~Aurora~

　　My hands were bound tightly into fists. If I was anywhere close to her at this moment, I would have punched her jaw out of place. I would have screamed at her, but I can't do any of that right now because of restrictions. Hence, I was forced to stay silent and endure. The setting was too bad as well, trapped in a closet and feeling suffocated beyond belief!

　　[I see. Alexia Thorn, we've heard that you've lost against Aurora Fangborn and ended up drugging her to lose consciousness. It was a fatal scene for her, that was in our report. How can we not take this as an act of revenge against her? She has thrown you out of the kingdom, once and for all. How can we tell that you aren't taking revenge…?]

　　The journalist who was probably taking her interview asked the best question. But I wasn't prepared to listen to her rotten answer…at all.

　　[This isn't about revenge anymore, Miss Cassandra. She's always been a bad influence. Think about the people she's going to rule over. Think about the man she's trapped with her charms. Prince Emeric has a high status, but has fallen for a girl like this. Especially knowing that she's a bad woman with no character. If anything, I'm worried about the people they'll rule over.]

　　[Rule over? That's a strong word. Both of them are alpha, highest of their ranks. However, rank in the system of Werewolves and Lycans alike tarnish their sense of justice. Greed gets the best of them.]

　　[That's right, Miss Cassandra. It's always for greed. I've chosen a wrong path, but it wasn't for revenge. I was trying to teach the spoiled woman a lesson…]

　　The way I controlled myself from hitting something out of anger was uncanny. How dare she say that?

　　Before everything else…what was the context of these happenings!? I'm half clueless and full of curiosity! Why is Prince Emeric involved in this probable scandal!? Why is it always me!?

　　Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the closet as I sighed. It must be Emeric. I opened the door, having been dressed back into my clothes. He saw me fuming, and sighed as well. Behind him stood Beta Roman. I walked out, awkwardness rising between Roman and I. When I lifted my gaze up to look at him, trying to read his reaction…his eyes widened. Maybe they were left wide in shock the moment I walked out. The other man, Lord Glenn, wasn't here. I assumed he must have left after listening to that scandal involving Emeric and I.

　　"I'll…I will leave as well." Emeric was still staring deep into my eyes. I watched Roman leave, watching over Emeric's shoulder.

　　Few seconds of silence filled the air around him and I. After that, he turned to look at the closed chamber doors. After that, he took my hand gently and dragged me out of the closet.

　　"What was that about, Emeric? It was Alexia on the broadcast, wasn't it?"

　　"It was her. You're not wrong.

　　She's done something half right.

　　But now…we are stuck in a scandal."

　　"A…what?"

　　It was difficult for me to process what he's just said. The man shook his head, stressed out beyond his level as he walked to his bed to have a seat. Sitting down on the floor, by his knees, I looked up. Yes, I was trying to be a good person and be his comfort space. He must be having a meltdown as well.

　　"It's all going to hell because of her. She couldn't contain her jealousy and spread rumors, couldn't it?" I asked softly. He nodded.

　　"What was the scandal about, Emeric?" I gently brushed my hand over his leg. He then closed his eyes and opened them after a few seconds. His large palm stroked my hair, and I instantly let my cheek rest on his thigh.

　　"She has evidence of us working out together, meeting in the woods and also captured scandalous interactions between us. But the worst part of all…

　　She's told the media that I helped you win these trials. Because of my assistance, because of my strength and ways, you were able to win. That's what she said to the media. I…I can't take this, Aurora."

　　My eyes almost popped out of my skull. He looked down at me and tried to stroke my head again, probably to calm me down for the moment. But I was not having it!

　　"You…you never assisted me for anything, Emeric." I said softly. Closing his eyes, he took a few seconds to nod his head.

　　"Emeric. Tell me the truth. You really didn't try to assist me during these trials, right?"

　　"That will be ridiculous. I've already told you. I would react the same way to anyone who was in these trials. I've been doing this for years, I give out pieces of advice to everyone. It wouldn't just be you, even if I do like you, Aurora. Believe me." I blinked rapidly. There is genuineness in his words. I know he wouldn't act indifferent to anyone else. Just that I don't know who he's spoken with, the same way he used to give me advice.

　　"You know the truth, Emeric. And I do believe you. But at this moment, all we have to worry about is the scandal. I can't believe she's gone to this extent to bring us down." It bothered me that it wasn't just me this time. The scandal involved Emeric…he could lose his leadership if this turns the wrong way!!

　　If Whispering Pines Lycan Kingdom loses Prince Emeric as their ruler, the world will spiral into a complete mess. I can't afford that because of Alexia's treachery and greed! I have to find a way to get rid of this scandal. But…how?

　　Suddenly, the ringtone of a specific phone blares through the room. I blinked and looked at the screen in front of me. My eyes couldn't believe who it was. The ID registered showed the name : Elder John.

　　Elder John…from my pack?