Page 14 of Shattered and Saved

“It’s been a while since we’ve had new members,” the gamma continued.

“Two years,” Rhea pointed out without taking her eyes off her plate - a rare contribution to our conversation.

The delta wasn’t exactly rude, but she wasn’t welcoming either. She came across as indifferent and unusually quiet, barely speaking a word during our meals. Still, since Avril didn’t seem concerned by her behavior, I assumed this was just how she normally was.

“I miss fresh meat,” Theo added with a chuckle. “Watching them face the trials is always entertaining.”

The trials.The term echoed in my mind. It was the second time I’d heard it, and although it seemed like an important ritualfor the Ashen Wolves, no one had bothered to explain it to me. Curiosity got the better of me, and I was about to ask when they changed the subject. To avoid disturbing the conversation, I decided to save my questions for later.

After dinner, Avril offered to walk with me, as she usually did. As much as I didn’t need to be escorted to my cottage, I always accepted her company, just to spend more time with her. While the rational part of me had its reservations about her, her presence still soothed my spirit, bringing me inexplicable peace.

Quiet reigned amidst our walk, but after enjoying it for a moment, I realized it was a good opportunity to quench my doubts from earlier, and I finally broke the silence.

“Hey, Avril,” I began, catching her attention. “What are the trials?”

She seemed slightly confused, as if she didn’t expect the question. “It’s kinda like a pack ritual,” she revealed, proceeding to explain, “All members of our pack are expected to take a test upon turning eighteen to prove they really have what it takes to be part of Azure Smoke. It’s mostly a formality.”

I nodded. “Did you go through the trials, too?”

“If they hadn’t deemed me capable of leading, they would never have accepted me as their alpha,” she clarified. “Since I didn’t grow up in Azure Smoke, I had a month to train before facing the trials. My uncle was my trainer, ensuring I was prepared. After succeeding, I also had to fight and defeat the strongest wolf in our pack to earn my role.” She paused, a half-smile lighting up her face as she added, “That was Theo.”

While her statement wasn’t surprising - considering that an alpha’s right hand is usually the second-strongest wolf in the pack - I chuckled in amusement. “How did he react to being defeated?”

“Oh, he was furious,” she laughed and I joined her. “But he got over it, and we eventually became friends. Despite hisgrumpiness, I recognized his potential, which is why I appointed him as my beta.”

As we approached my cottage, silence took over again as I thought about what she had said. An idea started brewing inside my head. I contemplated it for a few seconds before finally asking, “Can I take the trials?”

Avril came to an abrupt stop, her shock visible in her wide eyes. At first, she was quiet, studying me with her gaze, trying to read my mind. I couldn’t quite understand what was so absurd about my question.

Assuming she might be confused as to why I wanted to participate in her pack’s ritual, I explained, “I have no intention of becoming an official member of Azure Smoke, but I’d like to prove to your pack that I’m worthy of my temporary stay. Perhaps it’ll help them see me as more than an unwanted outsider.”

“Absolutely not!” she replied at last, and it was my turn to be confused. “I’m sorry, Koen, but that’s unfeasible.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Koen, the trials are meant for Ashen Wolves - not regular wolves,” she argued. “Even if you’re an alpha, without our special abilities, you would never succeed.”

“Well, let me try,” I insisted.

“No,” she replied, unwavering. “It’s dangerous. You could get hurt.”

“Then train me. Prepare me to face whatever challenges the trials have to throw at me,” I pleaded, staring straight into her eyes.

Avril pursed her lips, reluctant. I thought she would shut me down again, but as her gaze remained locked on mine, I noticed a subtle change in her features. Like she could see just how important this was for me. In the end, she sighed.

“Alright. I’ll let you train, and if I think you’re ready, I’ll let you take the trials,” she finally conceded.

“Good enough,” I replied, unable to hold a smile. “Thank you…” I made a brief pause, lowering my head playfully before concluding, “Alpha.”

Avril raised her eyebrows in surprise. From her reaction, I knew she was pleased with me addressing her by her title. For a moment, I could have sworn I’d seen her blush, but she quickly brushed it off, clearing her throat.

“Hey, Koen…” she called, sheepishly averting her gaze. “Are you tired yet?”

Intrigued, I answered, “Not really.”

A hint of excitement danced in her eyes as she revealed, “There’s a place I’d like to show you.”

With a tilt of her head, she gestured for me to follow. Curious, I obliged. As we moved farther away from the village, I noticed we seemed to be following the stream, the sound of water murmuring softly in the background. I stole glances at her as we ventured deeper into the woods, admiring how the moonlight framed her silhouette, casting an angelic glow around her.

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