Chapter 116

Lionel’s POV

“Today marks your third trial.”

“What is today?” I ask weakly. “Running through the forest…a treasure hunt?”

Each trial had gotten progressively more difficult. I had not forgotten the man’s last words to us. Knowing that this would be the worst of all did not inspire much confidence inside of me.

Mr. Holder does not dignify my joke with a response.

“In the first trial Alpha Lionel was the one to be tested. In the next it was Ms. Lupa being tested.” He reminds us.

“This trial will test both of you as a couple. You must endure this one together. As one soul in two bodies.”

‘Vague as ever.’ I think sardonically. Unease coming across the bond from both of us.

“Mr. Holder,” Nan begins. “that sounds almost sinister.”

It’s a weak joke. One meant to lighten the tension. I sense that there is a concerned edge to it.

He does not speak. That is not what alarms me. Not…it’s the utterly expressionless quality to his face.

His lack of expression makes my worry grow. The grouchy old man had always been partial to Nan. He was almost nice to her compared to everyone else.

His blank reaction to her obvious concern did not bode well for us.

I am proven right when he speaks again.

“To truly bond, you must prove that you are perfectly suited for each other.” He begins.

“You must be able to endure each other’s powers. To be utterly unscathed.” He says gravely.

There is a sinking feeling in my gut. I just know I will not like what he says next. “What does that mean?”

“In order to pass the test…you must set your flames on Nan. She must be able to endure them and come out unscathed.” He admits.

“Are you fucking crazy?” I growl. “You expect me to try and hurt my fated mate?”

‘The old man is crazy. Completely out of his mind.’ I think with rage.

“I’m supposed to be set on fire?” Nan blanches. “You can’t be serious.”

“Absolutely not. I will not try to hurt my mate.” I refute.

“Alpha Lionel, there is a reason this trial is the most difficult of all.” Mr. Holder says in an infuriatingly cool tone.

“Difficult?!” Nan laughs bitterly. “Says the one that is not getting set on fire.”

There is acidic fear bubbling in my belly. I know it is not mine. Feeling Nan’s fear for her life sets my temper off in the worst way.

‘Who did this arrogant jackass think he was?’ I seethe. Slight smoke curls out of my nostrils from the anger I am feeling.

“I’ve had enough of you endangering my mate. It is unacceptable.” I snarl.

The aggravating man does not even have the decency to look abashed.

“I understand that what I am asking of you is beyond the bounds of what is tolerable.” He utters.

“Do you?” I scoff.

“I do.” He says.

“Yet you are still going to ask us to do this?” Nan’s voice is bland. All previous traces of anger and disbelief washed away by grim acceptance.

I do not like that feeling at all.

“Every trial has been a struggle that each of you thought you might not be able to overcome. All necessary evils. In the end, the two of you came out with a stronger relationship and bond than ever.”

There is a conviction to his voice that is hard to fight against. The crazy old man genuinely believes in this. That setting my powers against my mate will make us stronger.

I do not see the logic in it. It goes against the very nature of my being to do this. A wolf protects their mate above all else.

How could the Moon goddess ordain this...this…affront of the gifts she gave her children?

I wonder once again if I have made a terrible mistake from my arrogance, Who was this man really? What gave him the authority to decide these things?

I can no longer keep my objections silent. I say these doubts out loud. Hoping to force some reaction of this man.

He does not speak at first. The silence still ringing with my accusation. I consider that perhaps my reproofs have finally gotten through to him.

“Mr. Holder.” Nan says roughly. “I have a question for you.”

“Yes?”

“If we do this-” She begins.

“Nan!” I interject sharply.

I am ignored.

“-and it fails…what will happen to me?” She asks tightly.

He meets her gaze head on. Unflinching. “You would most likely perish.”

“See?! It’s too risky!” I growl.

Nan is not paying me any mind. Her attention is directed at him. A battle of wills evident from their locked stares.

“I cannot guarantee your safety.” He admits.

“But I have never done so. The only one who can save you is yourselves. It’s the only way forward.”

Nan’s voice is brittle. “I almost failed the last task. I didn’t know what I was doing.”

“In the end you prevailed.” He kindly rejects.

“This seems like too much.” Nan protests weakly.

Her resolve against the trial is fading. Nearly nonexistent. I am at a loss for words on what to say.

“You must hold faith.” He tells us both.

“Every trial has been a test. A way to either break or strengthen your bond to each other. You have both made it this far.”

Now I feel myself wavering. My concern and hope fiercely battling it out. Damn that old man.

“Your love and your faith in each other are what will be your guiding lights. Trust in that. Trust in each other and you will not burn.”

His own trust and conviction in us is flattering. Dangerously so. I find myself nearly able to believe in his words.

Nan must sense my conflict.

“Lionel.” She calls to me.

I face her. There is a steeling determination in the straightening of her spine and clenched fists. Her eyes are dark steel.

‘Her mind has been made up,’ I realize. ‘But I am not so sure.’

“Do you trust me?” She asks.

It’s one I’ve heard before. The same one she asked just before revealing her miraculous powers. My answer had been clear then.

Just as it is now.

“With everything.” I echo.

“Then trust in me now.” She urges.

I shake my head. “It’s not a matter of trusting you. I would never forgive myself if I killed you.”

That had been one of my worst fears for a while now. Not only killing Nan. Hurting her.

I’ve hurt her in so many ways. Often when trying to protect her. It’s one of my greatest shames.

I did not know if I could bear to possibly hurt her again.

“You won’t.” Nan assures me.

I throw her an incredulous glare. “I won’t hurt you if I set you on fire?”

“Even when you were feral with hatred you never once hurt me.” She says. “I trust you.”

“That’s not the same thing!” I argue.

She steps closer. Her eyes are fierce. She cups my face tightly.

“I won’t let you. I have my own powers now. I have our bond.”

She smiles then.

“I’m not powerless anymore.”

I feel her take in my pain and shame into herself. Her acceptance and compassion soothing those burns with delicacy. Tear-inducing trust and bruising faith thrum through our bond.

It’s as if there is no true difference between us in that moment.

Mr. Holder’s previous words click in my mind. I gasp. The true meaning revealing itself in my heart.

‘One soul in two bodies.’

“Okay.” I swallow roughly. “What do we need to do?”

“Hold on to each other. Whatever is most comfortable for you. The skin-to-skin contact will make this slightly easier.”

I take Nan’s hands into mine. Her breathing has picked up. But I sense no desire to stop.

Mr. Holder looks seriously at Nan. “When he uses his powers, you must dig deep.”

“Dig deep?” She repeats dryly.

“There will be intense uncomfortableness. Bordering on pain. Try your best not to dwell on that.”

“Okay.” She sighs.

“Turn your attention to your bond. Any connection you feel. Focus on the love…it will be the thing that activates your powers.”

“You know about…” Nan gasps.

A half-smile flickers on his face. “Your powers will be the key to everything.”

He nods to me. “When you are ready.”

‘So never,’ I think nervously.

Nan nods encouragingly.

I let my inner flame burn hotter and hotter.

Then I set my flames upon Nan.