The Rogue is a Female Alpha novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Zephyrine

Night fell over the Lycan Kingdom like a heavy cloak. Torches flickered along the stone courtyard, casting long, jagged shadows.

The massive gate swung open, and werewolves poured in, filling the arena with low murmurs and restless energy.

The trial had been announced suddenly, and I couldn’t turn away. Not when Dessyn’s safety and perhaps pride was on the line.

I lingered at the back of the arena, scanning the crowd as the Lycan members and visiting werewolves settled into their seats.

Every eye seemed fixed on one figure. Kaela Yadev, the empire’s most refined female archer. I knew the truth. No one here cared about a rogue like me. They expected me to fail.

A ripple of gasps ran through the crowd as Kaela entered. Her hair was braided tight, her dress fitted for movement, and a gleaming bow rested in her hands.

She carried herself with the arrogance of someone who knew they were untouchable. Nyroth walked beside her, chest puffed, his gaze alight with possessive pride, as if the arena itself belonged to him.

I lowered my gaze. My heart clenched, but then I saw Dessyn, eyes fixed on me, her hands clutching a bow and quiver she extended toward me.

“Thanks, Zephyr, for doing this,” she muttered. “Alpha Auedric told me to give them to you for the trial.”

I blinked, staring at the bow. It bore the crest of the Moon Pack. I would represent them tonight. Relief and pride swelled inside me as I looked at Dessyn. We exchanged a brief, knowing smile.

“Alpha Auedric is taking a risk trusting me with this,” I whispered.

“More than anything.” Dessyn said, determination hardening her voice. “You are the goddess of war. This is nothing.”

I swallowed, gripping the bow. My focus snapped back to Kaela, who was already at the back too, smirking at me with utter confidence before walking away without words.

Nyroth didn’t followed her immediately, he came over to me, eyes glinting as he glanced at my face.

20

“You love making a fool of yourself, Zeph, don’t you?” he spat, stepping forward and grabbing my arm.

I tried to pull away.

“Let go.”

“You’re about to embarrass yourself! It’s not too late to yield. Do you really think you can go head–to–head with Kaela?”

I said nothing. He tightened his grip.

“For once, Zeph! Do what’s right! Be reasonable!”

A trumpet blared, signaling the start of the trial. I jerked my arm free.

“This is the right choice,” I snapped, voice low and tense. “The best I’ve made in five years.”

Dessyn rushed forward, gripping my hands. For a heartbeat, the world fell silent between us, our unspoken understanding filling the space. Then I stepped into the arena.

The cheering was deafening until my eyes fell on Kaela. She sat tall on her horse, bow at the ready, smirk unwavering.

Kaela’s arrows hit perfectly again. Now it was my turn. I leaned with the horse, aiming for the bullseyes. Each shot struck clean and true. The murmurs shifted, some began to cheer my skill. Kaela’s smirk faltered once again but I ignored her.

Stage three.

1

The lantern swayed high above, the final target and I had to pierce it while on a moving horse. Kaela set her bow, and I understood immediately. The night was not going as she had hoped.

She glanced at my horse, studying it with that sharp, calculating gaze. I could swear her lips curved into a mocking smile, amused at its wildness.

Then, with determined speed, she kicked her horse into motion. The bowstring sang, the arrow flew but it missed. Murmurs rose from the crowd, disappointment threading through the air.

Kaela pulled back, reins in hand, glancing at me with a mixture of frustration and disbelief. She tried again, slowing her horse

this time.

The arrow hit the target but there was no cheering, no triumph. Not the way she had imagined. Her expression faltered for just a heartbeat, and I almost smiled at the subtle flash of disbelief on her face.

I turned to the wild horse beside me, letting my hands soothe it, calming its restlessness. It held steady for a moment as 1 readied my bow, aiming at the swaying lantern. Then, without warning, the horse bolted straight toward the arena wall. Gasps rippled through the spectators at the speed, but I didn’t falter.

With perfect timing, I released the arrow while riding at full speed. Just before the horse would have crashed, I rolled with fluid precision, landing on my feet in perfect balance. The arrow struck true, the lantern shattered cleanly.

Silence froze the arena for a heartbeat so sharp it made hearts skip. Then, as realization dawned, jubilation erupted but this time, it was for me, not Kaela Yadev. The tide had turned.