Everyone stood still after Kimberly’s statent, as no one knew what to say at that very mont.
The silence in the hall was almost deafening. Each alpha, each elder, each warrior present seed to be digesting the weight of her words.
After a pause in the atmosphere, the chief priest cleared his throat loudly to call the attention of everyone.
"Can everyone please take their seat calmly... We have more important matters to attend to." Imdiately the chief priest said those words, everyone sat back in their seats, though tension still crackled in the air.
Both Theo and Derrick’s eyes remained locked on each other, neither willing to back down.
Kimberly calmly walked over and sat beside Theo, her posture unwavering, her face unreadable.
Her friends stood behind her, their eyes darting from one alpha to another, clearly aware of the tense atmosphere.
The chief priest continued, "Firstly, this eting does not allow anyone who is not an alpha or elder of the pack to attend, but since the entire discussion is centered around you, Kimberly, you may stay... However, your friends will all have to excuse us."
Kimberly nodded her head in understanding. She turned to Mohandria, Lisa, and Kaitlyn, giving them a reassuring nod and a subtle eye contact gesture.
Without argunt, the three ladies turned and walked towards the doors, disappearing from sight as they left the eting hall.
The mont they were gone, the discussion resud.
"We acknowledge and respect the fact that you claim to be the moon goddess reborn," the chief priest said, his voice steady and firm.
"However, words alone are not enough. We cannot simply accept your claim based on your own declaration.
There are trials sacred tests that must be completed to prove your identity beyond any doubt."
As soon as he finished speaking, a wave of murmurs spread across the room.
Theo’s sharp gaze imdiately caught the faintest smirk on Derrick’s lips. It was brief, but undeniable.
*What is he planning?* Theo thought, narrowing his eyes. *Does he already have a plan in place to sabotage her?*
Kimberly, on the other hand, showed no reaction.
She remained composed, as though she had already anticipated this response. Her silence spoke volus.
Suddenly, Alpha Darwin stood up, his expression tense.
"The test you speak of is over two hundred years old... Do you truly believe it still applies in these modern tis?" His voice carried a hint of concern, and it was clear he wasn’t just speaking for himself.
The chief priest nodded solemnly. "Yes, we cannot abandon the traditions that have guided us for centuries.
Our laws exist for a reason. If we forsake our past, the future will be dood to chaos."
Alpha Darwin exhaled sharply and pressed further. "But history has also shown us that these trials have been tampered with before.
We have seen them manipulated, twisted for personal gain, resulting in chaos rather than order.
How can we be sure this ti will be any different?" His words carried weight, and for a mont, a few alphas exchanged nervous glances.
Before the chief priest could respond, a strong, confident voice broke through the room.
"I will do it." Kimberly stood up, her gaze steady as she addressed the entire room.
"Whatever test is required, I will take it. If this is what it takes to prove myself, then I will go through with it." Her tone was unwavering, filled with the kind of certainty that left no room for doubt.
Theo imdiately turned to her, his expression shifting to one of deep concern.
He reached out, taking her hand gently in his. "No, Kimberly. You don’t have to do this," he said, his voice low, pleading.
She squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Don’t worry, Theo. I will be fine."
Theo wanted to argue, to convince her otherwise, but the determination in her eyes told him it was pointless.
She had already made up her mind. His grip on her hand tightened briefly before he sighed and let go.
The chief priest nodded approvingly. "Good. Then the tests shall be in three phases.
The test of fire, the test of water, and the test of earth. Each test will challenge the very core of your being."
Kimberly listened carefully, waiting for him to continue.
"The fire test will be accompanied by a three-eyed fire beast, an ancient entity of destruction.
The water test will call forth the wrath of thunder and the deepest currents.
And the earth test..." The chief priest paused, letting his words sink in.
"The earth test will be the most unpredictable of them all. It will summon forces beyond our comprehension, elents both seen and unseen.
You must face them all, and you must prevail. Do you understand the risk you are taking?"
Kimberly took a breath, steadying herself. "Yes. I understand, and I accept."
Internally, she was already preparing herself. *There will be manipulation. Soone will try to twist this against . But no matter what, I must succeed.*
The chief priest’s gaze swept over the room before he finally spoke again.
"Then it is decided. The tests shall begin in two days. Every alpha and their Luna must be present as witnesses.
If Kimberly erges victorious, we shall all kneel before her and the alpha of her choosing. It will be decreed."
A heavy silence followed his words. Every person in the room understood the significance of this proclamation. If Kimberly won, it would change everything.
A slow, deliberate movent broke the silence. Alpha Derrick stood up, his movents calculated, his expression unreadable.
He walked past Kimberly and Theo, pausing only briefly in front of them. A twisted smile stretched across his face before he let out a soft, mocking laugh.
It echoed through the hall, sending chills down the spines of many.
Then, without another word, he turned on his heel and strode towards the exit.
As he stepped outside, his mind raced.
*I can’t let them win. I’ve co too far to lose now. But I can’t show them my desperation. I need them to believe I have a plan...*
He clenched his fists as he walked, his jaw tightening. *I must have a plan.*
With his n trailing behind him, Derrick departed the eting premises, his presence lingering like a dark shadow over everything left behind...
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