The Lightning Wolf Chronicles Novel

Chapter 35: First Day of Testing Ends Evelyn's POV Selection day finally hit. I woke up before dawn, heart hammering like crazy. This was it make or break time. After washing up, I pulled on my training gear. Took a long look in the mirror - game face on, ready as I'd ever be. The dining room felt different when I came down. All the selection participants were there, but nobody was talking. Just the sound of forks scraping plates and nervous breathing. "You good?" Elliot asked. I nodded, even though my stomach was doing backflips. Too late to chicken out now.

75 When we got to the training field, my jaw dropped. The place looked like a completely different world. Massive obstacle courses everywhere, way more intense than anything I'd imagined. The bleachers were packed - not just our pack, but people from all over who'd come to watch. Conrad stood in the center with a megaphone, other Sentinels flanking him. "Morning, candidates," his voice boomed across the field. "Welcome to the Northern Region Sentinel Selection." I walked toward the starting area with everyone else, doing a quick headcount. At least two hundred people. Shit.

That was a lot of competition. "Today's the first round," Conrad continued. "Two parts - obstacle course and one-on-one combat." He gestured behind him, and I got my first real look at what we'd be facing. High walls, rope nets, balance beams, mud pits. Each one designed to break you. "Obstacle course tests everything strength, skill, brains," another Sentinel added. "Thirty-minute time limit. Go over, you're out." Thirty minutes? Looking at that maze of torture devices, I wasn't feeling super confident. "Get ready," Conrad raised his hand. We lined up at the start.

"Go!" 1/2 18:13 Sat, Jan 10 Chapter 35: First Day of Testing Ends The whistle shrieked and everyone bolted forward like their asses were on fire. First obstacle was a three-meter wall. Some people tried to vault it, others looked for handholds. I spotted a slightly lower section and used a nearby post to launch myself up. Next came the rope net crawl. The net hung so low it practically kissed the ground. I dropped flat and army-crawled forward, mud smearing my face and sweat stinging my eyes. 'Go Evie!" 75 Nadia's voice cut through the noise from the stands.

That shot of energy was exactly what I needed. The balance beam came next, with a nasty mud pit waiting below. People were already falling in, struggling to climb out and keep going. I kept my eyes forward and took it one step at a time. Don't look down, don't look down. After the beam was a tire run had to hit the center of each tire or risk twisting an ankle. I found my rhythm and danced through like it was a game. The final obstacle was a slippery slope with ropes. My hands were already raw and bleeding, but I gritted my teeth and hauled myself up inch by inch.

When I finally crossed the finish line, the timer read: 24 minutes 37 seconds. I collapsed, gasping like a fish out of water. Covered in mud from head to toe, but I'd made it. 'First round complete, Conrad announced. "If you passed, take five and get ready for combat." I struggled to my feet, chugged the water bottle someone handed me. Looking around, about a third of the field had been eliminated. The break was way too short. Before I knew it, combat time. "Rules are simple, Sera called out. "Knock your opponent down or force them out of the ring. Multiple fights per person.

Rankings based on wins and performance." I got assigned to ring seven. My first opponent stepped up - some guy named Mark who was built like a brick house. "Hey there, little girl," he grinned. "I'll try not to hurt you too bad." I didn't bother responding, just dropped into my fighting stance. Underestimating me was his first mistake. The whistle blew and Mark charged with a haymaker aimed at my face. I sidestepped and swept his legs. He stumbled but didn t fall. 2/3 18:13 Sat, Jan 10 Chapter 35: First Day of Testing Ends "Huh. You've got some moves," he said, getting serious.

220 The fight ramped up fast. Mark hit like a truck, so I couldn't trade blows with him. Had to stay mobile, look for openings. His strengt was impressive, but it made him clumsy. When he threw another wild punch, I stepped inside his guard and rammed my shoulder into his armpit. Grabbed his arm and executed a perfect hip toss. Mark hit the mat hard and stayed down. "Ring seven, Evelyn wins!" I backed off, breathing hard. First victory felt good, but I knew the next opponents would be tougher. Second fight was against a woman named Sophia - speed fighter.

We went back and forth, but I outlasted her in the end. Third fight, fourth fight... I lost count of how many people I'd faced. Everything became mechanical - dodge, counter, survive By the time the final bell rang, I was running on fumes. When Conrad announced that anyone still standing in their ring advanced to the next round, I literally collapsed. "First day complete!" Conrad's voice seemed to come from far away. "Rest tomorrow, continue the day after." I closed my eyes and let exhaustion wash over me. I'd done it. Made it through day one. When I came to, I was in someone's arms.

Slowly opened my eyes to find myself in the triplets SUV. Magnus was driving, fighting to stay awake. Elliot rode shotgun, nervously checking on Max through the rearview mirror. I was stretched across the middle row. Orion sat on my left - eyes closed but definitely not asleep. Lucian was actually out cold on my right. In the back, Milo was snoring with an equally unconscious Nadia in his arms. Looking at this warm, chaotic scene, I couldn't help but smile. Comments 3 Write Comments < SHARE 18:13 Sat, Jan 10 The Lightning Wolf Chronicles admin