The scent of dark chocolate with a hint of coffee—that was his signature mark.
I breathed deeply in front of the door, finding the scent mingled with others that were unfamiliar, meaning there were new faces inside.
I ignored all that and entered directly, without thinking of the consequences of my actions. A moment of silence ensued, then everyone turned, their gazes a mixture of surprise and coldness, but my eyes were searching for only one face.
I saw him staring at me with piercing looks, his rage almost killing him, yet he controlled himself with difficulty.
I didn't care; his glares were merely a tool to intimidate me, and I am not one to fear a challenge.
I sat in the chair opposite him, ignoring the sympathetic looks from the Beta that warned me of an inevitable fate.
I turned to the arrogant, self-assured man with attractive features and said coldly:
"I believe it is time we discuss."
"Enough chatter! Move your damn behinds and get out of my sight, everyone!"
I uttered it without giving them a single
glance. Shock struck those present, but a single burst of laughter pierced the silence.
"You two really are carbon copies of each other!"
Said one of the attendees, laughing so hard his soul almost departed.
Another angry voice rose, accompanied by a heavy slap on the palm:
"Silence!"
His face was flushed with rage, and the veins in his neck pulsed with malice, while the Beta struggled to suppress a wave of laughter he couldn't hold back.
"Everyone, leave."
The words came from him in a decisive tone, then his eyes turned to settle on me.
I didn't budge; instead, I met his piercing gaze with an eerie calmness, reviewing the appropriate words in my mind.
Rage was evident on his features as he clenched his teeth, and I felt a secret delight. I had succeeded in provoking him.
"Splendid... his wolf is on the verge of breaking loose"
That was what the wolf lurking deep within me whispered, moaning at my recklessness that was now threatening our existence. However, I only replied to her indifferently:
"It doesn't matter; the fate is one"
"What?"
The word barely left me, as I felt his burning gaze had stolen my soul.
He closed his eyes sharply and exhaled his breath filled with anger, like someone restraining a wild beast.
He approached me slowly until his face was close to mine, staring into my green eyes while the heat of his breath brushed against me.
"You dare to issue orders?"
he whispered angrily. "You are truly testing my patience. I alone issue orders here; understand that well."
"I am your mate," I said in a steady voice,
"and I have a special status that grants me the right to command and punish just like you."
The corner of his mouth curved into a wicked smile, and his features turned mocking.
"But have you been crowned Queen? Have I marked you? I don't think you will ever reach that stage."
I showed him an unfazed face, while my heart broke from within.
"And what then? I no longer care. And that is not why I am here anyway."
He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving me, waiting for an explanation for my presence.
I took a deep breath, struggling with my scattered self, trying in vain to extinguish the pain in my heart, and added in a low voice:
"I want to return to my previous job."
He looked at me with furrowed brows, questioning:
"Job? And what is it?"
I answered him frankly:
"In my pack, I used to train novice warriors and the class that was about to shift."
Shock appeared on his features; his assumption about me was far from the truth. Perhaps he saw me as just a spoiled girl to my brother, since I was his only sister.
He blinked, then his eyes narrowed as he stared at me deeply:
"A warrior? What is your rank?"
I met his gaze steadily and answered with one word that left no room for doubt:
"Rank S."
His eyes widened significantly, and signs of surprise were etched on his face as he replied in bewilderment:
"You're joking, right?"
"Impossible!"
said the Beta with a voice cracked from surprise. I looked at him with an icy stare and folded my arms tightly, as if controlling my anger.
"Watch your words, Beta,"
I said in a voice that did not tremble.
The Beta let out a small sound from his throat, his eyes darting between me and Knight, waiting for him to intervene.
He quickly regained his composure, his fingers dancing on the desk in a nervous motion, and said in a voice that did not falter:
"You will undergo a test, and based on it, you will receive the rank you claim."
"Haa?"
I whispered in shock.
He continued in a sharp tone:
"In the Kingdom of Darkness, no one is above the laws. If your self-confidence is real, you won't fear the test."
He threw his last words with a side smile, as if stabbing me with a cold knife.
