The Selection

The selection has begun and I can’t help but to bite my lip as I look at the center of the stadium where the announcer is standing upfront. He is probably the servant of the leaders based on the tattoo on his left arm. Leaders are identified with unique marks in their bodies. “For the first battle, let’s have Darren Cyprus and Kyle Wixx!”

I sighed with relief, knowing that I am not selected as the first player for today. It would really be a shame for my parents when I lose firsthand.

‘You could beat them with your mind, Clary. Stop being so pessimistic.’ Cordia interrupted my thoughts.

‘I am weak, you know that. Mind alone is not enough to beat other families.’ I may be the smartest girl in this kingdom, but other individuals are great at fighting which is totally my weakness.

Darren winked at me before stepping on the platform where the fight would happen. I smiled at him back. Knowing that he belongs in the family of swordsmen, I am confident that he will definitely be the winner of this fight. He did not even bring any sword with him. Swordsmen are known for their exceptional physical abilities and of course, they are experts with swords. Knowing Darren, he could fight with his physical abilities without relying much on swords.

His opponent, on the other hand, belongs to the family of axes. It is evident with his weapon.

‘Do you really love him?’ Cordia asked out of nowhere.

‘Of course,’ I answered without hesitation.

I heard her laugh. ‘We both know the truth, Clary.’

I bit my lip and looked at the elevated portion of the stadium where my mate, together with my sister, is seated. A sudden ache has filled my heart when my sister wrapped her arms around the broad arm of Alpha Xylo. That should be me…but I am nothing compared to my sister. I am unworthy to the alpha of our species.

Alpha Xylo looked in our direction and I quickly shifted my gaze at the center of the stadium where Darren is battling against his opponent. I held my breath that way until I felt that my mate’s gaze had shifted in another direction.

‘He’s looking at you!’

‘He’s looking at the families of archery, don’t assume!’ I answered to Cordia.

‘I can sense it! I know it very well!’ She snapped quickly.

All I can do is pity myself for feeling this way. Why can’t I even own my mate?

I shrugged away the thought and watched the battle in front of us. Darren’s opponent attacked first by swinging his Labrys, a double-sided axe. It was easily avoided by Darren by moving into opposite direction. I almost did not notice his movement; his speed is incredible. What do you expect for the next head of their family?

His opponent was taken aback by Darren’s move but he recovered quickly and he swung again his axe to the direction where Darren is standing. I could see how sharp those blades are which can tear down the body apart.

However, Darren easily dodged his opponent's sharp axe. He really is great at fighting!

‘Too bad, he isn’t your mate.’ Cordia said.

‘Do you really believe that I am meant to have a mate?’

‘Here you go again! Your mate is up there! It is obviously clear that it is not your sister’s.’ She exclaimed.

I want to own him…but with this weak body, I can’t do anything. It is my heart beating so fast against my mind that cannot hold the fact that he is my mate. Why would my sister claim that he is her mate?

With the thought that Andrea is owning something that I should have, my hands are starting to tremble in anger.

‘That’s right! You should feel the anger’ Cordia consciously said.

How could I feel that with my own family? With my own blood? Betrayal should never be an option in a family or it would result in a destruction.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard a loud smash. Next thing I saw was Darren’s opponent lying near the cracked concrete wall. Based on his form, Darren threw a hit in his opponent’s abdomen. It is obvious that his opponent took a blow and that he cannot withstand the impact which led him to flew all the way to the corner.

I observed the reaction of other participants, none of them said a single word. They are probably busy observing Darren who might be their next opponent.

Looking at the state of Darren’s opponent, he might not be able to continue fighting against Darren. I can feel the pain of the hit that he has taken. Darren, on the other hand, does not have any scratches from his body. He is really good at fighting, which makes me doubt how he fell in love with me. I’m just an ordinary individual who has nothing to boast about.

Same with the observation, the arbiter observing the battle at the corners of the stadium has decided for the winner. Darren’s opponent cannot stand at the moment and will not be able to fight. I smiled genuinely when I realized how amazing my boyfriend is.

He went to the center of the stadium and said, “whoever comes in my way will face the same situation.”

I chuckled, he really has high confidence. He knows his worth and it is evident in his actions.

I looked at Xylo to see his reaction. I was surprised when I saw him directly looking at me with the dark aura surrounding him. My smile faded and my heart was about to explode.

I have to control myself! He might hear these heartbeats, knowing that leaders have sharp senses. Did he recognize me as his mate? Am I finally worth looking for?

‘What are you doing, Clary?!’ It was mom! I immediately covered my ears because of the intensity of her voice, she was raging mad. It was by far the most intense voice of hers that I have received through telepathy.

I can’t help but tremble in fear…