Page 162 of Hunt Me

“They look confident,” Ezra observed from behind him.

“They should enjoy it while it lasts,” Matilda replied.

Luka grunted, keeping his eyes on the wolves.

A horn sounded, and he was grateful Denalia was blood drunk and slumbered like the dead. The thunderous crowd surrounding the ring gradually quieted.

Lykaon stepped forward.

“Citizens of Moonshire!” he announced, voice booming across the grounds.

The crowd erupted, and Lykaon allowed their cheers to continue before lifting a hand for silence.

“Today, we gather to honor one of the oldest laws of our people. Any wolf cast from his rightful rank may return and challenge those who succeeded him. Should he prove himself stronger, his place among us shall be restored.”

Lykaon began walking slowly along the perimeter of the ring.

“David was once Beta of Moonshire. He stood at my side, fought beside me, and bled for this kingdom. And then,” Lykaon continued, “he betrayed us.”

Matilda stiffened beside Luka when boos rolled through portions of the crowd.

“He is full of shit,” Ezra muttered.

“Today, David returns believing himself worthy of more than the position he abandoned. He has come not merely for the rank of Beta, but for the throne of Moonshire itself.” Lykaon smirked when the spectators erupted in outrage. “But Moonshire does not fear the challenge of one disgraced wolf.”

Luka watched David from across the grounds. He stood alone near the entrance to the ring, seemingly unmoved by the thousands shouting against him.

Lykaon turned toward his three ranked wolves.

“I offer my blessing to my gamma, my delta, and my beta. May your strength honor Moonshire. May your victories remind every wolf watching that rank is not bestowed through arrogance or entitlement.” His gaze found David. “It is earned through blood.”

Matilda scoffed. “I cannot wait for David to beat his ass.”

“Tilda.”

“What?”

Luka suppressed a smile.

“And should our former beta somehow survive the warriors standing before me…” The prince slowly removed his cloak and handed it to an attendant. “…I will gladly meet him in the center of the ring.”

Luka leaned closer to Matilda.

“How are you faring?”

“Ask me five minutes from now,” she responded.

Another horn sounded, and an elderly official in ceremonial robes entered the ring carrying a staff bearing Moonshire’s crest.

The spectators went silent.

“By ancient law, David, former Beta of Moonshire, has invoked his right to challenge the ranks above his standing and claim the throne.”

The official struck his staff against the earth.

“He shall face Gamma Soren first, followed by Delta Garrick and Beta Loic. Should he defeat all three, he shall earn the right to challenge Alpha Prince Lykaon for rule of Moonshire.”

The booing resumed as soon as David stepped into the ring.