The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 90: Chapter 90

THE TRIAL ROYAL COMBAT
The arena was massive, its space large enough to fit a hundred of men. The audience seats stretched high, row upon row, filled with spectators. Excited cheers filled the air.
At the highest vantage point, seated upon the blackstone throne, was King Duncan, his piercing gaze scanning the fighters below.
Lords and Alphas occupied the royal stands, murmuring among themselves as they placed bets, discussed strategies, and assessed potential threats.
This was no ordinary battle. This was the Royal Combat Trial—a test of strength, resilience, and dominance, where warriors fought for honor, rank, and, in some cases, survival.
The sound of drums thundered, signaling the beginning of the first combat.
One was a strong, wolf-blooded warrior; the other, a young Alpha. Both locked eyes, determination burning in their gazes. There was only one rule—no weapons. It was a fight of pure strength.
A sharp whistle cut through the air, and the fight began.
The young Alpha was the first to strike, launching himself at the warrior. But the warrior merely stood firm, his stance unwavering, eyes focused.
As the Alpha attacked, the warrior dodged effortlessly, avoiding strike after strike. Then, when he finally retaliated, his blow landed hard against the Alpha, sending him stumbling.
Roars of excitement erupted from the crowd.
The Alpha shifted into his wolf, and the warrior didn’t hesitate to do the same. Claws slashed through the air, fangs sank into flesh, blood splattered onto the ground.
The warrior moved with precision. In the end, he swung the Alpha to the ground with brutal force. A sickening crack echoed through the arena. Some cheered, while others let out groans of disappointment.
The warrior grasped the Alpha's neck, pinning him down. The Alpha was already on the brink of losing consciousness.
Then, the fight was declared over. Lord Lucas and two other ancient Lycan warriors, serving as judges, announced the warrior as the winner.
Applause echoed through the space.
“I thought the Alpha would win,” Lord Pericles groaned, clearly displeased with his lost bet.
The Lord who had won barked out a laugh. “It’s not about rank. It’s about how well you train your wolf. Haha!”
Pericles glanced at the empty seat beside him, frowning. Where had Toran gone?
But soon, Toran returned, settling back into his seat. Pericles' brow shot up.
“Is everything alright?”
Toran smirked. “Oh, I just went to congratulate someone. He’s going to spar in the arena today. I wanted to see him one last time.”
Pericles narrowed his eyes, then shifted his gaze toward the King. Duncan looked unreadable, as if none of this interested him. What was that man planning today?
•••••
KAEL
Kael’s face beamed with excitement, curiosity, and nervousness. Early this morning, he had received a letter.
He was to compete with someone at the arena.
Those who spar before the king tend to be rewarded, both the winners and losers, as long as one impresses the judge or the king himself.
Being chosen as one of the Alphas to fight in the Royal Combat is a big privilege, one that will lift his status and earn recognition in the eyes of the king.
Kael didn't really have problems with combat. He had learned quite a few things from his father, the late great warrior of the Ravenwood pack.
He could hear the roars of excitement from a distance.
Kael let out a shaky breath. He could do this.
Then, he made his way to the waiting chambers beneath the arena, where warriors prepared for battle.
A fight was still going on, and after that would be his.
“Alpha Kael Fangton. I was chosen for the night fight,” Kael introduced himself to the warrior in charge… Falcon.
Falcon gave him a light nod. “Right, here are the armor and that dagger is what you are to use.”
Kael blinked. “I thought the combats required no weapons.”
“You can do as you wish,” Falcon replied and walked past him.
Kael scoffed, glancing back at Falcon as he stepped out. “How curt of him,” he sighed before beginning to dress.
The scent of sweat and blood lingered in the air as a beta smashed another beta to the ground, dust curling in the air.
“Yesss!!!” Pericles groaned in excitement. Toran, however, watched with amusement.
If he were to regulate something like this… it would be a fight to the death. He imagined slave gladiators fighting until one of them died. How exciting.
Sadly, death rarely occurs in the arena.
Then it ended, the beta rewarded. The crowd spoke among themselves, clearly enjoying the show.
“Your turn, Alpha Kael Fangton,” Falcon announced, gesturing for the guards to open the gates.
Kael stepped out in his armor, holding his dagger tightly. His steps were light as his eyes scanned the audience; he could see some women flashing him smiles.
Oh that lovely feeling.
Then his eyes settled on Toran, who flashed him an assuring smile. Toran had assured him that perhaps the king was interested in him; that was why he was chosen to spar.
“Kael?” Pericles gave Toran a look.
“Just enjoy the show, Pericles,” Toran muttered, sipping from his favorite wine.
Pericles took a deep sigh, pity flashing in his eyes as he shook his head.
Oh poor Kael.
Well, this is going to be a good show afterall. He should just enjoy it, just like Toran had said.
Kael swallowed, controlling nerves before meeting the Grand King’s gaze and giving him a deep bow.
Duncan gently propped his chin with his right fist, a smirk dancing on his lips.