(Starting from now I'll not put at the beginning it's Ella's PoV. I'll only put it when it's Azaizal's POV. Hope that makes sense)
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True to Azaizal's words, the remaining wolves that were yet to arrive ran into the dining hall. Some were still buttoning up the rest of there shirts. It was quite funny seeing them panic. Quickly looking round I realise there is not just our pack here.
Making my way over to the seat I spot Azaizal stood behind his. He gave a small smile before pointing his head toward the door. I stared at the closed doors for a few minutes before they were flung open and the powerful aura filled the room.
Much like everyone else, I am instantly on one knee, baring my throat as the Alpha King enters the room and makes his way to the front of the dining hall. I only see his shiny black shoes as he passes, since it's disrespectful to look an Alpha in the eye, never mind a king.
"Everyone please rise and take your seat"
After rising and sitting, I glance around the room to locate the king and I found him standing tall next to Azaizal. He was in his full castle gear which meant he was wearing his robes, his sash and his crown. With his power radiating the room, there was no way anyone could say he wasn't our king.
We all looked forward expectantly, waiting for the king to begin his speech. "Dark Moon and Eclipse, as you all know I have brought you all here to help me on the hunt to rescue my mate, your queen and our missing female pack members. For all of you here, thank you for joining me. You are all very brave. I have heard remarkable things about each and every single one of you from your Alpha's, so I expect you all to put all of your effort and dedication into this.
Starting from tomorrow you will all begin your tests to determine which team you will be placed in. If you are placed in one of the higher teams you will be leaving Wednesday and will be hunting further away from the castle. You must only take the essentials, I can not stress this enough." As the king says this, he sends a pointed look at a group of girls next to me who had previously been talking about me. I look back towards the king for the rest of his speech.
"However, if you are placed in a lower team you shall stay here for more training and then will be hunting closer to the castle. There shall be three days of training, Sunday's training will consist of testing how long and far you can run for, and also testing your strength. Monday's training will be hearing tests and Tuesday's training will be tracking.
On Wednesday you will all find out your teams and if you are in the higher teams, you will be leaving within that hour so pack the night before just in case. Now then, now that the important part is done with everyone please enjoy dinner and take tonight to relax and explore the kingdom before tomorrow. Remember breakfast is at eight and training starts at nine. Enjoy."
From a quick motion of the kings hand, food was brought and placed on everyone's tables. It smelt heavenly and it looked delicious. Everyone clapped for the king before digging in. I also dug in trying to ignore the group of girls comments.
"I bet she'll be in the lowest group, look at her. She's so tiny, she won't be able to take out a pup never mind a full grown rogue." I continued to ignore the comments until one did catch my attention, giving me flash backs to what my parents used to say.
"Look at her, she's just a runt, she'll never make the king proud" My parents never spoke those exact words but they were similar enough.
(Flashback:
I was laid in bed waiting to fall asleep when a passing conversation in the hallway caught my attention.
" We wanted a son, not a daughter. She can't take your position as beta"
"I know darling but don't worry we can try again" I could almost hear a smirk in his voice.
"Of course dear but look her, she's a runt. She'll never make us proud"
End of flashback)
I quickly rid myself of the tear that slid down my face before turning around feeling eyes staring into my back.
I continue to glance around the room until my eyes met piercing electric blue ones. Azaizal was staring at me with anger, worry and another emotion I couldn't decipher. He turned his head to stare hard and coldly at the girls that said things about me. Not long after he turned his head to look back at me and gave me a whisper of a half smile.
I jumped as a voice sounded in my head, "Ella are you ok?"
I gave a small smile as I responded. "I'm guessing you heard what they said about me?"
I saw him clench his jaw then take a deep breath before relaxing it again. "Yes I heard what they said, they weren't exactly quiet. Are you sure you are okay though?"
He sounded genuinely worried about me and I couldn't help but smile. "Yeah I'm okay. It's nothing I haven't heard before."
At this he bared his teeth and shook his head. "That's the thing though, you shouldn't have to have heard it before, especially from your own pack mates. If it was my choice, they'd pay."
I couldn't describe the feeling I got from him saying that but I couldn't help but blush. "Thank you Azaizal but honestly I'm ok"
We left it at that and since I'd finished eating, I went to put my plate in the kitchen to help clean up but I was practically forced out by the wolves in there. Azaizal had quickly followed me and now we were outside the dining hall.
Suddenly grabbing hold of my hand, Azaizal began to run out of the castle towing me along. "Come on, I know you want to explore. Now's our chance."
I couldn't help the beam of a smile that appeared on my face as I began to run to so he wasn't dragging me behind.