Stuck with the enemy

After a brief period of relaxation, we were summoned once again, this time for the second challenge-combat trials. This wasn't a team activity; instead, it was a one-on-one battle where a member from each team would face off against another. And to make things even more "interesting," the first fights were between the team leaders. That meant me.

The moment the announcement was made, I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. I looked at my team, and they were already whispering among themselves, throwing me cautious glances.

Aras stepped closer. "You'll be fine, Deniz. Just remember what we've practiced."

Jacob, ever the optimist, grinned. "Yeah, and if you need a distraction, I'll jump in and start doing cartwheels. That should confuse them enough."

I couldn't help but laugh nervously. "Thanks for the... confidence?"

As we gathered near the arena, my gaze shifted to the other team leaders. There were six teams in total, and four of them were led by massive guys who looked like they could bench-press a car. Their sheer size was intimidating-broad shoulders, bulging muscles, and an air of confidence that screamed, You're going down.

And then there was me. Small, compact, and fueled mostly by stubbornness and caffeine. I knew how to fight, but looking at them, I couldn't help but feel like a twig in a forest of redwoods.

The sixth leader caught my attention. She was a girl, slightly taller than me, with an air of confidence that rivaled the guys. Her sharp eyes scanned the crowd with a smirk that suggested she wasn't worried about any of this. Beta Paul introduced her as Clara.

Of course, Clara. Mary's best friend. The one Mary had warned me about. The one who, apparently, was "destined" for Alpha Derek. My jaw clenched as her gaze landed on me, and her smirk deepened.

"Oh, this will be fun," she said loud enough for me to hear, tossing her long, sleek hair over her shoulder. "Let's see what you've got, newbie."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, focusing instead on Beta Paul, who stepped forward to address the crowd.

"Alright, listen up!" Beta Paul's voice carried across the field, silencing the murmurs of the onlookers. "This is a combat trial. Each leader will face another in a one-on-one match. The goal is to force your opponent to yield or to incapacitate them-without causing serious injury. Understood?"

The crowd nodded, though the tension in the air was palpable.

"This isn't about brute strength alone," he continued. "Strategy, adaptability, and control will determine the victor. And remember, these matches aren't just for show. They set the tone for your leadership. How you perform here reflects on your entire team."

"Great," I muttered under my breath. "No pressure."

Kai leaned in from behind me. "Just remember, if you lose, we'll still respect you. Probably."

Jacob snorted. "Speak for yourself. I'm betting on her."

Beta Paul clapped his hands, bringing us back to focus. "First match: Adrian Hall from Team Granite versus Marcus Lane from Team Onyx."

The two massive guys stepped forward, both towering over everyone else in the group. Adrian had a stoic expression, his arms crossed as he sized up Marcus, who cracked his knuckles with a cocky grin.

"Alright, gentlemen," Paul said, stepping into the center of the circle. "No foul moves. Keep it clean. Begin on my mark."

The crowd buzzed with excitement as the two leaders squared off. Their fight was intense, with heavy blows landing on both sides. The ground practically shook with their movements, and the crowd erupted with every strike. It was a clash of raw strength and determination, a real spectacle.