Chapter 10: Trouble Brewing
Ev didn't know if he should've stopped the duel or not. It felt unnecessary and something that would only end in ill feelings on either end. If Zhian won, Othe would not take it well and may even lash out at the omega, but if Othe won, Zhian would lose the tentative respect he gained because of his title from most of the Firstdawn.
He glanced down the line with a grimace, knowing full well that there were others there who were eager to see the omega fail, whether knowingly or not. He didn't think so lowly of Zhian to wonder if he knew so as well, but this was a risk with high stakes.
Cal nudged him at that moment, just as Zhian and Othe began getting into position, and subtly pointed at the Unclaimed Etas. They all watched the interaction like a hawk, even the senior Kappas from across the arena.
With a few quick strides, he took Othe by the shoulder, pulling him back a step. Othe sent a glare at him, his lips curling in a snarl, but his expression dropped to confusion when he saw it was Ev.
"Keep your word, Othe," Ev warned with a low voice before letting go. "Respect who you're fighting. Lose your temper, and we could have a diplomatic mess on our hands."
Othe nodded his head slowly at that. He didn't look pleased in the slightest by the intervention, but he didn't dare go against him. Satisfied with the agreement, Ev stepped back into line, sending a nod at Zhian. Zhian did the same, and Ev almost missed a small smile before it disappeared back into neutrality.
Ardin stepped forward, his hand raised, signaling for the opponents to ready themselves.
"Formalities," he said, and Zhian and Othe bowed to each other. Meanwhile, Ev heard Cal scoff at how Othe refused to break eye contact, disregarding Zhian's higher rank. As usual, Zhian acted like he didn't notice.
Ardin dropped his hand down.
For a few tense seconds, neither of the opponents moved. Both had their swords low, stance wide, and grips loose. The smirk Othe wore dropped, revealing the apprehension he felt. The Firstdawn on the sidelines looked at each other uneasily, wondering what on earth was going on. They all expected Zhian to attack first since those with smaller builds were more suited to fighting with speed rather than strength. Ev kept his eyes glued to the duel, however, and he was able to see the exact moment Zhian moved.
In a single stride, Zhian crossed the distance, and Othe only had enough time to raise his blade. But just as they connected, Zhian took a step further, locking his hilt against Othe's sword. It didn't take much for Zhian to force the sword to the ground having thrown Othe off guard. One more turn, and Othe found something sharp at his neck.
The fight was over before it had begun.
"Defeat. Back to positions."
Zhian stepped back into place, bowing his head in courtesy, while Othe stayed still, processing what just happened. A chorus of laughter erupted when people gained their senses.
Ev saw the corner of Zhian's mouth twitch into a frown.
"I don't recall hearing laughter in any of the previous evaluations," Zhian said, raising his voice enough to be heard. The laughter immediately ceased. "Care to tell me why you're laughing now?"
All stayed quiet.
"Nobody?" Zhian looked directly at one of the Firstdawn. "You?"
The Firstdawn immediately averted his gaze.
Dissatisfied, Zhian looked at another. "Speak."
The second kept his head down, but said a quiet, "Because he was defeated by an omega."
"Care to come forward and say that a little louder?"
Even quieter, "No, Zeta."
Zhian let out a huff before turning away. "Wise man."
Before he fully disengaged, Zhian turned to Othe one last time. "Keep your mind honed on your opponent. Rely on what you know. The moment you let yourself doubt, it leaves you wide open."
It was late into the night when they gathered around the long table again, all there to decide what would be done next.
"This is more concerning than we thought," one of the Gammas said. "The Everborns are moving at alarming rates!"
"And there were troops spotted outside the Irhart Pack," said a Delta. "Alpha, I don't think we can stay here any longer. Either that, or we need to start preparing."
The Tau then stood, his hands held in a placating position. "Calm down, everyone, they were still within their territory. Simply walking past the borders doesn't mean they plan to invade; there exists border control."
"I'm inclined to believe that," Beroux added. "There's been many false alarms like this, and we already have someone going to check along with the Irhart Alpha."
"Gamma Issilo?" Zhian blurts, furrowing his brow.
"Yes." Soleva stood, silencing the chatter. "Gamma Issilo has personal matters to attend to as well, but while she was there I requested she confirm if this movement was a threat or not."
There was a moment of silence as the information was processed.
"With that out of the way," Soleva said, "now we must discuss who will take over training."
Beroux moved to raise his hand, but his mate, another Gamma named Raza, made him put it back down.
"Your back, dear," she said, patting his hand as he gave a resigning sigh. She then looked at one of the younger Gammas. "What about you, Luin?"
"I'm afraid I have my hands full with border security, which I'm hesitant to step away from during this time?"
"What about one of the Deltas?"
Zhian knew his father too well, from the furrow of his brow as he mulled it over to the slight shift in his seat. He knew he would offer to take the position even though he already had many other duties. Just as Han opened his mouth to speak, Zhian stood.
"I'll do it."
Everyone's attention snapped to him, and even Soleva's eyes widened in surprise. Zhian bowed his head at that, bobbing it slightly as an apology for disrupting the conversation so suddenly.
"Zhian..." Soleva started slowly, her lips compressed into a small frown, but her eyes were considerate and she nodded her head in subconscious approval. "You are skilled and quick on your feet, but your lack of experience is what I hesitate on. This is a large undertaking. Are you sure you can do this?"
"I will need help if I was to continue this, such as how Tovi and Ardin helped with today, but I've already completed the evaluations. There were...challengers, I'll admit." Zhian sighed. "That's not something that'll completely stop, though. But it's better if it was me rather than any of you who already have duties within the pack, especially when we're unsure of the Everborn's intentions."
"I'll be mentoring him," Han said from where he sat.
"I'm sure we'll all take part in that," Beroux chuckled before addressing Soleva. "It's drastic, but you wouldn't be considering it if you thought it would be too much, Soleva. Besides, I'm curious about how a mix of Han and Enya's teaching style would be."
A laugh bubbled out of Raza. "Terrifying."
"Or nurturing, given Han's nature."
"Back on topic," Soleva redirected, but there were the crinkles of laughter around her eyes at the digression. "And after these points, I'm willing to put Zhian in charge of the Firstdawn. Hands around the table?"
Everyone laid their hand on the table, showing their favor of the decision.
"It's decided, then. Zhian, keep me informed, and don't hesitate to ask for help."
Zhian bowed his head. "Thank you, Alpha."
Apologies for the tardiness of this chapter, but I had a friend who was feeling down all week. He's doing better, though! But you know what would make me feel better? If you left a vote on this chapter! XD
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