Fated to the Triplet Alphas-Chapter 25: The Trial of the Moon

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Chapter 25

~Jade’s POV~

After what happened with Xander the other day, I managed to go under the radar with him. It wasn’t because he did not see me or I skipped his class, I simply just tried not to exist.

Sadly, it was impossible, and thanks to Adrian, even worse.

The bell rang sharply through the halls, but instead of the usual scrape of chairs and restless chatter, the entire senior class remained seated.

Earlier on, the intercom had vibrated with the announcement for the senior class.

ANNOUNCEMENT: All Senior Class Students Are To Remain In Their Seats After The Bell For A Brief Meeting With The Principal.

That alone told us something serious was about to happen.

I straightened in my seat, smoothing my skirt as the last murmurs died down. The air felt different and charged in a way.

When the doors at the front of the hall opened, and Principal Vale walked in with several lecturers trailing behind her, the tension thickened.

"Good morning, seniors," Principal Vale began in a rather calm but commanding tone. "Thank you for staying behind. What we are about to discuss concerns every one of you."

A ripple of curiosity passed through the room.

I leaned forward without realising it.

"As you all know," she continued, pacing slowly, "every year, the Trial of the Moon is held."

That did it. Whispers broke out instantly.

The Trial of the Moon was not just a competition. It was a legacy, power and prestige.

"The Trial," the Principal went on, raising a hand for silence, "is a multi-realm challenge involving the most elite senior students from Lunaria, the Aster Kingdom, and representatives from the Crescent Mages/Witches."

My heart skipped.

"And the ultimate prize," she continued, pausing deliberately, "is the Lunar Crown Award for the Top Student of that Year."

A sharp intake of breath echoed around the hall.

"The student who earns the Lunar Crown will be named Student of the Year across the kingdoms. They will be granted one wish by the Crown itself and receive a private audience—or dinner—with His Majesty the King."

I felt my pulse race. I already knew this time would come. And had anticipated it.

In the past, a wish to alleviate my family’s condition would have been nice, but most importantly, I wanted to show how important nerds were to society.

A wish. An audience with the King.

Around me, excitement buzzed like static.

"To prepare our students," the Principal continued, "Prestige Lunar Academy will be hosting a mock trial this year just like before."

She turned toward the screen behind her as it flickered to life.

TORCH BEARER GAMES (TBG)

"This mock trial," she said, "will span the next two semesters. You will undergo advanced combat training, strategy refinement, and psychological conditioning."

My fingers curled in my lap.

"You will be guided by our newly appointed Advanced Combat Lecturer, our Advanced Strategy Lecturer, and our newly assigned Guidance Counsellor. This is not optional."

A few students groaned quietly, but I didn’t.

Even Isadora... I could see she wasn’t quite comfortable. I was smiling.

For the first time since arriving at this academy, things felt... clear, Structured and purposeful.

"There will be a dedicated one-hour final period daily," the principal added, "reserved exclusively for senior students participating in the Torch Bearer Games. Other classes will be dismissed during this time."

That meant fewer eyes, less noise, and better focus.

"The two finalists of the Torch Bearer Games," he finished, "will receive personal, elite-level training to increase their chances at the actual Trial of the Moon when the Mock Trials are over."

My chest tightened with something like hope.

Then the door opened again. I felt it before I saw them. The shift. The sudden weight of attention as Xander walked in first.

Xavier followed, calm and composed, with Xade bringing up the rear, a lazy smirk already tugging at his lips. Ms. Rowan entered with them, clipboard in hand.

My stomach dropped. Without thinking, I lowered my gaze.

Ms. Rowan’s presence didn’t always do that to me, but since my New Year’s Eve mistake, just being near her made me feel seen in ways I didn’t want to be.

And then there were the triplets.

I could feel it—their attention brushing against my skin like heat. I didn’t look up, but I knew. What were they thinking?

I forced myself to focus on the Principal instead.

"Allow me to introduce your instructors," she said with glee in her voice. "Xander Blackwood will be overseeing advanced combat."

A pause.

"Xavier Blackwood will handle advanced strategy." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Another pause.

"And Xade Blackwood will assist across both disciplines."

The room erupted in whispers.

My heart pounded as if it recognized danger before my mind did.

"And finally," the Principal added, "Ms. Rowan will serve as your Guidance Counsellor throughout this process."

I swallowed.

"Mr. Blackwood," the Principal said, turning. "You may speak."

Xander stepped forward.

And like an idiot, I looked up.

The moment my eyes met his, everything else blurred.

Sea-blue eyes, clear and intense. Black curls with sun-kissed blond tips framing his face. Broad shoulders, an athletic build, and confidence in the way he carried himself.

He spoke, and I barely heard the words.

"This will not be easy," Xander said. "The Torch Bearer Games are meant to break you before they build you."

His voice was steady. Controlled.

"You will be tested physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you are here for glory alone, you will fail."

My breath hitched.

"If you are here to prove something," she carried on, gaze sweeping the room, then landing back on me, "you will suffer."

My stomach flipped.

"But if you are here because you want to survive the Trial of the Moon," she finished, "then you will listen, train, and endure."

I realized too late that I had stopped blinking.

"Jade," someone whispered sharply, making me jump a little. Isadora slid a piece of paper onto my desk.

You’re drooling.

Heat rushed to my face.

I cleared my throat quickly, pretending to cough as I sat up straighter.

From somewhere in front of me, I heard Xade chuckle.

I did not turn.

I refused to.

Xavier spoke next, his tone calmer, measured. "Strategy will determine who stands and who falls. Strength without control is useless."

I listened this time. Really listened.

By the time the speeches ended and the bell rang, my head was spinning from anticipation.

As students began filing out, I remained seated for a moment, pressing a hand to my stomach when my ears caught the sound of her gossip.

"I wouldn’t let Jade off this easily. She must pay."