Page 41

Cassandra’s POV

The last challenge.

I stood at the edge of the training grounds, my muscles sore, my heart still pounding from the previous fights.

But this?

This was the final test.

The announcer’s voice boomed across the arena.

“For the final trial, the competitors will enter the Labyrinth.”

A murmur spread through the crowd.

I stiffened. Labyrinth?

“The objective is simple,” the announcer continued. “Find your way out. But beware—there will be obstacles.”

Obstacles.

That was code for this is a trap, and you’re all screwed.

I exhaled sharply, rolling my shoulders. Alright, fine. Let’s play.

Alec stood nearby, arms crossed, watching me like a hawk. His silver eyes burned with pride and something darker.

I smirked at him. “Worried?”

His lips curled. “Not for you.”

I laughed. Cocky bastard.

Across the field, Elias stretched his arms, looking entirely too relaxed. “What’s the matter, Luna? You tired yet?”

I grinned. “Why? You planning to keep up this time?”

His smirk twitched. “Guess we’ll find out.”

The announcer raised his hand. “Begin!”

The gates of the Labyrinth swung open.

And we ran inside.

The second I entered, the walls shifted.

Stone columns moved, paths closed, and suddenly, I was alone.

I exhaled, adjusting my stance. Alright. Game on.

The first part was navigation.

Easy enough.

Except…

I wasn’t alone.

A low growl echoed behind me.

I turned just in time to see the first “obstacle.”

A damn hellhound.

Of course.

The beast lunged, and I dodged, rolling across the stone floor. It snapped its teeth inches from my arm.

Alright. No time for thinking.

I moved.

I flipped onto the beast’s back, wrapped my arm around its throat, and twisted.

A sharp crack.

The hellhound collapsed.

One down.

No idea how many to go.

I ran deeper into the maze, dodging traps, climbing walls, cutting down anything that moved.

Then—a voice.

“Cassandra?”

I froze.

Damon.

I turned sharply, my chest tightening. Why was he here?

Then I saw him.

Standing at the end of the hallway. Looking hurt. Bloody. Weak.

I swallowed. “Damon?”

His eyes flickered. “Cass, I need you. Please.”

I took a step forward.

And then I stopped.

Because something was wrong.

Damon never called me Cass.

I narrowed my eyes. “Nice try.”

His lips twitched.

Then, before my eyes, he shifted.

Damon’s figure morphed, twisting into something else.

An illusion.

I clenched my fists.

Alright. Mind tricks, then.

The creature lunged, shifting into Alec.

I didn’t even blink.

I punched it in the face.

It collapsed, shrieking before vanishing into dust.

I sighed. “Nice try, idiot.”

Then I kept moving.

I was close.

I could see the final exit, the light streaming in.

I picked up my pace—

And slammed into Elias.

I cursed, steadying myself. “Damn it, Elias!”

He smirked. “You again.”

I sighed. “Are we really doing this?”

Elias shrugged. “Only one person can win, Luna.”

I exhaled. Fine.

I lunged—

And so did he.

We collided in a blur of claws and speed, our strikes faster, harder than before.

But Elias was wounded from our last fight.

And I?

I was not losing.

I caught his arm, twisted—flipped him onto his back.

Elias gasped, winded.

I pressed my knee to his chest. “Yield.”

He groaned. “You really like pinning me, don’t you?”

I smirked. “I enjoy winning.”

The announcer’s voice boomed.

“Luna Cassandra is the first to exit! The challenge is complete!”

The crowd exploded.

I exhaled, rolling off Elias. Finally.

I turned—just in time to see Alec waiting for me outside the Labyrinth.

His eyes were burning.

I grinned at him.

Then, without thinking, I ran straight into his arms.

His grip tightened, his lips brushing against my ear.

“That’s my girl.”