Emerald's Arc

Chapter 1 of 1

Emerald climbed the last ridge before dawn with a sword strapped across her back. The deepest forest of Vinehollow had one ruler, and that ruler took one mate. Three other candidates had already crossed the tree line ahead of her. She was half elf and half wolf, tall and lean, her purple hair pulled tight against her neck so nothing would catch on a branch. She had trained two years for this walk. She believed she could outlast the others on a long run, beat them in a straight fight, and hold her footing when they pushed. Belief was not enough. The alpha would only see proof. The trees opened onto a wide stone platform built into the clearing floor. Tiered steps ringed it. Carved banners marked each rise. At the center stood the alpha, flanked by the three who had come before her. Emerald saw one candidate already kneeling, head low. Another stood with her arms crossed, watching the trees. The third bled from a shallow cut along her jaw. Emerald did not slow. She set her boots on the first step and climbed, eyes fixed on the figure at the top. She drew the sword her mother had left her, the polished blade catching the early light, and held it flat across both palms. It was the mark of a serious claim. Every candidate in the forest knew the shape of that hilt and what carrying it into the receiving ground meant. The alpha watched her climb. At the top step Emerald stopped, knelt on one knee, and laid the sword on the stone between them. She kept her head up. "I came to be chosen," she said. "Test me however you want." The alpha looked at the blade, then at her face. The kneeling candidate lifted her head. The watching one uncrossed her arms. The alpha spoke one sentence, loud enough to carry down the tiers. "Then you fight the other three. Tonight. Last standing earns the second trial." Emerald picked up the sword and stepped back down to the lower ring. Three pairs of eyes followed her. She had wanted proof. Now she had to give it, against all of them at once, before the sun set again.