The Play-Toy Of Three Lycan Kings

Standing in the middle of the clearing, surrounded by the never ending, echoing applause and cheers of the people, I felt a rush of emotions surge through me. The silence that had enveloped the arena moments ago, as I wielded my magical powers, was now replaced by this overwhelming cacophony of approval. It was surreal, almost like a dream I never dared to dream.

I turned towards my family, their voices rising above the rest, shouting my name with unabashed pride. They had been there from the beginning, believing in me even when I doubted myself. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Then I saw Adam. He was sitting two bleachers behind his family. And his smile stood out—bright and wide, his eyes shimmering with a mix of admiration and wonder. I couldn’t help but touch the scarf he had given me, a talisman of his support and friendship.

Friendship? We will see about that. I wondered if he had confided in his brothers about the change of the status quo. I didn’t think so.

Bowing graciously to the audience, I savored the moment, letting the triumph sink in. The days of training, the doubts I had overcome, all led to this singular moment of glory. As I walked back to my seat, I couldn’t resist stealing a glance at Rachel, a hint of satisfaction dancing across my face. It wasn’t about rubbing it in; it was about proving to myself that I could achieve what I set out to do.

Oh well. It was about rubbing it in too.

When she gritted her teeth, I smiled wider. Yes, rubbing it in. We both knew that I had won this segment.

I think it’s worse for her because she believes I hadn’t trained as much as she did. Well, she was right. I hadn’t. I didn’t know about magic until a month ago. However, my journey to this point hadn’t been easy.

Learning to run from my bullies, surviving death, surviving being thrown into a magicness I never knew I had, harness my abilities and my feelings, mastering the intricacies of magic and my emotions, and competing against the formidable Queen and her family —all of it had shaped me into the person I was now. Each victory and setback had been a lesson, a step closer to understanding the extent of my potential.

As I settled into my seat, the adrenaline began to ebb, replaced by a sense of contentment and relief. I glanced around at the familiar faces of my fellow contestants, each one sharing in their own way the joy of having participated in this extraordinary event.

At least they were happy for me this time around.

"Congratulations... you really amazed me out there. I guessed I will be taking classes from you... you up for it?"

I didn’t know what to say to that. Especially, as she was honest. I didn’t know her either, only that she was a senior.

"I don’t know. I don’t think that’s allowed??"

She chuckled, and shrugged her shoulders. "I don’t think they would mind. By the way, do you have an affiliation with Prince Adam? He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since the competition. I doubt he saw any of us...."

A gossip?

When Rachel hissed immediately, and glared at the talking senior, I knew then the two didn’t see eye to eye, that probably, the senior was talking to me because she wanted to recruit me in her Rachel-hating group. I would have loved to join, but I had no strength for a girl-band. They quarreled a lot, backbited a lot, and gossiped a lot.

So, I didn’t give her an issue to gossip about. "Everyone’s attention was on me, is still on me. Adam’s attention is inconsequential."

She tried to argue my lie, but I wasn’t up for it. So, I turned away from her, ignoring her.

Rachel chuckled snidely at the senior. And I knew it was only a matter of time before the two became partners in crime, against me.

Sadly, I didn’t care. I once had a whole pack against me. What was a couple of enviable high strung females, that I couldn’t survive against?

I rather closed my eyes briefly, savoring the memory of the applause ringing in my ears, and silently promised myself that this was only the beginning—a prelude to greater feats yet to come in a world where magic and determination intertwined to create endless possibilities.

As I sat there, waiting anxiously for the results of the magical display, my mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts. I tried to suppress the nagging worry that favoritism might sway the judges’ decision. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about fairness and recognition of true skill.

I looked at the Queen. She was talking with Professor Zokel. What now?

My eyes found Adam. He was looking at the duo too.

I turned to the Lycan King. He was looking at me.

It was creepy. I remembered when he had ordered me to be put in the holding cell, I remembered when he had gloated when I had been accused of stealing the necklace. And now, he wanted me to marry his son?

