Sanskar took a deep breath, his gaze steady as he addressed the gathered pack. "Swara is a hybrid, a wizard, and a werewolf as well, and she already has her wolf."

A murmur of surprise and curiosity spread through the crowd. Sanskar continued in a firm voice. "Swara's mother was a wizard, and her father was a werewolf. She inherited traits from both worlds."

Amit's expression darkened further, his disbelief evident. "This changes nothing," he spat. "You're still an outsider, meddling in affairs you don't understand."

Sanskar held up a hand, his voice commanding attention. "Enough, Amit. Whether Swara is a hybrid or not does not diminish her dedication to this pack. She has proven herself time and again."

Swara stepped closer to Sanskar, her gaze locking with Amit's defiantly. "I understand your reservations, Amit. But please, let us continue this tradition. Let us honor the memory of your brother and the former Luna."

Amit hesitated, torn between his convictions and the emotional weight of the moment. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he stepped back slightly, his voice softer but still tinged with bitterness. "Fine, continue with your celebration; I won't stir up any more trouble. Swara, sorry to misunderstand you and Alpha. Sanskar, you're the best alpha ever for the Crescent Moon."

With his final statement, Amit turned around to go back, but a sudden, jolting voice halted his steps. "This is not credible."

After quietly observing for a long time, Kavita finally moved forward, her eyes filled with a mix of envy and defiance as they fixed on Swara. She had relished the moment when Amit had challenged Swara, but he had retreated. 'I had hoped that Amit, with his experience as the former beta and oldest member of the pack, would handle Swara, but he's as useless as ever. I won't miss this chance,' Kavita thought to herself.

"Alpha Sanskar," Kavita began, her voice carrying across the gathering, "I challenge your claim that Swara is a hybrid. I've known her for years, and there's never been any hint of such a lineage in her." Her tone was sharp, filled with skepticism.

"And what gives you the right to question me?" Sanskar arched an eyebrow in disdain. "Oh gosh, why do insignificant people think they can challenge me? Kavita, let's set things straight: you're only alive and part of Crescent Moon, thanks to Swara. Be a good dog and don't bite the hand that keeps you safe," he warned, dismissing Kavita's objections without a second thought.

Kavita persisted. "I may have committed crimes and faced the consequences, but despite my grievances with Swara, I have never harmed the pack. My loyalty to Crescent Moon is unwavering, and my actions are always aimed at its improvement."

"That doesn't count," Sanskar declared resolutely.

He advanced, holding Swara by the waist, leaving no room for debate. However, Kavita swiftly moved and positioned herself in front of them, blocking their way.

"No, Alpha. I believe this affects the integrity of our pack. Swara shouldn't be leading traditions like the Talent Runs when her own background is in question," Kavita insisted, her voice gaining strength as she glanced at Adarsh for support.

Adarsh, standing on the sidelines with folded arms, nodded subtly, adding fuel to the fire of doubt. "I agree. Swara has never proven herself worthy of our trust or respect," he chimed in, his tone dismissive.

Swara, standing beside Sanskar, remained composed despite the challenge. "Kavita, Adarsh," she began calmly, "my lineage doesn't define my dedication to this pack or my ability to lead. The Talent Runs are about unity and showcasing our strengths, not questioning one's heritage."

"She's correct," Laksh asserted with a serious look. "Adarsh and Kavita, refrain from causing any disruption and honor our longstanding traditions. Luna deserves our respect for reviving this, her first gift to Crescent Moon."

Arrogant Adarsh and Kavita ignored the new beta's authority. "Laksh, you have no business lecturing us; you're just a dog," Adarsh sneered, jabbing a finger at Laksh.

"Even if I am a dog, I am the most loyal one," Laksh countered defiantly.

"You..." Adarsh's frustration boiled over, his hand tensing, but Swara intervened, her patience wearing thin.

"Stop! I've had my fill of trouble on what should be a joyous occasion for my pack. Adarsh and Kavita, what is it that you want?" she demanded, snorting in exasperation.

"We don't see you fit to lead the Talent Runs. It's best if you stop trying. You don't belong with us," Adarsh asserted bluntly, laying out their demands. Both he and Kavita sought to undermine her in front of the entire pack.

