Chapter 3

When I was informed that I would be teaming up with Alpha Kael and Omega Lyra for the Moon Mark Trial, a sense of unease settled in my chest.

Why them? I had once trusted Alpha Kael, but now I could see through his false warmth.

As for Omega Lyra, I had always been suspicious of her, but now I knew that she was no different from Alpha Kael—both were part of a scheme I was too blind to see until now.

“Don’t worry, Omega Selene,” Alpha Kael said softly, his voice full of that ever-present sweetness, “we’re bonded, remember? This trial will be easy for us.”

He pulled me close, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. In front of everyone, we looked like a perfect pair, and the onlookers couldn’t help but envy us. I kept my eyes down, pretending to be reassured, but inside I was screaming. I knew it wasn’t real. I knew this was all a trap, but I had no choice but to play along.

The first stage of the trial was a mental projection, where each participant needed to display the power of their bloodline.

I was supposed to project my abilities, but I could already feel the pressure building.

I knew I wouldn’t be able to perform like I should. Not with the subtle manipulations of Alpha Kael and Omega Lyra constantly at work.

“Come on, drink this,” Alpha Kael said, bringing me a bowl of the familiar “spirit herb soup.” He smiled as if nothing was wrong, but I could feel the underlying threat in his words. “It’ll help you recover, and the trial will be easier for you.”

I reluctantly accepted the bowl, but instead of drinking it, I quietly poured it into the flowerpot beside my bed.

Almost instantly, the flowers withered and died.

The once vibrant petals turned black and crumbled to dust.

I glanced at Alpha Kael, but he didn’t notice. He was too busy basking in his own façade of kindness.

“Are you feeling better?” Alpha Kael asked, genuinely clueless to the fact that I hadn’t consumed the soup. “I want you to be at your best for the trial.”

I nodded, offering him a weak smile. “I’m fine, Alpha Kael.”

He smiled back, oblivious to the lie I’d just told. The warmth in his gaze still made me sick.

I had once believed in that smile, in those words, but now, I knew better. I knew that the kindness he showed me was just another part of his scheme.

The trial’s second phase came, and as expected, I couldn’t complete the mental projection.

I felt weaker and weaker as I tried to focus, the effects of the potion Alpha Kael had given me taking their toll.

I could barely concentrate, let alone manifest any real power. Meanwhile, Alpha Kael and Omega Lyra breezed through, their bond growing stronger as mine withered.

Later that evening, Alpha Kael returned to my tent. He handed me a piece of paper with Omega Lyra’s name on it.

“Your draft is a bit off, Omega Selene,” Alpha Kael said with feigned concern. “I think you should let Omega Lyra borrow it for the time being. She can help you finish it.”

I couldn’t argue. I was too drained, too desperate to succeed. So, I nodded, tears welling in my eyes as I handed my work to Omega Lyra. The humiliation was overwhelming, but I had no choice. This trial wasn’t about proving myself—it was about them using me.

“Don’t worry, Omega Selene. It’ll all work out,” Alpha Kael said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You’ll be remembered for your glory, and I’ll make sure of it.”

He kissed my forehead, and his lips felt like they burned into my skin. His words—“I’ll make sure of it”—were a hollow promise, one that I knew would never come true. His affection wasn’t real. It was part of his manipulation.

I clenched my fists, refusing to let the tears fall. I won’t let him break me.

The trial ended, and Alpha Kael and Omega Lyra were declared the victors, their bond solidified in front of everyone. I had failed, but more than that, I had been used.

Alpha Kael stood tall beside Omega Lyra, both of them smiling like they had won a grand prize. I was left in the shadows, a forgotten pawn in their game.

Alpha Kael turned to me, his eyes filled with the same fake kindness. “You did well, Omega Selene. Don’t worry. We’ll get through this together.”