Chapter 4

The official Moon Mark trial began, and I was assigned to assist Alpha Kael and Omega Lyra as part of a "temporary bonded pair" for the demonstration.

Watching them work together, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being a pawn in their game.

Alpha Kael stood at the front, confident and calm, while Omega Lyra remained poised beside him.

“We will showcase the mark we created,” Alpha Kael said, his voice filled with certainty. “This will show everyone a new way of thinking.”

“Alpha Kael’s creativity is truly one of a kind,” Omega Lyra added, her smile sharp.

I stood to the side, feeling like an outsider as the elders showered Alpha Kael with praise. My own achievements seemed forgotten, drowned by their combined brilliance.

“Alpha Kael’s understanding of the mark is unmatched,” one elder praised.

Another added, “His work seems almost alive, full of energy.”

As I listened, my heart sank. I had once been the one receiving praise, but now, I was left watching as Alpha Kael and Omega Lyra took it all. My frustration grew with each compliment they received.

As the first stage of the trial concluded, Alpha Kael and Omega Lyra continued to shine. I, however, stood on the sidelines as a mere assistant. My role had been reduced to that of an observer.

"Alpha Kael's work is perfect," another elder remarked, “It shows such creativity.”

I stared at Alpha Kael, feeling the sting of betrayal. This was no longer the man I knew, the one who once promised to stand by my side.

The moment my thoughts wandered, I felt an intense pain in my hand. Looking down, I saw my mark stone crack. The room fell silent as everyone’s gaze shifted toward me.

“What happened?” Alpha Kael asked, his voice suddenly stern.

I felt my heart race. “I… I don’t know,” I muttered, trying to remain composed.

Alpha Kael’s eyes narrowed. “You didn’t use my script, did you?”

A tense silence followed. I was already being judged. Everyone’s eyes burned into me as Alpha Kael stepped closer.

“Did you copy my work?” Alpha Kael’s voice was laced with frustration.

“I—no,” I said quickly. “I was just… helping him take notes.”

“Helping him take notes?” Alpha Kael's voice grew cold. “You didn’t even follow the rules. This is a serious violation!”

The room erupted in shocked whispers, and Omega Lyra stepped forward with a mocking smile. “How convenient. She can’t even follow the simplest task.”

I lowered my head, humiliated. Alpha Kael’s disappointment was more painful than any punishment. He didn’t even try to hide his disdain. “You’ve let us all down, Omega Selene,” he said coldly.

I could hear the disappointment in his voice, and it felt like a sharp knife twisting in my chest. My attempt to help, to prove myself, had been turned against me. I was nothing but a tool in their game.

“Omega Selene,” one of the elders said, his voice heavy with judgment, “You’ve broken the trial rules. This is serious.”

“Apologies,” I whispered, barely audible, as I knelt before them.

Alpha Kael didn’t spare me a second glance. His eyes were cold and final. “This is over. You’ve failed.”

That night, I sat alone in my room. I had failed. My efforts, my trust, my belief in Alpha Kael had all been shattered. He had used me. Omega Lyra had used me. And I had let it happen.

But deep down, I knew this wasn’t the end. I couldn’t let them win. I wouldn’t stay weak forever. There would come a time when they would regret using me. I would make them pay for everything they had done to me.