~Aurora~

　　As we talked and talked about trivial things last night, I couldn't help but feel proud of my origins. The Darkforest Pack, where I belong and come from, is a celebrated pack with all amenities and the strongest work force. That's what I've been told back at home as well. But hearing about them once again boosted my faith and confidence in myself towards winning these Trials.

　　After supper, I made a bee line to my room and hit the bed. While wondering what tomorrow's special announcement will be, of course.

　　However, I couldn't skip the fact that my body responded so weirdly to Prince Emeric's voice and well, physique. He was a man of my type, I didn't know anything about his physique beneath his thick layers of royal clothing. Broad shoulders, strong muscles all over his upper body (that is all I could see) and his sweaty face that perspired as he talked to me the other day.

　　And last night...The way he leaned into me to rile up my anticipation towards the special announcement. I can't help but wonder what that is. I couldn't decide why my heart was thumping so loudly against my chest right now. Was it because of anticipation for tomorrow's announcement...or was it because of the memory of Prince Emeric leaning into me. I've got butterflies in my stomach, I'm not going to lie.

　　Well. I have to get some rest for tomorrow's anticipated announcement. I wonder what it must be~

　　Next morning came. Today, I put little effort into making myself look decent and presentable. Since regime by Commander was completed, I had no other training left other than reading more articles. I threw on a grey long frock that had a lining at hems with white. After a long time, I left my hair open and widened my eyes.

　　I've changed considerably. The driving force for my change is the sole purpose to find the killer of my parents. To do that, I have to become the alpha of Darkforest pack. The way my rights were snatched away from me has left a deep would in my heart. On top of that…their attitude towards my parents' death…they acted as if my parents didn't matter to them at all!

　　I stared at myself in the mirror for the next five minutes, I sprayed just a bit of good cologne on me and walked down to the common hall. I was way ahead of time, but since things were going better than usual, I didn't have to hide myself in my room until last minute anymore.

　　"Hello, Clara." Wide-eyed, the taller woman looked at me as I chuckled, as a response to her expression.

　　"You really are the Darkforest pack princess, aren't you?" I simply shrugged my shoulders. They dont know the whole story yet, and it always wipes my smile and happiness away. Anyway, i have only one goal in mind for now. We talked for a bit, and then, the announcement of Prince Emeric taking the stage was spoken. We all stood in a proper formation, I have gotten used to my exact position and location.

　　"This is to inform you all about the raise in incentive. Or perhaps, some changes in the reward system." Soft talk buzzed in the air. I titled my head to the side slightly, wondering what it was about.

　　"Whispering Pines Lycan Kingdom has always had a good relationship with their allied werewolf packs all over the world. Not too long ago, a certain pack had lost its tranquility after losing their beloved leaders. The alpha and their Luna." Soft gasps were now filling the common hall. I, on the other hand widened my eyes. If he was intending to talk about my pack...

　　"That's right. The Darkforest Pack of east is what I am talking about." I got several looks from the others around me. I just know a bunch more were glaring the hell out of me on my back.

　　"Now, quiet down. The incentive change indicates greater rewards. The winner in the Trial of Heirs...shall inherit the Darkforest Pack that's prestigious as well as strong and has potential to be as big as our Whispering Pines Lycan Kingdom." This time, even I couldn't refrain myself from gasping out loud. It's natural to have a reaction.

　　"The incentives are higher this time. Since Darkforest pack is also our neighbor, the winner at Trials of Heirs shall win a significant portion of Whispering Pines Lycan Kingdom, and they shall receive an artifact from our Kingdom as well, enough to increase the power and wealth of Darkforest pack to become the biggest werewolf pack in the world."

　　Oh....my...God...

　　I gulped loudly, the words from Prince Emeric sounded music to my ears. Naturally, I started daydreaming about the price. But that also invited a lot, lot of new spirit boosts in other contestants. Oh Goddess...I have to compete with 71 other men and women to get back power on my own pack...?

　　This was not what I came for.

　　But somehow, this is more than beneficial for me if I ever win!

　　Oh...I'm looking more at the brighter side, am I not? I've become so optimistic~

　　"That's the announcement. All the best to all contestants for the first Trial, commencing day after tomorrow. You are dismissed."

　　Until Prince Emeric told we were dismissed, I felt as though I was holding my breath in. Exhaling heavily, I took a deep breath in and turned around with a smirk.

　　Clara was right there, she and I made eye contact. The competitive spirit just rose between us to the point we crashed into each other and gave a tough handshake.

　　"This must be music to your ears, isn't it, princess of Darkforest pack? And these eyes that are staring at you, don't bother looking at them. Ignorance is surpringly blissful for these situations." I chuckled at Clara who gave me such good boost of confidence.

　　I curtly nodded my head, the giant smile still lingering on my face.

　　However, a certain someone was walking down the elevated platform of the common hall along with his subordinates. Our eyes met, and here I was, breaking the self-rule Clara just explained.

　　'Don't look into the eyes of anyone around you right now...'

　　But I was caught in the trance of his grey eyes~

　　I cannot help myself anymore.

　　It was as if things were moving slower than usual around me. The world was spinning slower as I dwelled into the meaning behind his eyes. Just then, he stopped talking to his subordinates and gave me a subtle smile with a good, encouraging nod.

　　I reciprocated it with a nod myself, and this is how our interaction went, wordlessly through our eyes...

　　"Good luck to you, Aurora Fangborn."

　　"Thank you, Prince Emeric. I'll definitely win the Trials of Heirs and get back what's rightfully mine..."