Hello peeps! I just decided to write this Scratch series called the Wolves of Obsidian and this is the next chapter. Enjoy! Cover by @squirrelflight1010! CHAPTER 26 Swiftflight licked at a small scar on her leg from the battle with EmberPack, nibbling at the frayed edges. Her heart was thumping so hard she was afraid it would burst out of her chest. It was time. Time for one of the most grim and terrible Trials. The Sacrifice Trial. No Battle for the Beta contestant was told what they'd be faced up against, but Swiftflight had heard of wolves who had not survived this Trial due to some terrible 'accident'. As Swiftflight was thinking this, a deep, baying howl echoed through the shadowy passageways of DarkPack territory. Swiftflight froze. Obsidian was calling them for the Sacrifice Trial.... right now. She staggered to her paws from where she was lying on a cosy moss-bed, her head booming with a frenzied anxiety. Beside her, Titan gave a faint moan of worry as he, too, clambered clumsily to his powerful paws. He might be able to beat whatever's waiting, Swiftflight thought faintly as she padded down the passageway to the exit of the cave, where all of the contestants would make there way to the sinisterly-named Clearing of Bloodshed, but I'm not sure I could... Swiftflight raised her head to gaze at Obsidian who was seated majestically on the temporary Alpha's Rock in the middle of the muddy clearing. "You probably already know why I have summoned you," Obsidian barked. Swiftflight felt a shiver of sympathy for her, despite her condition. The misty-grey Alpha looked flustered and weary, yet she was still coping, for the well-being and strength of her Pack. "This is one of the most serious Trials. This isn't make-believe any more-" she lowered her head to look solemnly into each contestant's eyes. "-This is real. You'll have to face one of our most powerful and fierce enemies... You'll have to ultimately prove your loyalty and devotion to your Alpha and your Pack. We don't need Lynx any more... It'll be me." Swiftflight shivered, unsure if she wanted to know what the 'it' in this Trial was. Swiftflight was interrupted by a muffled thump as Obsidian propelled herself strongly off the rock. Her eyes were deeper and more grim than Swiftflight had ever seen them before. "The first wolf I choose shall come with me where my party of warriors are waiting." She scoured her eyes meaningfully across the sea of wolves. Swiftflight's blood thumped in her ears as her Alpha's piercing gaze fell on her. No! she thought fearfully. No, no, no- "Swiftflight, come with me," Obsidian boomed, though her eyes were gentle and calm. Soothing, almost. Swiftflight felt herself gliding over to her Alpha. She felt a prickle: Bloodsight's uncomfortable, pink gaze on the back of her neck and her paw twitched as if it had a life of its own. "This way." Obsidian's powerful growl interrupted Swiftflight. Swiftflight lifted her head and nodded to show she had heard. Alpha's shaggy grey haunches vanished through a thick, spiky bush and Swiftflight followed her, wincing as thorns pricked at her delicate paw pads and muzzle. She almost bumped into Obsidian as she stopped. There was a ring of eight warriors, each had something clasped in their jaw. Swiftflight narrowed her eyes, trying to see what it was- A bellowing roar interrupted Swiftflight and she let out a yelp of pure fear, scrambling back. Behind the warriors stood a menacing, deep-chested, hulking shape... "Bear!" Swiftflight yelped in an agony of fear. "Let the beast come forth," Obsidian growled. Swiftflight felt a dizzying fear choke her throat and all she could do was watch, wide eyed as the warriors silently parted, letting the bear come forward. Obsidian stepped forward, towards the bear. Swiftflight gave a low whine of fear and uncertainty. What in Lupus' name is she DOING? She thought anxiously, her gaze trained on the bear's huge, shaggy paws. Then, with a terrifying, grating snarl the bear lunged forward, its jaws slavering. The warriors stood there stiffly, a low chant rumbling in their throats. "Attack... attack... attack..." they rasped. Swiftflight's tail spun with fear. They're willing the bear on! she realized through the dense mist of fear. The bear was charging closer, closer. Obsidian's eyes held no panic. Just a deep, deathly calm. Swiftflight's protective instincts whirred and a certainty stole over her. I must protect Alpha, she thought. Even if I die. She lunged forward, eyes closed and paws outstretched, right in the bear's path, protecting Obsidian. She closed her eyes waiting for the crunch of its fangs on her bones... But it never came. There was a heavy clanking sound of chains as the warriors shoved it back, pulling the chains - and the bear - back. Swiftflight opened her eyes, mid-leap. Obsidian's eyes were shining as she turned to Swiftflight. "That's just what you needed to do!" she yelped joyfully, wagging her tail warmly.
Swiftflight was too dazed to say anything. Lupus, she silently thought. If the Death Trial is like this... I'm not sure I can do it... The calm that was over her lifted, leaving only a deep, heavy sense of dread. Chapter 27 it out, go check it out-