"Your challenge is accepted,"
I answered him in a voice full of defiance.
"Then, be ready. The test is tomorrow."
He said no more, then went out and
slammed the door hard behind him.
I shot him a burning look, following his back as he moved away.
I whispered to myself:
"How I wish I could erase his existence, to rid the world of his tyranny and foolish pride."
I heard a faint chuckle and looked at the Beta questioning:
"What's funny?"
He raised his hand in front of his face and smiled indifferently:
"You two really are alike."
His laughter intensified, so I interrupted him with annoyance:
"Shut up, before I cut off your speech
forever."
"Alright, alright, calm down,"
he said, then offered his hand for a handshake, introducing himself:
"By the way, I am Arin."
I stared into his eyes for a long moment; confusion began to creep into him, and he cleared his throat shyly, almost retreating. But I shook his hand with a gentle smile and answered calmly:
"Pleased to meet you, I am Sera."
He met me with a bright smile and said:
"A wonderful name."
"Arin, excuse me now. I will train for a bit and then take some rest, because there is someone I will make wish for death rather than ask for mercy from me tomorrow."
Malice radiated from my eyes, and a strong energy rose from my body. Arin looked at me in confusion and said:
"The hall is in the center of the kingdom, if you need to train."
I thanked him with a slight smile and left.
"Oh my God!" I whispered to myself. "I've lost my way. Where is that damn hall? This kingdom is like a maze; all the paths are intertwined and lead nowhere."
"Have you lost your way?"
I heard a
masculine voice behind me. I turned and smiled in embarrassment, my hand touching my neck.
"Most likely,"
I answered. He stepped toward me and said,
"Where do you want to go? I'll guide you. You look new here."
I nodded to him gratefully and said,
"The training hall, please."
He smiled and said, "I'm going there too."
"Finally, we've arrived,"
he said as we went deeper into the hall.
"My name is Klaus."
I looked at him, then shifted my gaze to explore the place with my eyes, and said,
"Sera, pleased to meet you."
He smiled at me and was about to say something before he was interrupted by a scream that echoed around.
"What is happening?"
we asked at the same time and rushed toward the source of the sound, only to find a bloody fight in the heart of the hall, with loud cheers rising around it.
The hall was noisy, with male and female voices mixed, and suddenly, without realizing it, I roared with all my might.
My energy spread throughout the place, declaring my total control.
The hall went silent immediately, and all eyes turned to me, while Klaus froze in his place, shocked by my action.
"What the hell is going on?"
I asked angrily, waiting for an explanation for what had happened.
Their gazes were fixed on me, a mixture of astonishment and disapproval.
"I am a stranger here,"
I whispered to myself,
"they will think I've lost my mind." Even my scent was different from theirs.
A girl with red hair and hazel eyes approached me, scanning me from top to bottom with disgust.
"Do you want to die?"
she said mockingly. "Oh, look, a new visitor who doesn't know how to behave."
The sounds of mocking laughter filled the place, then a man with a strong build and a lean body stepped forward; he was remarkably handsome.
He pulled the girl to him and said in a wicked tone:
"How about we get to know our guest?"
"I don't mind getting acquainted,"
I said mockingly,
"but blame only yourselves if you lose one of your limbs."
I stepped forward with steady steps toward the ring to prove my abilities.
But a strong grip caught my wrist and pulled me back.
I looked at Klaus sharply, finding him staring at me with concern, and he whispered:
"Sera, have you lost your mind? These people are savages."
I freed myself from his grip and said sharply:
"Come on, Klaus, they are just scum. You don't know me, so sit down and enjoy the show."
I winked at him, then stood in the center of the ring, facing everyone.
Silence fell, and no one stepped forward.
I laughed softly,
"Did my confidence scare you?"
"Come on, don't be cowards."
I tilted my head and drew a playful smile on my face,
"Come on, Redhead, I promise to be gentle,"
I said mockingly. She rushed toward me in rage and stood before me, anger flaring in her eyes. "Save your breath," she said, "because you won't see the sun again."
