Chapter 5 THE PACK'S JUDGEMENT

Selene had always thought she understood fear, but standing before the gathered pack, she realized she had never known true terror. The alpha, a towering figure with piercing green eyes, studied her in silence. The rest of the pack stood in a half-circle around her, their expressions ranging from curiosity to outright hostility.

"You were turned without consent," the alpha said at last, his voice deep and steady. "This is not our way."

Selene swallowed hard, her throat dry. "I didn't ask for this."

"No," the alpha agreed. "But the question remains-what will you do with it?"

She hesitated. Her life had changed in ways she couldn't yet comprehend. She wasn't sure if she could accept what she was becoming, but one thing was clear-she couldn't turn back.

"I want to learn," she said finally. "I want to understand."

The alpha nodded, his gaze unreadable. "Then prove yourself. The pack will decide if you are worthy."

The murmurs of the wolves around her grew louder, and Selene knew-her true test had only just begun.

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Silence stretched across the clearing as Selene stood under the scrutinizing gazes of the pack. The towering pine trees surrounding them seemed to close in, their shadows flickering under the glow of torches held by some of the wolves in human form. Their eyes glowed in the dim light, unreadable, assessing her every move.

Rowan stepped beside her, his voice low but firm. "This trial isn't just about strength, Selene. It's about control."

Selene clenched her fists. "Control?"

The alpha tilted his head, studying her. "A werewolf who cannot control their urges, their instincts, is a danger to the pack. You will be tested on your ability to resist your wilder impulses."

A shiver crawled down her spine. She had barely begun to understand the changes happening within her. How was she supposed to prove herself in a trial she didn't even understand?

Another wolf stepped forward-a woman with dark auburn hair and sharp amber eyes. "The first test begins now."

Selene barely had time to react before something small and weak was tossed at her feet. Her breath caught in her throat. It was a rabbit, its tiny body quivering in terror, its heartbeat echoing in her ears like a war drum.

Hunger slammed into her like a physical force.

She staggered back, her teeth clenching as a deep, primal urge clawed its way up her throat. Her body ached with the need to hunt, to strike, to sink her teeth into soft flesh. The scent of fear from the rabbit was intoxicating, pulling her instincts to the surface.

Selene gasped, squeezing her eyes shut. "What... what is this?"

Rowan's voice was steady. "You have to resist. Show them you are not ruled by your hunger."

Her hands trembled at her sides. The wolf inside her snarled, demanding control. Her vision blurred, colors sharpening, the sounds of the night amplifying to an unbearable degree. She could hear every whisper, every breath of the wolves around her. They were waiting. Watching. Judging.

The alpha's voice cut through the haze. "If you kill it, you fail."

Selene's chest heaved as she fought the temptation. The muscles in her legs twitched, prepared to lunge, but she forced herself to stay still. Every instinct in her body screamed for her to surrender-to let go, to embrace the raw power coursing through her veins. But she wouldn't. She couldn't.

With a strangled breath, she forced herself to step back.

The rabbit darted away into the underbrush, disappearing into the darkness.

Silence hung heavy in the clearing.

A few murmurs rose from the watching wolves, some approving, others doubtful. The auburn-haired woman gave a small nod. "She passed the first trial."

Relief crashed over Selene, but it was short-lived. The alpha's expression remained unreadable. "One test down. Two remain."

Selene barely had time to catch her breath before the next trial began. She was led deeper into the forest, where a large, worn circle of stones marked an ancient battleground. The scent of old blood clung to the soil, a reminder of past challenges fought here.

"The second trial," the auburn-haired woman announced, "is combat."

Selene's heart pounded. Combat? She had never fought anyone in her life-let alone another werewolf.

A figure stepped forward from the pack, a young but battle-hardened man with broad shoulders and a confident smirk. His eyes gleamed with anticipation. "I'll be your opponent."

Selene swallowed hard. Rowan's voice reached her ear. "Stay light on your feet. Don't let him overpower you."

Easier said than done.

The moment the trial began, the man lunged. Selene barely had time to react, dodging his swipe by the skin of her teeth. Instinct kicked in, and she rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding another blow.

He was fast. Too fast.

Selene spun on her heels, trying to anticipate his next move. Her senses sharpened, her body moving before her mind could catch up. She ducked under a strike, twisting her body to deliver a kick to his ribs. He grunted but recovered quickly, grabbing her arm and yanking her forward.

She stumbled, her breath catching as she felt his claws rake against her side. Pain bloomed, hot and searing, but she refused to fall. Instead, she used the momentum to twist free, landing on her feet a few paces away.

A growl of approval rumbled from the gathered wolves.

Her opponent wiped a trickle of blood from his lip and grinned. "Not bad."

Selene knew she couldn't rely on brute strength. She had to be smarter-faster. She focused, letting her instincts guide her. When he charged again, she feinted left, then spun right, slamming her elbow into his side. He stumbled, and Selene didn't waste the opportunity. She tackled him, using his own weight against him to bring him to the ground.

Before he could retaliate, she pressed her forearm against his throat, pinning him.

The clearing fell silent.

A slow clap broke through the tension.

Selene turned her head to see the alpha watching her with something almost resembling approval. "Enough," he commanded.

She released her opponent and stepped back, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Every muscle in her body ached, but she had done it. She had won.

The auburn-haired woman nodded. "She passes the second trial."

Selene sagged with relief, but she knew the worst was yet to come. The final test awaited her.

The alpha's gaze locked onto her. "Tomorrow night, under the full moon, we will see your true nature."

Selene's stomach twisted. She had proven her restraint, her ability to fight. But tomorrow, she would have to face the most dangerous challenge of all.

Herself.