Chapter 19 Lila 1 clenched the small slip of paper in my hands , scanning the name printed there . It wasn't the Lycan King's Insignia . Relief flooded through me , but only for a second . My opponent was a girl I barely knew , Cassidy , quiet and unassuming . One of the few who had stayed out of the constant scheming and backstabbing among the other candidates . That didn't mean she was weak . If anything , those who hid in the background often had the most to prove . Or hide . Well , Ruby murmured , that's something , at least . We've got a chance to win . A chance . But what did winning even mean anymore ? Before I could respond , a commotion broke out a few feet away . A cluster of girls had gathered around Vanessa , who was dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief , sniffling softly . I tilted my head , catching snippets of conversation . " She's so cruel . " " Let that bitch go . " " She doesn't deserve to be here . " Their voices dropped into hushed whispers as I stepped closer . As if sensing my presence , one of the girls turned , her eyes narrowing The others followed suit , their gazes dark with silent accusation . Vanessa's sniffling ceased instantly . She straightened , her eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction . I sighed and turned away Let them talk . Let them scheme . None of it mattered . I had bigger things to worry about The training grounds were a buzz of activity and anticipation when I arrived . I had expected to have time to stretch and focus before the others trickled in to train before matches were scheduled . Instead , my pulse stuttered when I saw him . Damon stood on a raised platform , overlooking the field of mats . His posture was relaxed but commanding with his hands folded behind his back . The early morning light cast sharp shadows across his face , making his already intimidating expression even more sinister I looked away immediately , forcing my steps to remain steady , but I could fast b . …… .. +15 Bonus Chooter | Will he come down and talk to us ? Ruby was still hopeful he would recognize me as his mate . I shook my head to dislodge both the sensation of him watching me , and her hopeful question . Don't think too much . I'm sure he'll leave once he's finished inspecting things . It was my turn to hope . I stretched , trying to ignore the other around me . My fingers tightened into fists ; I had to focus . My limbs felt stiff , my heart racing with an unsteady beat in my chest . I shifted my stance , rolling my shoulders back . If he was watching , fine . I'd give him something to watch . I launched into practice , my movements sharper , more precise than ever before . My body responded instinctively , muscles coiling and releasing in perfect rhythm . The repetitive motions steadied me , grounding me in a way nothing else could . I blocked out the world , the whispers , the tension . I fought against invisible opponents , my fists striking air with controlled force . The pressure of his gaze never left . But instead of unraveling me , it fueled me . By the time everyone had arrived , my breath was steady , my body loose and warm . I wiped the sweat from my brow , surprised by the approving glances from some of the women , and a few of the guards . " Not bad , " one of the candidates murmured , a hint of respect in her tone . The other women , however , were far less interested in training . They strolled across the grounds , chatting and giggling , their hair carefully styled, their clothes pristine . Some halfheartedly attempted drills , but most avoided exerting themselves altogether . I rolled my eyes . What was the point of being here if they weren't going to fight seriously ? Frustrated , I made my way towards the water station for a drink and neared a group of warriors standing off to the side . They were watching the scene with thinly veiled amusement , arms crossed over their chests . As I approached , their conversation faltered . A few exchanged glances before subtly shifting away . I frowned . " I'm sorry , did I do something to offend you ? " I asked bluntly . One of them , a tall , broad - shouldered male , exhaled through his nose . " Not you specifically , " he admitted . " Some of the females mocked us earlier . Called us ' servants ' who should know our place . " My stomach twisted . I had seen the way some of the contenders treated the palace staff , the warriors included . Like accessories rather than people . It disgusted me . And I understood far too well what that was like . " I'm not like that , " I said firmly . The warrior studied me for a long moment before nodding . " No , you're not . A small , unexpected warmth bloomed in my chest . +15 Bonus " I like you , you're more down to earth that most of these bitches . Shit , please don't tell anyone I said that . " " Actually , " another warrior added , saving his friend more embarrassment , " you remind me more of … well , him . " I stiffened . " Him ? " The man nodded toward the platform where Damon stood . I swallowed , uncertain how to respond . " He's not what people think , " the warrior continued . " He rules with strength , as he should , but he's not without honor . He can be kind too . " I didn't know what to say to th that . Did Damon have a kind side ? It seemed impossible . I glanced toward where he had stood , but he was gone . I took that as my cue to leave since training was wrapping up ; I made my way to the showers to wash up . The hot water eased the tension in my body from working hard . I took my time , relishing the brief moment of calm solitude . I should have known it wouldn't last . Stepping out of the shower and into the common change room , I turned to grab my clothes … and they were gone . Panic prickled at my spine . I spun around , scanning the room . The only sound was the distant echo of footsteps down the hall . My stomach clenched with irritation . I wasn't stupid ; the girls who had been whispering and giggling my way earlier must have taken them . I exhaled sharply , wrapping my arms around myself to ward off the chill . The palace had rules , strict ones . Non - pack members weren't allowed to shift freely . I couldn't simply turn into my wolf and run back to my room . Which meant I was trapped a literal field away with no way to get a change of clothing . I couldn't just streak naked across the Royal grounds The cool air raised goosebumps along my skin . I swallowed , shifting from foot to foot , listening for any sign of movement . But the silence stretched . I exhaled and squared my shoulders . " Is anyone there ? " No answer . I tried again , louder . " Hello ? Can someone help a girl out here please ? " Nothing Frustration bubbled in my chest . I wasn't about to stand here and shiver like some helpless damsel in distress waiting to be rescued . " Ugh , I can figure this out myself . Streaking is not an option , neither is staying here all night . Think . " I started pacing in an effort to get my mind to come up with a plan when a shadow flickered in the doorway . A familiar voice low enough to send chills down my spine replied . " Who's there ? " froze