"Adarsh, wait..." Sanskar started to intervene, but Swara halted him with a touch, silently assuring him she would handle it.

"I refuse to dampen everyone's spirits just to stroke your egos. I've already given you enough respect and listened to your useless objections, but the final decision will be mine," Swara asserted firmly, fulfilling her role as Luna.

Kavita's eyes flashed with defiance. "Then prove yourself, Swara. If you're truly capable, accept my challenge. Let's settle this once and for all," she challenged, her voice cutting through the murmurs of the gathered pack members.

Sanskar's demeanor turned steely. "Kavita, you're out of line to question Swara. Know your place, or I'll remind you," he warned sharply, his gaze intense as he motioned for the guards.

Swara quickly grasped his arm, signaling him not to act rashly.

Though Kavita bristled, she didn't back down. "I know Swara has Luna status, but she doesn't deserve to lead. She's not one of us."

"Swara has proven herself time and again. She has my trust, and that should be enough. But if you insist on this challenge, know that it won't change her worth or my decision." Sanskar reluctantly conceded, granting permission for Swara to confront the situation head-on.

Swara placed a reassuring hand on his arm, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination. "I accept your challenge, Kavita," Swara declared, her voice steady. "But let it be known, it's about determining who is truly deserving. If you lose, stay out of my path in the future."

"If I win, you won't have any authority to lead Crescent Moon as Luna," Kavita asserted, only to be interrupted by Sanskar.

"This decision is not yours to make. As I mentioned, Swara's status will remain unchanged regardless of the outcome."

"I accept," Swara declared resolutely.

The pack murmured with anticipation as the challenge was accepted, and Sanskar invited his trainer, Master Ahuja, to judge the competition.

"The rules for this head-on challenge," Mr. Ahuja began, outlining the established guidelines of the Talent Runs. "Rule number one: Each participant may execute only one attack at a time, allowing the opponent the opportunity to evade. Rule number two: Attacks must not be fatal. Rule number three: If an opponent remains incapacitated for more than 20 seconds after an attack, the attacker will be declared the winner. Rule number four: Participants are permitted to utilize all of their abilities, as this event serves to showcase their skills. And finally, rule number five, which is paramount: Any breach of these rules may lead to the guilty party being banished by the alpha. Do you both comprehend?"

"We do," Swara and Kavita responded in unison.

They all looked at Sanskar, sitting in the center chair. He nodded reluctantly, knowing this confrontation would test the pack's unity. "Very well," he said finally, his tone grave. "Let the challenge begin."

The first round concluded in a stalemate, with both showcasing their physical abilities. Kavita had been certain she could overpower Swara effortlessly, only to be caught off guard by the force behind Swara's punches.

As the next round began, Kavita transformed into a wolf and attacked Swara, who skillfully evaded the strike. Then, it was Swara's turn. As she transformed into a wolf and Pratha appeared, everyone marveled at the sight of a unique red-colored wolf, creating a moment of awe among the onlookers.

Pratha didn't engage Kavita directly but instead feinted a few times before retreating. Kavita's visible unease and exaggerated reactions to Pratha's maneuvers made her the subject of ridicule among the spectators.

Feeling humiliated, Kavita's anger flared. With a loud growl, she summoned her fire element, extending her hand ablaze with flames. In a swift motion, she formed a fireball and launched it towards Swara.

Swara swiftly shifted into her human form and exhaled forcefully, unleashing a gust of wind as powerful as a storm, instantly extinguishing the fireball.

The pack members gathered around to witness the heated duel of wills, with hope that this conflict would ultimately strengthen the power of the pack, but tension arose when Kavita, the most powerful she-wolf, had her most powerful attack defended by Swara with ease.

With that, Amit turned abruptly and exited the pack land while shaking his head, knowing the result of the challenge. He wanted the best for his pack but left behind a palpable tension that lingered in the air.

The pack members exchanged uncertain glances, waiting for Swara to make her next attack.

Swara sighed and unleashed a sudden laser-like attack from her eyes. She intentionally used her wizard's power, knowing that Kavita and many others often looked down on wizards. Before Kavita could comprehend what was happening, the attack struck her, sending her flying and leaving her unconscious.