Alpha Tyrion's Arranged Mate - His Hybrid Mate

*The Trial of Courage and Teamwork*

I cried myself to sleep last night, thinking and trying to forget the hurt on Alpha Tyrion's face as I had said those mean words to him. My heart ached for forgiveness and his warmth. But the truth was, he didn't even know I was his mate. He didn't love me. He had made it clear to me long time ago.

Belinay was on edge too after the incident with the Lycan king. She was one of those wolves who considered their modesty and character at the top and nothing could faze her down. But the way Lycan king had made her uncomfortable and manipulated us into a kiss was what troubling both of us.

I placed the dagger in its place and did my braid before going out of the chamber. It was challenge day again and we needed to work in coordination to win the task. I didn't even know how I was going to make eye contact with Alpha Tyrion. All the Alphas were waiting for their mates outside the chambers, but I couldn't find Alpha Tyrion in the queue. Ava surely was having fun with my desperate attempt to look out for my mate.

"Fake couples don't last forever." She mocked me.

I looked ahead on the path and walked to get back to the training ground where Beta Remy, Alpha Tyrion and Lycan king and Queen were waiting for the contestants. Lycan Calle smirked and raised his brow at me to let me know he was watching me.

Alpha Tyrion too noticed the way he was subtly looking at me. A pulse moved in his jaw and he gave me a glare which made me immediately walk towards him. I tried to hold his hand but he slapped my hand away. "The selected couples should be ready for the challenge number 2 today. We have made the set up and the rules and regulations are added on the booklet over there. " Beta Remy pointed at the tables at the corner.

All of the mates ran to get the booklets and began discussing about the task. While, Alpha Tyrion went to read the rules alone and didn't wait for me. But I still decided to run after him.

"What does it say?" I asked him. He tossed the booklet in my direction.

I gave it a quick read and my heart began to beat harder. The challenge was tough as both of us would be logged in separate cages and we would need to free each other.

Skills Required: Bonding, understanding and trust.

I closed my eyes and wished that everything was still normal between us like before.

We were back with all the couples who had thoroughly discussed their plans and Alpha Tyrion was unfazed by my gaze seeking his attention.

"Alright. The challenge starts now." Beta Remy announced.

The air crackled with anticipation as we and all the couples participating in the challenge were locked in separate cages, with our fates intertwined. I and Alpha found each other on opposite sides of the arena, our gazes meeting briefly before the barriers sealed us away from each other. The task ahead was formidable, a test of both courage and teamwork.

My heart raced as I surveyed my surroundings. The cage was suspended high above the ground, surrounded by a maze of twisted metal and treacherous terrain. Across from me, Alpha Tyrion stood impassive, his face a mask of determination, but devoid of the warmth I longed to see.

A voice boomed through the arena, announcing the rules of the challenge. "In order to free your partner, you must find the hidden key that unlocks their cage. Overcome the obstacles that lie in your path, and remember, true victory lies not only in unlocking the cages but in the strength of your partnership."

As the starting signal sounded, my heart pounded in my chest, my mind focused on the task at hand. I maneuvered my way through the maze, braving obstacles that tested my limits-walls of fire, pools of icy water, treacherous spikes that threatened to impale me.

Belinay had shifted and she was the one who crossed the walls of fire with her long jumps. I could see other Lunas getting injured because the flames of the walls would rise anytime leading to confusion. The thorns and spikes tore the skin on my arms and I was thrown away for a moment before gaining my balance back.

With each obstacle I conquered, I caught glimpses of Alpha Tyrion out of the corner of my eye. He moved with precision and determination, his every step calculated. But there was a distance between us, an emotional chasm I longed to bridge.

As I approached a particularly challenging puzzle, I found myself stumped. The pieces before me seemed to defy logic, their arrangement a mystery. Frustration threatened to overtake me, but then I remembered the essence of the challenge- teamwork.

Taking a deep breath, I called out to Alpha Tyrion, my voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination. "Alpha Tyrion, I need your help," I said, my tone unwavering. "I can't solve this puzzle alone. We need to work together." Alpha Tyrion's gaze flickered towards me, his expression guarded. He didn't give me any answer.

"Please..." I said again.

For a moment, I feared he would disregard my plea, but then he approached, his eyes fixed on the puzzle. Without a word, he began to analyze the pieces, his mind focused and sharp.

Together, we deciphered the intricate puzzle, our minds aligning as we fit the pieces into place. The sense of accomplishment washed over us, a flicker of the mate bond we once had.

As I pressed forward, facing each obstacle head-on, I noticed a change in Alpha Tyrion. Though he remained stoic on the surface, I caught glimpses of concern in his eyes, a flicker of protectiveness that hadn't completely faded away as I worked my way on the treacherous ice.

He was looking after me from the corner of his eyes to seek out any opponent attacking me from behind. A smile appeared on my lips and I grew more confident with my steps.

Finally, we reached the final hurdle-a towering wall, seemingly insurmountable. My strength wavered, doubt threatening to overtake me. But then I glanced at Alpha Tyrion, his presence a pillar of unwavering resolve.

Summoning my courage, I took a deep breath and launched myself towards the wall. He followed suit, our movements synchronized as we propelled ourselves upward. Without a word, Alpha grabbed my arm as I was about to fall. Hand in hand, we conquered the final obstacle, our ascent a testament to our unspoken connection.

As we reached the top, I spotted the hidden key, glimmering in the sunlight. With a surge of adrenaline, I grasped it tightly, a symbol of our victory.

"The Key is here! "I told him to which he looked around himself but not at me. The other couples around us were happy and ready to unlock the doors as soon as possible. Half of them had not been able to even complete the task. But here we were, so close yet so far away.