I am at a crossroads.

There are valid points on both sides of the table. I could make a case for staying here and eventually ascend as the next Alpha of our pack, though that could prove difficult to do without a mate.

Or I could try my luck at the tournament and maybe find my mate in the Capital of our country. It is where both my father and uncle found theirs, so it bodes well for my fate. What does not bode well for me, however, is the fact that Prince Elton will most likely win the tournament since he is the King's nephew and favorite of the court to be the next ruling monarch.

Who's to say this tournament will be fair to everybody who participates in it?

Who guarantees me that there will be no shenanigans when it comes to the battles, favoring the nobles?

I have a lot of doubts in my mind, but the burning question that refuses to leave my head is this: where else could I find my mate?

Should I start a peregrination all across the state to find them? What would that guarantee me? There are no restrictions as to where your mate could be from. My mother is from Washington, D.C. My father and uncle are from Alabama, and my aunt is from Pennsylvania.

Even if I visit all the packs in Utah - which are not that much, to be honest - that still doesn't guarantee that I would find my mate here in my home state. As I see, the Goddess' only parameter is that they cannot be more than two years older or younger than me, and they cannot be blood relatives of mine. She doesn't have any other restrictions, as far as I am concerned.

Literally, it could be anyone in America or even beyond that, in some extreme cases. But that is mostly in Europe, not here, but it is not impossible. I guess I have a lot on my mind...

After I was done with my training session, I got started on cooking lunch for myself. My sisters are at school and my mom is working. The whole day my mind was absent, thinking about what to make of all this. Could I really be the next Lycan King of the United States?

Of course not, I could never. But I could possibly find my mate in the process, that is completely achievable. It is not unfathomable that out of all the people in the court, I could maybe find my mate over there. Then my uncle would have no choice but to step down as Regent.

Oh, that sounds like a plan. Even if I lose the tournament to be King, in the eventuality that I don't die, I could still return and be the Alpha of my pack. I am totally okay with that alternative. In fact, I look forward to the day when I ascend in my father's place.

I know that this is what he had in mind for me and I take that to heart.

But I know for a fact that it won't come to pass without a mate.

Later that evening, my family and I were having dinner when my uncle knocked at our door once again. He did not hide the fact that he was eager to hear from me. He knows I am a grown man, capable of making my own decisions, but he also knows that my mother will put up a fight for me not to go to the Capital.

"Good evening, Pendragons. How are you doing tonight?" He smiled politely at my mother, sisters, and me.

"We were hoping for a quiet dinner and no disturbance, but I guess that's out of the window now." Mom replied, taking a jab at him for coming uninvited.

"I promise I won't stay for long, dear sister." Uncle Damian told her with his sleazy tone.

"I'm not your sister." She rolled her eyes in annoyance. She hates it when he calls her that. Damian walked to the kitchen and took a seat at our table, looking at me as he did that.

"Now that you had the day to think about it, what is your decision, nephew?" He stared at me with a penetrating gaze. My mother was not pleased that he asked me that because in her eyes there was no decision to be made.

I turned to look at my mom, who was staring at me, waiting for me to tell him I was not going. My sisters looked apprehensive at me. I was apprehensive about possibly disappointing my family, one way or another. This is not an easy decision to reach, by any means.

I am sweating under their piercing gaze, inhaling some air to give me courage. The room was stifled and I was jittery, but it had to be done.

"I will be competing in the tournament." I announced, causing my uncle to cheer loudly.

"Make sure to write a will before you go. We need to know how you'd like to be buried and stuff like that. " Mom stated, irritated.

"Norah, however you may find me the villain of this story, I don't want your son to perish any more than you do." Damian spoke, empathizing with her.

Mom glared daggers at him for trying to compare his pain with hers.

"I already lost a mate. Now I could lose my only son. Don't pretend to know what it's like for me. You have nothing to lose while I have everything." She spat at him, furiously. She took a glass of water to calm herself down.

"I swear on my life that I would never put his name forth if I didn't think he had a fair chance of winning." He stated, confidently. She just glared at him in silence.

"Good luck, big brother. If you're the King, does that mean I could be a princess?" Ariadne, my youngest sister, asked me enthusiastically.

"Yes, you would be a princess." Damian chimed in, ecstatically happy at my decision.

Mother left the kitchen in a hurry, holding back tears. I can tell she is afraid for my life. The vibe went dark for the rest of dinner. I know my mother has a legitimate fear of me getting killed in this tournament. It's not like men will hold back when they have a weapon on their hands.

I am fully aware of the odds stacked against me, but I need to spread my wings and fly. At least, try to find my mate. I know I will never be truly happy unless I am mated and marked.

The following days were to prepare for the voyage. Bags, documents, it could take months for the tournament to come to an end, so we have to be prepared for any eventuality as much as possible. Damian left his Beta in charge of the pack - that pretty much runs itself - and we embarked on a bus straight to the Capital.

I am equal parts excited and terrified of the journey. I hope to return home soon.

We arrived at the gates of the Royal Palace where we gave our IDs before we were allowed inside. It is a sumptuous place built by King George centuries ago to mirror the English Palace. It was kind of a slap in the face after the war for independence was won.

"Welcome to Chateau Blanc, there is a reception to be hosted by the King the day after tomorrow. One of the staff will show you to your room." The soldier greeted me after we were registered.

"What about my uncle?" I asked him, puzzled.

"Only the Alphas who are participating in the tournament are allowed to sleep in the castle. They don't have enough rooms for everybody and there's a lot of people coming." Damian told me, preempting what the soldier would say.

As we walked inside the castle, I was mesmerized by its refinement. From the decorations to the furniture, everything looked expensive and well cared for. Employees were everywhere, from soldiers to maids, among others. We were guided to the East Wing, where I could drop off my luggage.

Damian gave me a quick history lesson as he showed me the artwork and what each historical artifact we encountered meant. It was like going to a museum, but fancier.

"Oh good. The peasants have arrived." A boy who could not be much older than 20 commented, looking at me from top to bottom with a disgusted expression on his face.

He was dressed in the most expensive fabric I have ever seen in my life, custom-made for him. There were two other boys by each of his sides, also looking at me in a patronizing way. The three of them kept staring at me like I didn't belong there. It was insulting.

Damn, he is the most handsome boy I have ever seen in my life! *swoon*

A|N: Run away now before it is too late!

You are in the wolf's den now, boy. #danger

Love,

Léo.