Heirs, 41

(POV: Luan Raphael)

Today has been an unusual day. We left home early to join the gym group on their way to the Moon Nova pack for a championship. It was a surprise when my mother said that my brother, Lucca, and I would participate, but Lena, my friend, couldn't come with us. I confess I felt a bit sad that she wasn't here.

But I couldn't miss this opportunity. Competitions don't come around often, and it's even rarer to see my brother Lucca fighting. He has been putting a lot of effort into our training and has improved a lot. He decided not to sit in the stands cheering for the gym; instead, he's going to fight. I believe his determination will lead him to first place.

I wonder if the fighters from this pack are strong, but I believe we have a good chance of winning. This championship is a great opportunity to test my limits and knowledge. Whoever came up with the idea to create it is a genius.

We arrived at our destination around four in the afternoon after a long walk of over twenty kilometers on the road. We will stay here for three days and return on Tuesday.

The local alpha warmly welcomed us, introduced everyone from the pack, and showed us the accommodations and the event's structure. It's undoubtedly a beautiful place, and nearby are the famous Twin Waterfalls, two breathtaking waterfalls with their crystal-clear water.

We spent a pleasant afternoon with games and laughter. In the early evening, I decide to walk toward a small lake near our lodging. I see everyone gathered around a makeshift campfire, with Lucia sitting on a tree stump. I approach and sit beside her.

She came to support those who will participate in the fights, but I wish she would enter the omega female category. I know she has great potential, but she's too shy. I've always wanted to see her wolf, but she refuses to give any hint about it. Isabella was the only one who has seen her transformed and refuses to give me any information. I'm sure her wolf is as beautiful as she is.

"Hi, Lu," I greet her.

"Hi, Rapha," she responds timidly.

"I still think you should participate in the tournament," I say directly. She's sitting, hugging her knees.

"I don't know if I'm good enough for that; I'm just a weak omega," she replies, shrugging.

"You're clearly making excuses," Lucca interjects, getting involved in our conversation. I look at him sternly, but before I can reprimand him, Lucia speaks again.

"It's not an excuse," she says, head down. "I know everyone sees me that way, as an inferior and weak being. I don't want to go through the humiliation of exposing myself and becoming the target of criticism and cruel looks. Just thinking about it makes my bones shake."

"I, more than anyone, know how you feel, Lucia," my brother says gently. "I got beaten up a lot for not having the courage to expose myself and assert myself. But I dedicated myself to training, and I believe I will be one of the champions. I'm optimistic and confident in my potential. You should be too."

"Thank you for that, Lucca," she says, smiling shyly. I feel jealous.

"I believe in your potential," I draw her attention. "I think you're capable," I smile, and her cheeks turn slightly red.

"He's a blueblood," she tries to argue.

"Oh, stop that!" Isabella interrupts. "You'll compete on an equal footing. Blood doesn't influence anything here. Stop making excuses, my friend. Think of the adrenaline that this epic championship will bring."

"We'll go down in history as the first participants of the most famous lupine tournament of all packs," my brother says, dreamily.

"Come on, sis. Even I'm going to participate," Jonathan tries to encourage his sister.

"Okay," she concedes. "You guys convinced me. I'll participate." Without thinking, I hug her from the side and plant a kiss on her cheek. She blushes even more, and my heart races.

"That's great," Isabella applauds. "We'll be here to support you in victory and defeat."

"One for all and all for one," Jonathan smiles at his sister.

"We should go to sleep now, or the coach will give us a scolding," Lucca reminds us.

We return to our dormitories, and on the way, I feel a sense of unease gripping my chest. I touch the area and see my brother doing the same. It seems like something very bad is happening.

"I'm feeling a tightness in my chest, an unease," my brother whispers beside me.

"I am too," I agree, massaging my chest.

"I hope everything is okay at home," he says, and I nod in agreement.

I shake my head and continue walking, trying to engage with the rest of the group. Lucca was still silent, clearly lost in thought.