Chapter 24

The tension in the academy had been mounting for days. Whispers of the upcoming Trials had infiltrated every corner of the school, from the dining hall to the dorm towers. For Alex, however, the gravity of the situation had hit much earlier—when Tanaka had chosen him in front of the wolves. There had been no room for argument, no option to refuse. It was an order from his Alpha, and to decline would have been unthinkable.

Now, standing among the gathered students in the Grand Hall, Alex couldn’t shake his unease. He was surrounded by his friends: Sean, Sara, Kira, and William. The banners of the factions—wolves, witches, vampires, and werecats—hung proudly above them, vibrant symbols of rivalry and unity.

At the podium stood Headmistress Katherine Hawthorne, her piercing gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd. When she spoke, her voice carried the weight of tradition and expectation.