Fated and Claimed by Four Alphas
Chapter 62: The Challenges

Chapter 62: The Challenges

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Chapter 62

~Spring’s POV~

He reached in and pulled out a name.

Storm passed it to Jace.

"From Year One..." Jace announced, his grin spreading wide, "Grant Torres."

A wave of cheers rose from the first-year section. A lanky boy stood up, blinking like he’d just been slapped by fate.

Storm moved to the second globe.

It whirled for a few seconds and then came to a stop. Without wasting time, Storm moved calmly to pick out a name and then handed it over to Jace.

"From Year Two," Jace read, "Aria Fang."

A girl with short, white hair stood slowly, her face was calm, but her lips were pressed tightly. Fae, by the looks of her.

The final globe.

The exact sequence was repeated. Whirl. Stop.

Storm pulled the third slip and handed it over without looking at it.

Jace took it, unfolded the paper and voiced. "From Year Three," he finished, holding the paper up, "Oren Valtz."

A hulking figure in a sleeveless uniform rose without hesitation. He cracked his knuckles like he’d been waiting for this moment since birth.

The three chosen stepped onto the stage, each given a respectful nod by Storm before standing in front of a second orb—a shimmering Game Sphere.

Inside it were dozens of folded parchment slips—each one charmed, unreadable until drawn and opened by the enforcer.

"Pick one," Raphael ordered, voice deep and dry like ash. "Each," he said simply.

Without argument, they did.

Grant. Aria. Oren.

Three slips were handed to Raphael, who unrolled them slowly. The lights dimmed further as hush descended.

And Raphael read.

"Game One: Shatter Maze."

Murmurings ensued amongst the students. Some gasping and others just plain shock written across their faces.

My brows creased. I didn’t understand much about these games.

Raphael continued, thankfully. "A magically shifting mirror labyrinth. The rules are simple—get to the centre. But the walls shift every thirty seconds, and some mirrors reflect your worst fears. Touch the wrong one and you’re zapped back to the start. First to the centre wins."

My gaze darted to Lilith. She still wore her trademark smirk. I narrowed my eyes at her hands by her side and noticed a slight trembling.

"Game Two: Tower of Chains," Raphael stated once more.

I inhaled, expecting something much worse. And true to my thoughts, it was.

"A vertical race up a metal tower lined with suspended chains. Some are stable. Most are illusions. The climb includes blades that swing, timed gravity pulses, and spectral distractions. One fall and you’re out. Only the strongest and fastest survive."

This time, Lilith unclenched her fingers and smiled. It was either that she had played the game before or that she was acting. Regardless, losing wasn’t part of it.

"Game Three: Tidal Gauntlet."

I literally sighed. These weren’t games I was used to. Were the students against me, or was it just bad luck today? Tsk.

I did not bother looking at Lilith and focused on Raphael.

"A magically enhanced swimming pool. But this isn’t about laps—it’s survival. The fae and witches stationed around the pool will conjure strong artificial tides, whirlpools, and mental illusions. Contestants must swim against the tide and back again. The first one to finish wins. The rest? You don’t want to find out."

Gasps echoed through the auditorium.

Grant swallowed visibly. Aria blinked once and Oren smiled.

"These games," Storm said, stepping forward, "are a test of instinct, endurance, and will. They will not be easy. They are not meant to be."

"And what does the winner get?" someone called from the stands.

"The stakes have been set," Kael answered smoothly. "The winner shall become the Vice President and the loser... well."

"...And access to the upper-level combat archives," Mira added, her voice melodic. "That includes restricted content."

Oh. That was huge.

No wonder students suddenly looked like they wanted to volunteer. "Our two contestants/challengers shall please step forward for all to see." Tyrion looked around, hsi gaze finding mine.

"Lilith Astor," most of the students looked around, and then Tyrion added, "Student Council Vice President."

Everyone fell silent. "And Spring Kaine."

The cheers I had expected were down by 80% as students looked around, all wearing the same worried expressions.

It was no news that some people had placed their bets on me, but the games started made them wonder if they were too quick to try.

Raphael dismissed the three chosen students. The crowd was dismissed next, with a reminder to reconvene at the amphitheatre in an hour.

I stood, letting the excitement buzz through me.

"This is it," I muttered, more to myself than anyone. "The council just shook the school’s foundation."

Beside me, Eva nodded slowly. "And you’re about to shake theirs."

I smiled because I knew my challenge against Lilith was going to flip this academy inside out.

Lilith turned on her heel first. But I saw the tightness in her jaw. The small twitch in her fingers. And I knew—she was ready for battle.

This was me and Lilith. One-on-one.

Student vs. Council.

Hierarchy vs. Rebellion.

~30 Minutes Later – Arena Prep Hall~

The prep room was empty, silent like a tomb waiting for history to carve it open.

A single chandelier hung above me, casting shadows over my face as I stood before the polished mirror in the preparation chamber.

I wasn’t wearing anything too flashy. Just standard duelist gear—light enough for movement, sturdy enough for bruises. My sleeves were rolled back. My hair was tied high.

I stared at my reflection as Jade paced in my mind until the door opened behind me.

"You’re early," Lilith’s voice slithered in like poison smoke.

I turned slowly, but didn’t say anything.

She stepped forward, her coat slung over her shoulder, hair braided down her back like she was preparing for a coronation, not a fight.

"You know," she said, looking around the chamber, "most people would’ve forfeited by now. You know... taken the warnings and saved face."

I raised one brow. "Shame you’re not ’most people’ then."

Her smile was slow. "I’ll enjoy watching your pride break on that maze floor."

"Try not to get lost in it yourself," I returned.

She paused, her gaze flickering briefly to my hands. "You’re scared, right?" she asked.

I didn’t answer right away. I just stepped closer, so we were less than a foot apart.

"No," I said softly. "I’m ready."

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