Page 38 of Mane Attraction
Xelene managed a smile that she hoped looked supportive rather than desperate. “Show them who you really are.”
As Lev stepped onto the stage, Xelene made her way to the designated seating area where Janice and Benjamin waited.Her legs felt unsteady, and she was grateful for the chair that appeared beneath her just as her knees threatened to give out.
“Well, that was subtle,” Janice murmured.
“We’re maintaining our cover,” Xelene replied automatically, but even she could hear how hollow the words sounded.
Christoph’s voice boomed across the arena. “Citizens of the Marcan Pride, we gather today for the Trial of the Sun and to witness the first test of our potential future king. Prince Lev will demonstrate his strength, his ability to defend our people, and lead us through any threat we may face.”
The crowd’s roar was deafening, but Xelene barely heard it. Her attention was fixed entirely on Lev as he stood in the center of the stage, every line of his body radiating confidence and controlled power. This was the man she’d helped create—the true king who’d been hiding beneath the surface all along.
“The first test will be combat,” Christoph continued, his voice cutting through the noise. “Prince Lev will face an opponent chosen by the council to demonstrate his skills in both human and lion form.”
A figure emerged from the wings of the stage, and Xelene’s blood ran cold. Crispin Vashan moved with predatory grace, his pale blue eyes fixed on Lev with unmistakable hunger. The man she’d instantly disliked at King Rorick’s funeral now stood as Lev’s opponent, and every instinct screamed that this was no coincidence.
Through their bond, she felt Lev’s surprise give way to annoyance, then harden into grim determination. His shoulders straightened, and she caught the slight smile that curved his lips—not a charming grin, but something far more dangerous.
He’s not intimidated. Good.
The combat began with human forms, and Xelene found herself holding her breath as the two men circled each other. Crispin was aggressive from the start, throwing heavy punchesdesigned to overwhelm rather than outmaneuver. But Lev moved like water, deflecting and redirecting with the kind of fluid grace that spoke of years of combat training.
Control and precision, not aggression and recklessness.
She’d drilled those words into him over the past four days, pushing him to channel his natural strength into something more refined. Watching him now, she felt a fierce pride at seeing her mate excel.
Crispin’s frustration grew as his attacks failed to land solidly. He pressed harder, his movements becoming less controlled and more desperate. But Lev remained calm, patient, waiting for the perfect opening.
When it came, Lev struck with devastating efficiency. A perfectly timed counter-attack sent Crispin stumbling, and Lev followed through with a combination that left his opponent on the ground, breathing hard.
“Shift,” Christoph commanded, and both men began the transformation.
Xelene had seen Lev’s lion form before but witnessing it in this context—as a display of royal power—took her breath away. His massive form dominated the stage, that magnificent golden mane catching the light like a crown. Even in lion form, he radiated authority.
Crispin’s lion was impressive in its own right, but smaller, paler, lacking the sheer presence that Lev commanded. When they engaged in combat, the difference became even more apparent.
But something was wrong. Through their telepathic link, Xelene caught fragments of what Crispin was saying to Lev—taunts about his human mate, suggestions that she was a weakness, threats about what would happen to her if Lev didn’t fail today.
Focus,she projected through their bond, pushing every ounce of confidence and strength she possessed toward him.Stay in control. Show them your power.
The change was immediate and dramatic. Lev’s lion seemed to grow larger, more imposing, as if her faith was literally strengthening him. His movements became more fluid, more devastating, and within moments he had Crispin pinned beneath him in complete submission.
The crowd erupted. Her entire focus though was on Lev as he shifted back to his human form and began dressing, his chest heaving with exertion but his expression triumphant. When their eyes met across the distance, the intensity of his gaze made her feel like they were the only two people in the arena.
Christoph’s voice cut through her haze. “The strength test is concluded.”
Something in his tone made Xelene frown. The test had felt abbreviated, as if they’d only seen a fraction of what Lev was capable of. Past trials had included demonstrations of endurance, agility, and strategy—this had been little more than a simple combat match.
What game are you playing, Christoph?
But her analysis was cut short as Lev stepped down from the stage and began walking toward her. Every rational thought fled as she watched him approach, his eyes burning with an intensity that caused her pulse to race.
She should maintain her professional composure. Should remember that hundreds of people were watching. Instead, she found herself rising and moving toward him as if pulled by an invisible force. The mate bond sang, drowning out every logical protest her mind could muster.
When they met at the edge of the stage, Lev’s arms came around her without hesitation. She melted into his embrace, her careful control finally cracking under the weight of her pride inhim, her relief that he was safe, and the overwhelming rightness of being in his arms.
“You were magnificent,” she whispered against his ear, not caring who might overhear.
“I couldn’t have done it without you,” he replied softly. “I felt your strength and your belief in me. It made all the difference.”
