~Aurora~

　　Phew! Two days have passed since the first group training sessions have commenced. Never have I ever felt so stressed while doing a group task. The commander's thought about these was to increase and strengthen our group strength, to know each other's strengths and weaknesses. But to my demise, all that my team mates are worried about are my flaws and weaknesses. Moreover, how much of a threat I am to their team work because I'm a bloody 'loser' who hadn't awakened her wolf.

　　Until now, everything seemed fine and clear because I didn't care if they talked ill about me. But since they've been stressing how I lack a few basic skills needed for a werewolf to actually be a werewolf, I couldn't help but feel insecure.

　　Commander had told me in private, that awakening my wolf is a natural process. There is no exercise nor black magic that could awaken my wolf. I anticipate what rank my wolf would be, because that white literally defines me as a werewolf, what role I might play in my pack after I go back...home.

　　Am I allowed to call it a home anymore?

　　Not a shred of homeliness is left in the Darkforest pack now. All that I care is about my people, and not anyone who stays in the palace, eating out of the hardwork that my people do and earn for the entire pack!

　　Ugh! Thinking about my pack makes me feel so frustrated. Through these days and intense training, I have learned to divert these into something else. I've learned to channel my frustration into letting out steam, and thereby, working out at the gymnasium even more.

　　As I was walking past, the laughter of other packs' wolfs clubbed together in their rooms were heard to me. Sounds of music and fun was in the air as well, muffled and irritating.

　　I rolled my eyes, convincing myself that I am probably better than them at everything at this point. I'm a good listener of commander's words and tips, I'm doing great in all my tasks, I am reading few art of war and tactic books whenever I've got time for myself, as well as eating a good diet without...skipping it anymore.

　　I've gained muscle, despite being lean and medium in size, I've toned up a lot~

　　Yes, I shall give myself a pat on my shoulder.

　　But first, I'll have to make my way down to the equipment room, which us technically my gymnasium since I exercise right there itself. I wouldn't bother wasting my time carrying it all the way out to the training ground and bring it back in as well.

　　Seems like I wasn't the only one with such a workout plan for the lazy...

　　Soft grunts were heard from within as I grew curious. My footsteps halted against the big doorframe. The gym room is always open, I've been told.

　　...Shouldn't they keep it locked? Ambitious people tend to steal stuff easily that's available in the open...

　　A small gasp of realization couldn't help but rush out of my mouth. I realized whose back I have been staring shamelessly.

　　He is working out with 220lb dumbbells as if they weighed nothing. Occasional grunts, but that was it. Aside that, he has been curling that absurd weight with one hand for a minute straight...

　　How monstrous is the power of an alpha!?

　　Yes, I've been told Prince Emeric is strong, but never have I ever seen him nor know that he exercises like us normal folk. I thought he had the power already since he's a wolf of such high rank and pure blood!

　　I gulped harshly, an envious feeling settling at my throat. Gosh, I'm too envious of a man who is easily fifteen times more stronger than my current position. And I thought maybe attaining his power required just a bit of more wisdom and intellect with good genetics. Nope, with great power comes great responsibility.

　　And that responsibility is called consistency.

　　My mind wasn't aware that I had been squeezing the door frame too tight. I've left an impression, a bunch of innocent indents in the wood as I sucked my teeth. That, apparently, drew his attention towards me.

　　Way to go, princess!

　　Ugh!

　　He quickly halted his exercises, watching my wide eyed self still clinging onto the doorframe like a racoon. He motioned to come towards him, and I realized he was perspiring too much to be able to speak normally.

　　"I- I'm sorry for peeping into your personal training time—"

　　"It's not...personal if I'm using the common...gym room, Aurora Fangborn." My eyes widened even bigger when my name was practically moaned out at the end. I gulped once again, animatedly and harshly.

　　"I planned on strength training a little tonight, but since you are already using the equipment, I may go back and sleep. I'm running low on sleep as well, your Highness. Allow me—" After informing him in a formal, polite tone, I turned on my heel to leave.

　　Suddenly, his warm sweaty hand wrapped around my wrist and prevented me from leaving the premises. What does he want now!?

　　"A-Alpha..." I was being vulnerable without a reason, then he started speaking after putting the weights down,

　　"Strength training is important to keep yourself disciplined and strong. Consistency is always the key, but sometimes, it is alright to take a break once in a while. It's healthy, too." Giving his unsolicited advice, I couldn't help but gaze down at his hand still wrapped around my wrist.

　　"Besides that, may I ask why you are running low on sleep, Aurora Fangborn?" Oh my Goddess, could he stop addressing me with my full name!? It's making me feel conscious about my name and definitely, awkward!

　　"Uh- I've been studying at the library extensively, Prince Emeric. Now please, pardon me."

　　"Tonight, you may train with me. I've got a few little tricks for my ma— for you." Whoa. What was that slip about? Although I don't know what he was about to call me...

　　"O-okay. Thank you, your Highness."

　　"This is the least I can do for my contestants." What a generous, prosperous man he is. But that doesn't fade my initial impressions and ideas about him. Once a bad person, always a bad person in my dictionary.

　　Although...my motto seems to dilute in intensity when I began training with Prince Emeric tonight.

　　He has been keeping a good distance, probably because I'm a girl and he's a man. He smells so good even after sweating a ton and I wanted him all over—

　　What the hell...?

　　Well, this night was exceptionally good in terms of training. I've learned a lot of tricks to which I was oblivious to.

　　So this is how men in power train themselves, huh? So much discipline…