"It’s a custom that at the end of every event, we hold some events and games." Francheska continued. "Lycans like to compare strength so..."
"A fight," Ava nodded. She more or less understood what she meant.
"And once you receive the gift you aren’t supposed to decline or you will be immediately announced as the loser," Francheska said while glaring at Munoz. "I didn’t know the De Wylmot patriarch would do something like this. How could you ask someone’s witch to fight for you?"
"She’s not just any witch. She’s his highness’ Matthew’s witch," Munoz answered. "Showing her fighting prowess in front of everyone is a reflection of his highness Matthew’s strength."
Ava narrowed her eyes at the gift.
"You can refuse the invitation," Francheska added.
"Why would she? Munoz is one of the strongest warriors that we have. Since she was able to defeat Munoz, it means she’s capable of defending herself." One of the Lycans spoke. "She should accept the invitation now and prove that she didn’t get her current position because of luck." The man who spoke emphasized the word ’luck’ with a huge smirk on his face.
"This brooch is ugly," Ava said. "Give me another one and I might just fight for your family."
Her words left Munoz stunned. He stared at Ava’s green eyes, wondering if she was jesting. When she saw Ava’s serious reaction, he looked at his father not far away from him. His father, the patriarch of the Wylmot family had been subjected to many mockeries in the past months since the news of Munoz’s defeat reach the ears of other families. He had been the topic of the noble’s jokes for months!
Seeing his father’s angry expression, Munoz stared back at Ava. Honestly? He was speechless.
This brooch has been in his family for centuries. It was old and a symbol of their family’s influence.
"I was kidding," Ava suddenly smiled at him when his father started walking toward them. "I’ll take it," Ava said.
"So... tell me about the game, Munoz?"
"I— "
"You still remember the deal, right?" Ava smirked. "You will become my slave and follow me around." Her words caused a lot of whispers and gasps. "You know? The timing is just perfect since I am currently in need of a slave."
"You— "
"How could you make a noble your slave?"
"That’s preposterous!"
"I can’t believe she just said that."
"Isn’t she his highness Matthew’s witch? How could she say something so embarrassing? Poor Prince."
Various emotions flooded Ava’s body. There was contempt and anger. Jealousy and mockery. Most of them were happy though.
Since she couldn’t read their minds, she was assuming that these people were happy to see her being the center of attention. Perhaps they thought this would finally teach her a lesson? Ava didn’t know.
What she knew was the fact that she could feel Francheska’s anger bursting toward Munoz and everyone else. She was furious.
And when Ava looked at her, Francheska’s face was already so red.
"You can refuse," Francheska said. "There is no need to prove yourself. "
"It’s fine..." Ava smiled at her. She wondered if Francheska was angry because she thought Ava was weak? No. Francheska saw her deal with Alpha York. She must have known that Ava wasn’t as weak as everyone thought.
So... why was she angry?
"We can leave if you want. You are Matthew’s only witch. You don’t have to participate." Francheska held her arm. "This is dangerous."
"Why?"
"The rules state that only one person can go out of the stage. Your enemy can only die."
"That’s a little too much, don’t you think?" Jude said.
"I agree... this is supposed to be a celebration. Why use such violent means to end it?" Samuel joined in. "There is no need to join them We can leave this place if you want to." Samuel stood next to Jude.
Hearing the concern in their voice, Ava couldn’t help but wonder what emotion was she currently feeling. It was weird.
She let out a sigh. "It’s fine... I am taking it."
"Good. If you win the fight. My father is willing to give you half of his estate."
"And if I die?" Ava asked.
"What?"
"Simple. What is going to happen to my loved one if I die? Are you going to compensate them?"
"Yes. We will be giving them a million USD."
"That’s too little," Ava said. "Let us raise the stakes. How about this... if I win... the Wylmots will become my slave. Just like you. If I lost, I die."
"How could you— "
"I agree..." suddenly, Munoz’s father said. "Let’s do that."
"Then let us sign an oath," Ava uttered. Of course, she is going to guard her newfound property.
"You really love making oaths..." Jude murmured. "I don’t know if this is confidence or you just love gambling."
"Maybe both?" Ava was smiling as she used her magick to seal an oath with Munoz’s father.
"So who will be my enemy?" Ava asked.
"Me."
"Amore..." Ava said. "What a surprise."
"Was it?" Amore walked out of the crowd. She was wearing an article of fiery red clothing that actually looked like an armor. It covered most of her vitals and yes it was... red.
Should she change into something too? Ava thought for a while. It looked like someone else is plotting against her again. And they really came prepared.
"Since Miss Woods accepted the challenge, we shall start with the games." Ulva’s voice echoed. Then a large octagon stage appeared in the middle of the crowd. From Ava’s estimates, it had about ten or more meters in diameter. Just enough for two people to fight each other.
"Shall we get started?" Amore didn’t even wait for Ava as she floated toward the stage. The moment Amore entered, a thin rainbow-like shield appeared. It was thin and almost nonexistent, giving the viewers the chance to see what was happening inside. It was there to protect the viewers from the fight.
"Are you sure about this?" Francheska said. "You know that someone else is scheming against you... right?"
Ava nodded without saying a word. Of course, she was very much aware of everyone’s dislike towards her.
She hasn’t even done anything really worth hating and these people are already trying to kill her! What would happen once they discover she was actually Matthew’s mate?
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