She raised her hands and prepared to
attack. I met her with coldness and stayed in my place, anticipating her first move.
She caught me off guard with a quick attack, but time slowed down in my eyes, and I saw every detail of her movement.
I ducked skillfully as if her punch were merely a breeze. I looked at her, and a mocking smile etched on my lips as if to say:
"Is this the best you've got?"
She turned to me with a skillful move and lightning speed, but it wasn't enough for me. I dodged her attack lightly and thought:
"Enough playing, let's end this."
My wolf replied with a delighted chuckle:
"That's what I wanted!"
Then I turned with a speed she didn't realize and directed a powerful punch to her chest, making her lose her balance completely.
A muffled sound echoed, followed by a powerful kick that sent her flying as if her body were just a doll.
My movement was merely a flash of light to the onlookers, followed by the sound of a horrific crash.
They didn't realize what happened until I stood in the ring, and to their surprise, I was alone.
Their astonishment didn't last long until they saw a hole in the ceiling, followed by the fall of the girl's body to the ground with total cruelty. She was bleeding, and not a single part of her was intact.
Gasps rose from everyone, and shock was etched on their faces.
It all happened in a fraction of a second.
"They are the ones who angered me, so let them bear the consequences,"
I thought coldly while the handsome man with bulging muscles rushed to her. Signs of panic and terror were etched on his face, and he froze in place, trembling with fear for her.
"Don't worry, she's not dead yet,"
I added mockingly,
"but she will die if you stay there like a confused mouse."
He looked at me with a threat, then carried her quickly to the hospital, hoping to arrive in time. I directed my gaze to the audience with an empty look that struck terror into their souls and said:
"This was just a warm-up, so who's next?"
I saw everyone retreating in panic, some of them trembling, and the scent of their fear filled the hall.
I laughed mockingly, then directed my gaze toward Klaus, who was staring at me in disbelief.
I jumped from the ring lightly and began to make my way toward him.
My steps were fast and directed, and my eyes never left him.
I approached him and whispered with a side smile:
"Did you enjoy it, or was it a bit too fast?"
He replied in bewilderment mixed with shock:
"Honestly, I didn't expect this."
I laughed and tapped his shoulder lightly, and he groaned in feigned pain:
"Easy there, girl!"
Klaus's Point of View:
It was like a slow-motion fantasy movie, but it was real, very real.
At first, she was just a beautiful girl with a shy smile, standing before me scratching the back of her neck.
Then suddenly, she turned into a roaring beast, letting out a roar that shook the walls and releasing an energy that filled the place. I froze in my place, feeling fear for the first time in my life.
Then, that redheaded girl came, known for her strength and savagery, and stood before Sera. She was going to tear her apart; I was sure of it. But Sera was calm—frighteningly calm—as if she knew what was going to happen.
Then, Sera moved with speed faster than light, and we heard a horrific crash.
I couldn't believe what I saw.
There was nothing in the ring, only Sera.
I was about to lose my mind until I saw a hole in the ceiling, and the girl's body fell from it. She was bleeding, and no part of her was intact.
At that moment, I realized I was wrong about Sera.
She wasn't just a beautiful girl; she was a monster—a terrifyingly powerful monster.
I felt fear, but I also felt respect.
I couldn't believe that a girl this strong could be my friend.
When she approached me and I felt my heart race, I wasn't afraid of her; I was admiring her.
When she laughed and hit me on the shoulder, I felt severe pain, but I laughed too.
Her strength was unbelievable, yet she was attractive at the same time.
We were talking, and I asked her about the reason for her move and which pack she came from.
I saw her get flustered and start rubbing her hands together. Finally, she said:
"I came here because of my damn mate. I am from the Red Moon pack; my brother is the Alpha of the group, and we are subordinates of the King of the Kingdom of Light."
I looked at her in amazement.
"My God! How wonderful it is to have a friend like her!"
I thought to myself. I replied quickly, hoping she would agree:
"Why don't you become my friend?"
Her face turned red from embarrassment, and she looked at me inquiringly, saying:
"Why? We are friends already."
