~Aurora~

A day has passed since Prince Emeric forced me into getting a proper therapy. I've healed significantly since, feeling much better and ready to take over the trials. Well, I'm just a motivated individual.

Sighing at the wall clock, I wanted nothing but the medicine to settle in before I have to get fueled up with food. However, there was an announcement bell which went off. It lured us contestants out of our little rooms, including myself. I walked out, wearing a jacket on top of regular and comfortable clothing. We all marched down to the common hall, where the news is supposedly going to be disclosed.

Apparently, there is a candidate who entered through lateral selection. Her name will be revealed the day after tomorrow, after she's passed one of the in-house trials conducted for her. Until then, we were just informed the number shall rise up with one more contestant.

We were dismissed pretty quickly, and I grimaced at the information. That was a very quick and useless announcement.

However...

I felt a presence.

While everyone was scattered across the hall, I remained in my position and looked behind myself.

I know this presence, it feels oddly familiar.

Giving into my curiosity was easier than ignore it completely. And I turned around.

There was a woman smirking down at me. Her foot against the wall, her arms folded across her chest. I crushed my eyebrows, narrowing my eyes to get a better look at the smirking woman.

No, it wasn't Clara.

As I recognized the woman, my eyes widened.

"No...way..." I thought I was imagining things. But it turned out to be just what I expected. However, someone dashed into my shoulder as his books fell.

"Oh!" The people around me realized the spine of the book was bad as papers scattered everywhere. I felt bad, but I had to chase this woman down as well.

"I- I'm sorry—" before I could even apologize, I was given a chit and the man left in a hurry. Confused, baffled and mostly frustrated that I lost sight of the woman, I bring my eyes back to look at the phone that was thumped in my palm.

"What the hell is this—" before I could analyse what the situation around me was, I lift my head and try to find that woman again. Or...she was never here. What was I imagining? I must be so tired that I'm seeing things beyond existence. Things that I've begun to loathe the most.

In my palm where the phone was, I twisted it to my side and switched it on. The phone had no password. Looking around the buzzing hall, which didn't have many werewolves or lycans around, I selected a corner with a small stool and occupied the space.

"What the hell do they think they can do to me...?" I muttered to myself. It's a gimmick which arose amongst the contestants recently. Other contenders were trying their best to bring down fellow contenders to facilitate and increase their own chances of winning!

Absolute bogus strategy, if you ask me.

Just like I've imagined, the messages or the chat box was open. The phone had a signal too, I could use this phone for myself since I've tragically lost mine. Opening the texts, I read them in my head,

<Hello, darling. Remember me? Your beloved fiancé~>

I rolled my eyes to the ceiling. It was Leif Lupus,

<What the fuck do you want?>

I replied to his text that was typed a long while ago. He responded almost immediately! As if he's been waiting for my reply.

<Aww, is that the way you'd greet your beloved, Aurora?> <Besides, I'm texting you to warn you about someone. Remember Alexia Thorn?>

I was about to reply to his first sentence, but his second message made me stare at it for awhile. Specifically, the name mentioned.

<Alexia Thorn?>

Did something happen to her? Not that I care.

<She will be participating in the trials, representing my pack. Even though she's from the Nightshade pack, she's sworn loyalty towards me. And you, you better not interfere in her victory, Aurora. I have trained her myself, and I have few goals that are a waste of energy to share with your dimwitted self.>

My anger just kept rising as I read through his words. What the hell does he think of himself?

<First of all, Leif, you and I both know you're trying to take over my fucking pack. Alexia is just your lame excuse behind your motive. Don't think I don't know enough about your twisted goals. Also, the price is changed to my pack as victory reward. I'd do my absolute best to get back what's mine. What you've oh-so cleverly snatched away from me!>

<Leif. Take this as my final warning to YOU.>

<Do not fucking interfere in MY victory.>

<Asshole>

Sending the texts at lightning speed, I deleted his number and removed the Sim card. I can get a new one and use this device for my convenience.

But before I could do that, an omega followed me until the end of the hallway towards the east wing.

"Cadet Aurora Fangborn! Uh...there is a communication...like a call waiting for you at the court hall." The court hall?

"I'll reach there, thank you."

"No, please follow me. I've been given orders." Fine then.

Well, on the call, I discovered the elders of my pack were trying to contact me since today evening. It must be something urgent, and typically, something unnecessary. Rolling my eyes, I was having a second thought on not calling them back.

"Aurora Fangborn," it was the fourth elder, I could tell by his voice.

"Yes, elder." I tried staying as nonchalant and monotonous as possible, "We are aware of the situation you are facing at the moment. The incentives have changed, meaning, there is more competition for you.

Maybe...it is better for you shall retreat from the trials—"

As he said that, my anger level spiked. How dare he undermine me like that!? Whatever I am doing, I am doing for my pack! Also, didn't they have information relayed that I passed the first trial!?

"Fourth elder, I am not backing down from this competition. I don't care if our pack's elders worry only about reputation or fame. I will do what I must, and please, do not fucking interfere or call me, EVER AGAIN."

Slamming the telephone back to the desk, making the poor operator flinch in his seat, I walked away briskly.

What's with today's events? They've lined up so weirdly!