She clearly had talent and she was incredibly loyal to Aiden.
I was the object of her dislike.
At the start, I was only met with stares while standing in line formation. After that, she began crossing paths with me while I was out running. I released myself from the guilt. I thought the issue would go away.
It didn't.
She knocked my water bottle on the floor when I wasn't paying attention. They stepped up to take a session of training. Spoke in such a way that everyone around heard them.
Nevertheless, I did not say anything. Going head to head with her would give her exactly the outcome she was hoping for: a fight.
However, Nylah didn't quit.
During one of my drills, I saw her shadow right next to mine in the light. I didn't see it coming, as she pushed hard onto my side and caused me to fall hard onto the ground. The trainer barely showed any response. None of them made a sound.
I got back to the way I was standing. I am biting down hard.
She brushed up beside me and lowered her voice. "This is not the place for you."
My fingers itched to hit her. But I didn't. Not yet.
Instead, I ignored her.
But that only made things worse.
Later that same day, while I was finishing my solo staff practice, she appeared again. The way she smirked was as cutting as the knife she held.
"You've managed to fool the entire audience," she added, moving around me. "However, I can still see what you are."
I decided not to answer.
Wars are not your place. "All you are is beautiful, but your past is ruined."
I stopped. I held my staff very tightly. "I am able to manage myself, so stop bothering me."
She picked up her blade, tossing it beyond her and added, "Now prove it."
"Fight me."
I stayed where I was.
I explained to her, "I don't wish to fight with you."
She let out a nasty chuckle. "It's because I'd stand no chance against you."
I began to move away.
That was something I did wrong.
My arm was suddenly wounded after she pushed me so hard that I tumbled down on all fours.
I managed to stand up immediately.
I told them firmly to leave me alone.
"Oh, are you up for a fight now?" she asked, raising her fists in the air.
I threw my staff away. No weapons. Just fists.