With my body temporarily sated, I stride toward the gathering for the trials.
Everything is set and ready. The benches have been cleared away to make space for all the warriors gathering for my mate’s trial announcement. The tents are ready too.
Based on what I overheard yesterday, it seems the trials will involve searching for elements within the forest. I wonder how my mate and Elder Aïna designed the challenges.
Since I’m participating, it’s only fair that I remain in the dark, like the others. Still, I’m eager to show her my skills. Let her see what her mate is capable of.
Closing my eyes, I send out a signal with my crystals, summoning all the vólkins. My mate will arrive soon, and when she does, she shouldn’t have to wait.
Within moments, warriors pour in from all directions of Ávera. The trees sway with their presence, but my gaze sweeps the group for one in particular.
Where is Orïon? If I’m paired with him in a team, I’ll need to keep a close eye on him.
“Everyone ready?” I ask, my arms crossed.
Zephyr stands with Kaël, who’s closely inspecting Zephyr’s braid.
“It looks tighter today,” Kaël says, scratching his mane.
Zephyr’s tail sways with pride as he shows off the neat braid. “It should look proper while we fight.”
“You think we’ll fight?” Kaël’s ears twitch.
“If our strength is being tested, sparring seems likely,” Aeson chimes in.
Sparring. Yes. A perfect opportunity to show my mate the power I wield. I never lose.
“All warriors, stand straight!” My command echoes through the clearing as I hear my mate approaching with the females.
All two hundred seventy-three warriors straighten their backs, standing tall and facing me. The females and younglings gather on the sidelines at their own pace. I scan the group until my eyes land on Orïon. For now, all is in order. “Today,” I declare, “we will show Her Majesty how strong and capablewe are. Show your strength and your mind. Show your pride in being vólkin, children of Éva.”
A low growl rumbles through the warriors, a shared sound of will. They are ready, eager to prove themselves, to fight and win.
I let my narrowed gaze sweep over them. “If I find out anyone has crossed the border today, they will face my claw. Each and every one of you knows the rules and the limits.” I pause, my voice grows sharper. “Show me.”
As one, the warriors raise their snouts to the sky, and a deafening howl breaks through the quiet of the forest. The trees shudder with the force of it, birds scatter from their branches in a flurry of wings. Sensing the strength of the vólkin, deer and boars flee.
This is vólkin power.
My mate approaches with the others, walking with confidence and a serious expression. The combination of her commanding presence and her scent makes my shaft peek out again. If we didn’t have a balance to restore, I’d mate with her endlessly, day and night.
“Her Majesty has arrived!” Mina declares, and I step aside.
My sweet dove’s eyes flick down to my semihard cock. Her cheeks flush a deep red, and my soul sings at the sight. She moves her lips silently, mouthing the words,Cover it.
A grin spreads across my snout. Why would I cover my cock? It’s no secret that I desire my mate—everyone knows, and it’s only natural. This is how the world works, how Mother Nature intended it. Sometimes, humans truly don’t make sense. Or maybe human males have small cocks, and that is why they hide them.
A male should be eager for his female. It is how it has always been.
Still, she steps in front of me. She’s shielding me from the gaze of others. I shall convince myself it is her possessiveness and not the modesty of human ways.
She doesn’t look troubled by her nightmares for now. Tonight, we will talk about it.
“Today, we will test our strength and teamwork,” she announces, her voice clear and authoritative as the females and nýmphí take their places at her sides.
All my warriors listen closely, and pride fills my chest.
“In the forest are hidden artifacts,” she continues. “You must find them by the time three stars rise in the night sky.”