How much that comforted me! I laughed at myself and my shyness, realizing she was truly wonderful.
She didn't tell me about her mate.
I asked her, and I saw confusion cloud her features, as if she didn't want to delve into this topic. I noticed the suppressed anger and pain in her enchanting eyes, which were the color of rain-soaked leaves.
It seemed to me that their relationship was dangerously tense, so I decided to intervene.
"It's okay, you don't deserve a bastard like him,"
I told her, trying to comfort her.
She shot me a look of surprise as if I had crossed my limits.
I felt embarrassed, laughed nervously, and started rubbing my nose, looking at anything but her.
But she chuckled loudly and told me:
"You are the kindest person I've seen here."
I smiled at her and said:
"Then, tell me the secret of your strength."
She answered me with a modest smile:
"I am a Rank S warrior. I used to train the beginners and the class that was about to shift in my pack."
"Oh, that's great!"
I said in amazement,
"That explains your high combat abilities."
She was telling me about her grueling
training since she was young, and I was surprised by all she had gone through. I got excited and said:
"I want to develop my fighting abilities; can you train me?"
She answered with equal enthusiasm:
"It would be my pleasure! I will make you a raging beast, but don't complain to me, because my training is harsh."
She was staring at me and smiling like a mad scientist.
I felt regret haunting me, but I won't back down.
I will challenge myself, and I agreed with every ounce of confidence I possessed.
She shouted enthusiastically, declaring the start of the training.
We were practicing for consecutive hours without rest, and exhaustion drained me.
I was no longer able to stand or move, but the cursed girl didn't show any kind of fatigue or exhaustion.
"Come on, Klaus, don't be so boring,"
she said, smiling.
"We haven't even moved to the hard part."
"The curse of the gods be upon me!"
I thought to myself. "All this was only the easy level! I'm really going to cry."
"You'll get used to it," she said, "but if you decide to back down, I won't have mercy on you."
I answered her while panting heavily:
"Sera, I can't take it anymore. Let's rest for a bit."
She hummed, threw a towel on my head, and handed me a bottle of water. I thanked her sincerely.
"What time is it, I wonder?"
I asked her.
I looked at her watch hanging on her hands.
"It's ten o'clock at night."
She looked at me in shock and shouted:
"We have to leave!"
I thanked the gods for that, as I was on the verge of collapse.
Sera's Point of View:
I wanted to see his reaction when I told him I was a Rank S warrior, and his reaction was as I expected.
His bewildered looks and his words not devoid of disbelief—all that was expected. I had seen this all before, but what surprised me was his offer to become my friend.
"Why don't you become my friend?"
he asked me with a shy smile.
I looked at him inquiringly, unable to stop myself from smiling.
"Why? We are friends already."
It was funny to see him laughing at himself; he was amusingly kind.
His eyes were puzzled, trying to understand the reason for my confusion when he asked about my mate.
The pain in my eyes was clear, but I couldn't talk about it. It was part of the past—a painful part I want to forget.
When he told me,
"You don't deserve a bastard like him,"
I was shocked by his words. I didn't expect this from him.
But he laughed nervously, and I realized he was trying to be kind.
"You are the kindest person I've seen here,"
I said from the bottom of my heart, for it was true.
Then we started training, and I was watching his abilities.
He was good, but he wasn't strong enough.
I saw that he was exhausting himself, but he didn't complain.
This is what I love about warriors—their determination to push their limits.
"Come on, Klaus, don't be so boring,"
I said, smiling. "We haven't even moved to the hard part."
"The curse of the gods be upon me!" he said jokingly. "All this was only the easy level!"
I knew he was joking, but I wanted to make sure he understood that training with me is not easy.
"You'll get used to it," I told him, "but if you decide to back down, I won't have mercy on you."
When he asked me to rest, I agreed.
I threw a towel on him and handed him a bottle of water. I felt satisfied; I could see that he was enjoying the training.
When I looked at my watch, I shouted in shock. "We have to leave!" Time had passed quickly, and we had trained for hours. It was fun to train with someone like Klaus; he reminds me of my brother.