A Dangerous Obsession
Chapter 102 - 101

Chapter 102: Chapter 101

The sound of steel clashing against steel filled the air, blending with the roars and cheers of the crowd. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, the scent of sweat and dust thick as warriors clashed in the open arena. My gaze flickered between the fighters, but my mind was elsewhere.

I was too caught up in my own thoughts.

Too caught up in the way Lylda had been watching me.

From the moment I stepped onto the field, I felt it—his golden-brown eyes locked onto me from the edges of the crowd. He wasn’t smiling like usual, nor was he shyly looking away the moment I caught him staring. No, this time... this time, it was different.

His gaze had been searching.

And I hated that it unsettled me.

I inhaled sharply, pushing the thoughts aside. This was the day of the tournament. I had worked tirelessly to ensure everything went smoothly, and now that it was finally happening, I couldn’t afford to be distracted.

I straightened my shoulders, forcing myself to focus.

Then—

"Chlorendia."

The voice was low and firm.

I didn’t hear it. Not truly. I was too wrapped up in the whirlwind of emotions I didn’t even want to acknowledge.

"Chlorendia."

This time, my name was spoken sharper, cutting through the noise around me.

I snapped my head up, my breath catching slightly as I turned to face my father.

He sat at the head of the viewing platform, his presence a towering force even though he was seated. His gaze, cold and piercing, was trained on me with a quiet intensity that sent a chill down my spine.

I had hesitated too long.

I quickly bowed my head in respect. "Yes, Father?"

"You seem distracted."

The weight of his words pressed down on me, making it feel as though the very ground beneath me had turned unsteady.

I quickly schooled my expression into one of composure. "I am focused on the tournament, Father."

His gaze didn’t waver. He studied me with an unreadable expression, as if weighing the truth in my words.

For a moment, the silence between us stretched, tightening around my throat like a noose.

Then, he exhaled softly, turning his attention back to the fight below.

"Then prove it," he said simply.

I swallowed hard.

The tension in my muscles remained as I returned my gaze to the arena. The next fight had already begun—a display of strength and skill between two warriors. One was a massive brute, wielding a greatsword with brute force, while the other was lean and fast, relying on speed to evade the heavy blows. The crowd murmured in excitement, placing bets, shouting encouragement.

Yet, my father’s words still lingered in my mind.

Then prove it.

I tightened my fists at my sides.

This tournament—it was the first time my father had ever given me the responsibility of organizing something of this magnitude. The first time I was given a true role in the affairs of the pack. It was a test.

But I had always thought I was proving myself to him.

And yet...

"You are not proving yourself to me."

His voice came again, quiet, but firm.

I turned my head slightly, but he wasn’t looking at me anymore. His eyes remained on the fight, his expression impassive.

"You are proving yourself to them."

His chin tilted slightly toward the audience—the Alpha’s seated in their grand booths, the warriors standing tall in the crowd, even the servants who lingered along the edges, watching in silence.

"They are the ones who will judge you," he continued, his tone unreadable. "They are the ones who will decide whether you rise... or remain where you are."

I felt a cold weight settle in my stomach.

I knew what that meant.

This tournament wasn’t just about battles in the ring. It wasn’t about skill or strength. It was a test of my capability—a measure of whether I was worthy of standing beside my father, of playing a role in the future of this pack.

I knew my father was someone who cared deeply about power and reputation. That was why he never bothered to put much faith in me before—I was simply a daughter, someone who had no real place in his grand vision.

But now...

Now, he was giving me a chance.

And it wasn’t just his approval I had to earn.

It was everyone’s.

My breath felt tight in my throat.

I didn’t let my expression falter, but deep inside, a storm brewed.

I had never cared what others thought of me. I had only ever wanted his acknowledgment. But this? This was different.

Because they were watching.

Judging.

And one of those eyes belonged to Lylda.

Was he judging me too?

I could still feel him in the crowd, even though I refused to look for him. His gaze had followed me and I hated the way my mind kept drifting back to it.

Does he see me differently now?

I sucked in a quiet breath, forcing those thoughts deep down.

I wasn’t here for him.

I wasn’t here for anyone.

I was here to win.

And I would not fail.

Not when I was this close.

For the first time in my life, my father had placed something important in my hands. A role that mattered.

I wouldn’t let a foolish distraction—or my own conflicting emotions—get in the way of that.

So I lifted my chin, squared my shoulders, and forced my attention back onto the tournament.

The warriors clashed, their movements swift and deadly. The metallic clang of swords colliding rang through the air, sending a thrill through the crowd. Dust kicked up as they danced around each other, their muscles rippling with every strike. One of them— wielding twin daggers—lunged forward, only to be met with a brutal kick to the chest. He staggered back, gasping, but steadied himself before charging in again.

The crowd roared.

Today, I was the one in charge.

And every single one of them watching, wasn’t going to see me stumble.