Page 47 of Mane Attraction
Lev Marcan was done playing the careless prince. Today, he would prove himself the king his pride deserved—and the mate worthy of the extraordinary woman who’d already saved his life in more ways than one.
The arena’s thunderous roar crashed over Lev as he stepped through the massive stone archway, each footfall echoing with the weight of destiny. Hundreds of pride members packed the tiered seating, their voices blending into a symphony of anticipation that made his chest tighten. The ceremonial blue jacket felt heavier than armor, its golden threading catching the light from Nova Aurora’s twin suns as they blazed overhead.
This is it,Lev thought, his lion prowling beneath his skin.The moment that determines everything.
Christoph stood at the center of the circular stage like a spider in his web, his silver hair gleaming as he raised his arms to quiet the crowd. The councilor’s ice-blue eyes held a satisfaction that made Lev’s jaw clench—the look of a man who believed victory was already his.
“Pride members of the Marcan Lion Dominion,” Christoph’s voice boomed across the arena, rich with false gravitas. “Todaywe witness the final test of our prince’s worthiness to lead. The loyalty test will prove whether Lev Marcan possesses the dedication and sacrifice necessary to serve his people above all else.”
Lev forced his expression into one of respectful attention while his mind raced. Every second counted now. Benjamin needed time to coordinate with Xelene and Janice, to identify the assassin lurking somewhere in this crowd. The mate bond hummed between him and Xelene even though she was banned from attending, her fierce determination and sharp focus bleeding through their connection and steadying his nerves.
“Before we begin,” Lev interrupted, stepping forward with deliberate confusion painted across his features, “I want to ensure I understand the parameters completely. The loyalty test today—it’s different from the one my father faced, isn’t it?”
Christoph’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. “Prince Lev, the basic structure remains consistent with tradition. But yes, it will be slightly different?—”
“But what exactly constitutes loyalty in this context?” Lev pressed, adopting the tone of an earnest student. “Are we measuring loyalty to the council specifically? To pride tradition? To the abstract concept of leadership itself?”
A muscle twitched in Christoph’s jaw. “Your loyalty to the pride and its protection, naturally.”
“Ah, but protection from what threats?” Lev tilted his head with feigned innocence. “Internal dissent? External invasion? Political manipulation?” He let that last phrase hang in the air like a blade. “I’d hate to respond inappropriately due to unclear expectations.”
The crowd murmured, some with amusement at their prince’s thoroughness, others with growing impatience. Christoph’s knuckles whitened as he gripped his ceremonial staff.
“The test will make the requirements clear instinctively, Prince Lev. Now, if we could proceed?—”
“Of course, Councilor. But while I have your attention,” Lev’s voice dropped to a more personal register, “how are you handling my father’s death? I know you and King Rorick had your disagreements over the years, but losing him so suddenly...” He shook his head with apparent sorrow. “His heart condition was manageable for so long. Strange how quickly it deteriorated in his final days.”
Christoph’s face went pale, then flushed red. “This is hardly the time for personal?—”
“You’re absolutely right,” Lev agreed solemnly. “My father would want me focused on the pride’s future, not dwelling on the past. Though I can’t help but think he’d still be here if someone hadn’t been causing him so much stress with political maneuvering and challenges to his authority.”
The accusation hung unspoken but unmistakable. Christoph’s eyes blazed with fury barely contained beneath his diplomatic mask. “Prince Lev, your father’s passing was a tragedy, but these conspiracy theories?—”
“Who said anything about conspiracies?” Lev asked with dangerous mildness. “I was simply reflecting on how stress affects the heart. My father always said the crown’s heaviest burden was knowing who to trust.” His gaze swept meaningfully over the council members. “He was such a good judge of character.”
The crowd had gone silent, sensing the undercurrent of tension crackling between prince and councilor. Christoph opened his mouth for what looked like a blistering retort, then caught himself, forcing his expression back to neutral.
“Your father was indeed wise,” Christoph said through gritted teeth. “Perhaps we could honor his memory by completing the trial as planned?”
Lev spotted movement in the back of the arena—Benjamin’s familiar figure slipping through the crowd. Their eyes met across the distance, and Benjamin gave the slightest nod.
The signal.
“You’re absolutely right, Councilor Christoph,” Lev said with sudden brightness. “Thank you for being so patient with my questions and concerns. I know some might see my thoroughness as irresponsible or unprepared, but I believe a true king should understand every aspect of what’s expected of him. Your calm guidance today was appreciated.”
Christoph’s smile returned, sharp with anticipation. “Excellent. Then let us begin the loyalty test.” His voice carried an edge of barely contained excitement. “This challenge will be... a surprise. You are to go to the center of the stage and wait. React as your instincts and loyalty demand to whatever unfolds.”
Lev nodded gravely. “I understand completely.”
He walked to the center of the circular stage, every muscle coiled with readiness. The crowd leaned forward in their seats, anticipation thick in the air. Through the mate bond, he felt Xelene’s fierce protectiveness surge—wherever she was, she knew the danger was about to begin.
Trust me,he projected to her through their connection.Trust us.
The arena fell silent except for the whisper of wind through the stone passages. Lev stood motionless, hyperaware of every shadow and every movement in his peripheral vision. Christoph watched from the side with barely concealed glee, while Crispin sat in the front row, his pale eyes bright with malicious anticipation.
Then it happened.
Three massive lions burst from concealed passages beneath the arena floor, their roars shaking the very stones. The crowdscreamed and surged backward as the beasts charged directly toward the council’s platform where the five elders sat in shock.