I looked away from him. I had no desire to be entangled with him, or his kingdom.

The tension in the air was palpable as I watched Professor Zokel ascend the podium, clutching the paper that held the fate of our efforts. Each second felt like an eternity, the silence amplifying the pounding of my heart. I stole glances at my competitors, trying to gauge their confidence, their hopes mirroring mine.

Then, the moment arrived. The announcer’s voice broke through the quietude. "Well, the moment we have been waiting for is here. The winner of this segment is ..."

The professor paused, causing the audience to hold their breath, causing me to hold the same, and lean forward, my heart almost beating out of my chest.

"The winner is Dora Akwoods!!!"

It was me.

A surge of disbelief and joy swept through me, and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. The realization that I had triumphed, that my dedication and hard work had paid off, was exhilarating.

Jubilation spread through the crowd. Deafening jubilation.

"Hey, congratulations...."

It was the senior again. But this time her smile was strained. Yet I shook her hand, and the other female who had cared to show good sportsmanship. The others just huffed, and faced the audience. Rachel, however, met my gaze, just at the same moment that Professor Zokel started to speak, after the audience had quietened down.

"...So, at the moment, Dora is tied to Rachel. The next segment would determine who gets the prize..."

My elation was tempered with the announcement, especially as I saw the blandness on Rachel’s face shift to smugness.

I didn’t show fear to her. Rather I smirked. Never mind I was battling with despair within. Combat. It meant fighting with my hands, or having knowledge of fighting. I wasn’t exactly spectacular. I doubted El was.

When the professor called for a break before the next contest, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. Then I stood up, and without a word to the other contestants, sauntered toward my tent.

But I hadn’t gotten two feet away, when I came face to face with Noah and Daniel, with Noami and Timothy, with Elijah and Claire, and with the Lycan King.

"Congratulations Dora...." The Lycan Kinh started, stretching his hand for a handshake.

His two sons looked at me, wondering if I would shake their father’s hand, or ghost him like I did them.

I shook his hand. "Thanks Mr. Brekan."

Without waiting to see his reaction, at being called his name, I walked away from the group, after giving Naomi a perceptible nod.

_______________

When I returned to my tent, a tray of fruits awaited me and my family.

"Congratulations Dora!!!!!" They screamed simultaneously, hugging me one, after the other.

I laughed, forgetting my worries, when Peter stuffed a berry into my mouth.

"Eat up. You will need strength for the next contest..."

They all insisted I eat enough to replenish myself for the combat still to come. The room was filled with their happy energy, until Levina asked me about my transformation into a bird during the earlier display of magic.

"How did you change into a bird, Maya?" Her eyes searched mine for answers.

I hesitated, not wanting to reveal the true depth of my magic. "I’m not sure," I replied evasively. "I just... followed my instincts."

I looked at my family. They exchanged knowing glances, understanding that some things were beyond explanation.

"Well, thanks the goddess for the instincts..." Peter said, when Levina looked like she wanted to speak. "Let’s let Dora have her rest."

After they left me alone to rest, Adam slipped into the tent quietly. "How are you holding up, Dora?" he asked softly.

I nodded, managing a weak smile. "Fine, just a bit tired." I was happy that he had come.

He sat down beside me on the bench and gently massaged my temples, surprising me, easing the headache that had started to throb. "Hold out till the contest. You can faint later," he joked lightly, trying to lighten the mood.

I chuckled softly, appreciating his attempt to ease my nerves. "Thanks, Adam."

Maybe being friends wasn’t such a bad idea.

"Knock them out. You don’t have to fight much. Just find a way to knock them out." He said, after a while.

"Yeah thanks." I turned aside to stare at him, still amazed that we were sitting here like this, like we’ve always been friends.

The whistle blew then, reminding me of the task at hand.

"Seems like that’s my cue to leave. Take care. I’m rooting for you." He dropped a tender kiss on my cheek, a gesture that filled me with warmth and resolve. "See you on the winning side."