Chapter Thirty Six: Unfortunate Turn Of Event

Layla's point of view 

I looked at the rest of the girls. I couldn't be more than happy that today was coming. I didn't want anyone tampering with my mood, and knowing fully well that it was going as I had planned... before I started anything, I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled," A Luna in the making"

We stood before the whole people; they came from the four corners of the kingdom, wanting to see before them the maiden that would break down in tears and would have to leave. This would be a satisfying sight. 

"I welcome. You are all here today. I can see how much we all love our traditions and customs. It's a beautiful day, isn't it?" The alpha's dad said in a loud voice. The whole kingdom cheered as he spoke with so much command, and his command was crowned with power and recognition by his people. 

"Yes, we all do,"  they all responded to him as he continued, "First, we would allow the maiden to come out to introduce themselves to you officially, and as you all know, one person will be going out today, all voted to by the council.".

There were so many traditions that were held up right in this kingdom, but today makes a difference, and it will only bring unity, but as far as I know, none has.

"Before that, let the maidens speak up."

I couldn't wait for the part where the alpha's dad would announce whoever was leaving, and to make matters worse, I wished two of the ladies would be sent packing. But I knew all this would've been possible, and knowing fully well it wouldn't happen, I held my shoulders high. 

I am the first to come out to announce to the whole kingdom who I am.

"My name is Layla. I am one of the chosen. I am the daughter of Martha the Great. Thank you." There was a loud roar as they all cheered us all on.

The rest of the maidens came out one after the other and said,

"My name is Jackia, the daughter of the great goldsmith; I am one of the chosen," they cheered her on, but I secretly smiled as they would all cry along with her, as she made her way out of the palace.

I looked through the crowd to see if her parents were there or not, so I could enjoy the show to the fullest. Life definitely is fair for those who know how to rule it. 

After what looked like hours, the alpha's dad finally came out to address the people once again and to tell us who was leaving.

"Since that has been done, and to top it all, the maidens have been on their best behavior  throughout.".

Well, that wasn't true if we were to judge by what happened last night. I looked at Jackia, who subconsciously looked at me as I smiled at her. Knowing what the smile meant, she looked away from me. 

I could sense the tension right in her, and I was enjoying every bit of it as I waited patiently for the alpha's dad to continue with the announcement,

"Until last night, one of them portrayed a horrible act today that we see not to fit the attributes of a great Luna. It is so unfortunate it is coming from someone my heart has melted for since the beginning of the competition.".

At that time, my mother walked in, leaving me no chance of losing. Making my mother proud was my top priority and that I would achieve today. 

"The person that the moon goddess has shown me to cut off today, even though I wish not to, is none other than Layla."

We all shouted, "What? I was short of words at the moment before I got my voice back. "This can't happen. I have been on my best behavior, your highness. I do not see the reason why I should be removed. The person that should be removed is this dirty-looking Jackia.

Didn't you all see what she and her wolf almost did to us last night?" I asked, looking at the alpha's dad, and then to my mother, who was not just pissed off but also stood up and walked towards where we were.

The guards stopped her from invading, but I didn't care; she was hurt at the moment, but I just want to know what happened. "It's not about what happened last night, mind you, my dear Layla. I love you, and you know that.".

"I don't know what you are talking about; I do not deserve to be let go, Jackia is; she has since day one been of no use and has tried to run away; she has always been late for each gathering, and you say I am the one to leave.".

Tears dropped from my eyes as I looked at Jackia. I walked towards her and said, "I know this is you trying to chase me away...

" She stepped back a little bit, not knowing what to do. "But let me warn you, I will do everything in my power to see to you leave".

I spat on the floor with pained emotions; I couldn't bear to lose Ralph; the turn-up of the event was really toiling with my sense of reasoning: "You can't possibly be talking to me in that manner. I know how pained you are, but I am not the one who said it.".

The fact that she still has the guts to speak to me in that way pisses me off the more.

"You watch your back." Was the last word that left my mouth, but I left the whole kingdom standing. 

The turn-up for the event was a heartbreaking point for me. I ran to my room and couldn't hold it in anymore as I cried my lungs out, "How can this happen to me now? I was close to achieving it. What then happened to me?".

It took several hours to be able to stand up to pack my things and leave; this was the hardest moment of my life as I walked out of the room, through the long corridors, and saw my mother waiting outside for me. 

As soon as she spotted me, she broke down in tears. I walked up to her and hugged her as I made my way back home with my mother. We couldn't speak about the turn-up of the event, nor was I in the mood to say anything.

As soon as I got home, I went straight to my room and locked myself in. My mother came calling, but I was way too broken to want to hear any word of consolation from anybody, including her.