Chapter One

Alice trudged through the dense forest, her heart heavy with the weight of rejection and more with humiliation and shame. The Dauntless pack, the only home she had ever known, was now far behind her, and she was searching for a new beginning. She had always known that she was different from the other werewolves in the pack. While they trained and honed their strength, she spent her days buried in books and learning all she could about the world around her. Even though she was top of her class, No one ever reckoned her for her excellence in the area of knowledge, 

The focus has always been on her lack of strength. She knew she wasn’t weak; she was just not as strong. 

When her mate Clark, the Alpha, rejected her for her lack of physical prowess, she wasn't completely surprised. But still, the rejection stung.

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We were on the training ground, surrounded by tall mahogany trees the moonlight shining brightly on us trainer was standing to the side hollering instructions at us; Defend, Attack, side-track and other things I couldn’t seems to remember.

I was panting heavily with sweat dripping down my face could feel my legs bulking as I tried to keep us with my opponent, Jane. Jane has been my sparring partner for a few weeks now, and each time I got my ass wiped by her. I have been trying and training hard to catch up with her, but it seems like the more I try, the more I lose.

Today was no different; Jane was way too fast, strong, and more accurate. Determined, I tried my possible best as I kept dodging and striking back with all my might, but no matter how hard I tried, she was always one step ahead of me.

Despite the coach’s encouraging words from the side, I could feel myself losing ground. From the corner of my eyes, I sighted the Alpha, and for a moment, I panicked; what must he be thinking of me by now? I tried way harder, trying to impress him, at least even if it was just a little bit.

After what seemed like years, the trainer called an end to the practice " Good job Ladies, let's stop here before you pull out each other's throats or wolf out" I collapsed on the ground, exhausted as I tried to catch my breath; I looked up to Jane, who was still standing tall, smirking. I suddenly felt a pang of frustration and sadness. I have tried so hard and despite all my effort, I still lost. Maybe I am just not cut out for this, I sigh with a single tear rolling out of y eyes which I quickly wiped off.

I heard the whistle signaling for us to leave the area and get back to the classroom, Jane offered me a hand to help me up and patting my shoulder to signal that there were no hard feelings, this is what everyday looks like for us in the Dauntless Pack. Training and sparring endlessly in the early morning hours before we has to go to the classroom to learn War tactics, Leadership and counselling. 

"You are getting better Alice". Jane said. I smiled up at her, taking a large gulp of water "I really wish that was true, I've still got a long way to go in improving and becoming better, don't you think?".

"Well that's because you are a book genius, top of the class right from elementary" She shrugs, winking.

"And top-bottom in training" I said with a bitter smile, sighing deeply.

"No one is perfect, Alice. Come on, let's go freshen up before class starts" she said hoping towards the changing room. 

I tried to push down the feelings of disappointment as I focus on the class ahead as I went to freshen up and change my cloth. I dashed into the class almost as soon as the teacher, Mr. Smith entered. 

The entire class was full of shifting, restless bodies. My fellow students squirmed in their seats and whispered to each other, as if trying to distract themselves from the subject at hand. But I didn't join in their chatter. I was too busy trying to focus on the lesson, scribbling down notes in my notebook. If I could not focus on training ground, I could focus in classroom.

The topic for today was tactics. It was a subject close to my heart, something that resonated with me on a deep level. As a member of a werewolf pack, I knew the importance of being able to lead my fellow wolves into battle, And the skills we were learning in this class could be the key to victory.

As the teacher began drawing diagrams on the whiteboard, I leaned forward, eagerly taking in every detail. I was completely focused, barely even noticing the fidgeting and shuffling of my classmates.

But then the teacher asked a question. It was a tricky one, something that required a deep understanding of the subject matter. I didn't hesitate, my hand shooting up into the air. I answered with confidence, knowing that I had the correct answer.

There were murmurs of approval from the other students, and I felt a small sense of pride wash over me. But I didn't let it distract me. I was too busy learning, too invested in this lesson to be anything but completely focused.

As the teacher continued speaking, I found myself getting more and more excited. The tactics we were learning were ingenious, full of clever twists and turns. They would be perfect for the battlefield leaving the enemies dumbfounded.

I looked around the room, noticing how my classmates were struggling to keep up. Some of them were jotting down notes, but I could tell they didn't really understand. 

The teacher continued to speak, but my mind was elsewhere. I was lost in my own thoughts, imagining myself leading my pack into battle with the knowledge I had gained. I saw myself weaving through the enemy lines, using our tactics to outmaneuver them and emerge victorious. If only just learning the tactics is enough for one to be reckoned with in the Dauntless Pack.

Ideally, I will love to become an advisor and maybe get assigned in other packs too, it will give me a chance to explore other packs, meet new werewolves, learn their culture and practices. Every pack has it's own culture and practices, Dauntless pack is about strength, but I also have heard of other packs having a different practice-- I will like to find out.

It was then that the teacher, Mr Smith, said something that snapped me out of my reverie. "Alice," she said, "could you come up and demonstrate the formation we just discussed?"

I felt a sudden jolt of nervousness. I had been lost in my own thoughts, and I wasn't sure I remembered the formation. But I didn't hesitate. I stood up and made my way to the front of the class.

As I began to draw the formation on the whiteboard, I felt a surge of confidence. The knowledge was there, deep within me, and I could feel it flowing out of my pen and onto the board. I demonstrated the tactic flawlessly, explaining each step as I went along. I could feel Mr. Smith’s eyes on me, analyzing my performance and every step.

When I finished, the class erupted into applause with Mr. Smith also nodding in approval, he pointed out some areas for improvement and offer some suggestions on how to make the tactics to be more effective. I took note of the corrections and suggestions, determined to do better next time. 

I felt a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that I had done something right. As I went back to my seat I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. But I was also feeling uncomfortable, if only I can also perform brilliantly and not keep getting my ass whipped each time on the battle ground.

As the lesson continued, I found myself thinking back to the demonstration I had given. It wasn't just the fact that I had known the formation. It was the feeling of power that had come with it.

I knew that I had a gift, something that set me apart from my peers. And while it was daunting, it was also thrilling. I was determined to learn as much as possible, to become the best leader I could be. Maybe just maybe I do not have to be able to fight and win on the battle ground, maybe I could just help out with the tactics.

As the lesson came to a close, I slowly gathered my things while others were trooping out of the classroom. I had to ask the teacher a question, one that has been bothering me since the beginning of the year. 

Hello Mr. Smith, please I do have a question” I greeted him 

Yes Alice, go ahead, what’s your question? He answers.

“We’re supposed to graduate in a few weeks from now. What happens if we fail the trials? Do we not get to participate in the initiation?”

“I believe you can still be able to attend but might not be initiated?”He answered me honestly.

“Uhhhh, Mr. Smith is it possible for one’s academic excellence to cover up for the trials”

“Uhhh, I don’t know really, you know with the rules of Dauntless Pack, the Alpha and the elders will decide on that Alice. You’re going to be fine, Alice. Do not worry yourself too much.” He said patting my back as I trudged out of the classroom.