The Luna Trials

Episode 4

The sun was bright outside, piercing through the curtains. My mind was still reeling from last night's events. Harry's kiss, his claim that I was his mate, and the shocked faces of the other girls - it all swirled in my head like a storm. This was the last thing I wanted. I wasn't here for pointless romance and drama.

As I made my way to the dining hall for breakfast, I could feel the weight of stares and whispers following me. Conversations hushed as I passed, only to resume in urgent murmurs once I was out of earshot. I held my head high, refusing to show how much it bothered me.

"Did you hear? The prince was in her room last night," one girl whispered not-so-quietly.

"I bet she's trying to cheat her way to the top," another replied with a sneer.

I gritted my teeth and focused on my food, trying to ignore the gossip swirling around me. Jake and Maria sat on either side of me, forming a protective barrier.

"Don't let them get to you," Maria whispered. "They're just jealous."

I nodded, grateful for their support, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd already made things harder for myself.

"You know," Jake said, leaning in, "we could always give them something real to gossip about. Want me to start a food fight?"

Despite my mood, I couldn't help but chuckle. "As tempting as that sounds, I think we'd better not. We're here to win, remember?"

Jake shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Just trying to lighten the mood. But seriously, Mary, don't let these pampered princesses get to you. You're worth ten of them."

"Thanks, Jake," I said, managing a small smile. "I appreciate that."

"Anytime," he replied. "That's what friends are for, right?"

His words warmed me, reminding me why I was here and who I was fighting for.

After breakfast, we gathered in the training grounds. I threw myself into the exercises, channeling my frustration into each punch and kick. As I sparred with Jake, I caught sight of Harry watching from the sidelines. Our eyes met for a brief moment before I looked away, my cheeks burning.

Just as I was starting to lose myself in the rhythm of training, a loud horn sounded across the grounds. Everyone froze, turning towards the sound.

Queen Luna stood on a raised platform, her voice carrying across the field. "Warriors, your first challenge awaits. In the forest beyond these walls, tokens have been hidden. Your task is to retrieve one and return it here. But be warned - the forest is full of traps and obstacles. This is a test of strength, endurance, and cunning. The challenge begins in one hour. Prepare yourselves."

Excited chatter broke out among the contestants. I turned to Jake and Maria, ready to strategize, but they both wore guarded expressions.

"Can we talk?" Jake asked, his voice low.

We moved to a quiet corner of the training grounds. Jake and Maria exchanged a look before Jake spoke. "Mary, we need to know what's going on between you and the prince."

I felt a flash of anger. "Nothing is going on. He came to my room uninvited, that's all."

Maria raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? Because it seems like there's more to it than that."

"I'm here for the same reason you are," I insisted. "To win this for the rogues. Harry means nothing to me."

They studied me for a moment before nodding. "Okay," Jake said. "We believe you. But be careful, Mary. We can't afford any distractions."

As they walked away, I felt a pang of guilt. I hadn't told them about the kiss, or Harry calling me his mate. But how could I, when I didn't understand it myself?

We spent the next hour preparing for the challenge. I checked my gear, making sure everything was secure. As I tightened the laces on my boots, I noticed Selly watching me from across the room. Her gaze was calculating, assessing. I met her eyes, refusing to be intimidated.

A girl I didn't know approached me, her eyes darting nervously. "Hey, um, I just wanted to say... good luck out there."

I was taken aback by the unexpected kindness. "Thanks," I replied. "You too."

She hesitated, then added, "Don't let the gossip get to you. Some of us know you're here on your own merit."

"I appreciate that," I said, surprised by her support. "What's your name?"

"Lily," she replied with a small smile. "Maybe we can talk more after the challenge?"

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope that maybe I wasn't as alone here as I thought.

Finally, it was time. We gathered at the edge of the forest, tension thick in the air. Queen Luna raised her hand, and silence fell.

"Warriors, your challenge begins now. May the strongest among you prevail."

With a great shout, we surged forward into the trees. I quickly lost sight of the others as I plunged deeper into the forest. My senses were on high alert, watching for any sign of traps or hidden tokens.

I ducked under low-hanging branches and leaped over fallen logs. In the distance, I heard shouts and crashes - other contestants encountering obstacles, no doubt.

Suddenly, the ground gave way beneath my feet. I tumbled into a pit, landing hard on my back. As I caught my breath, I heard a familiar voice.

"Need a hand?"

Harry stood at the edge of the pit, arm extended. I hesitated for a moment before grudgingly accepting his help. As he pulled me up, our bodies pressed close together.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice soft.

I stepped back quickly. "I'm fine. Thanks."

We stood there awkwardly for a moment before I turned to go. His voice stopped me.

"Mary, about last night-"

"We're in the middle of a challenge, Harry," I cut him off. "This isn't the time."

He looked like he wanted to say more, but nodded. "Good luck," he said quietly.

I hurried away, my heart pounding. I couldn't afford to let him distract me.

As I pushed deeper into the forest, I noticed something strange. Certain paths seemed clearer than others, as if someone had deliberately made them easier to navigate. At first, I thought it was part of the challenge, but then I realized - someone was helping me.

I kept my guard up, unsure of who might be assisting me or why. But I couldn't deny that it was making my progress faster.

Finally, I spotted a glint of metal hanging from a high branch. The token! I scrambled up the tree, snatching the small medallion.

With the token secure, I raced back towards the starting point. As I burst out of the treeline, I saw that only a handful of contestants had returned before me. I handed my token to one of the judges, breathing hard but satisfied with my performance.

As the rest of the warriors trickled in, I noticed Selly arriving, looking far too composed for someone who'd just been through a challenging forest course. Something about her demeanor set off alarm bells in my head.

While we waited for the final contestants to return, I overheard a heated conversation from behind a nearby tent. I recognized Harry's voice immediately.

"Selly, I told you, I can't do this anymore."

"But darling, think about what we planned. You can't throw it all away now."

"Things have changed. I... I think I've found my true mate."

My breath caught in my throat. I shouldn't be listening to this, but I couldn't make myself move.

"Don't be ridiculous," Selly's voice was sharp. "I'm your mate. We've known this for years."

"I'm not so sure anymore. When I'm with her, I feel-"

I backed away, not wanting to hear any more. My mind was reeling. Selly was Harry's mate? It doesn't make sense. Everyone was here to fight to be with the prince, while I'm here after my revenge. I cannot be his mate, and he can't be mine.

Even though my heart jumps each time I see him.

"We can win this thing. I just have to let them take each other out then poison the last one." That was Selly's voice. I turned back to look, I saw her touching Harry's face. It looked like they were about to kiss, but there was something she muttered before Harry stood frozen on the ground.

"You!" Selly let out, furious. We locked eyes. So I turned, and I run away.