~Aurora~

　　That smile…

　　I know what it means.

　　But at that moment, I was way too desperate to defend myself. I was too adamant to lean backwards and break my own back. That's what his smile means to me at the moment.

　　Oh, Leif.

　　If you pull any dirty tricks on me right now, I'll have nothing to do but prove your infidelity, your thirst for greed all over again. This time, I have people to listen to me. Unlike last time. I'll expose everything you've done, with evidence. Don't overstep your boundaries and make me the bad guy, Leif…

　　All these thoughts were boggling my head. And I accidentally spaced out for a few seconds. Getting my attention back to the courtroom and on Leif, I started dreading the pause he was giving. I was dreading the gentle clearing of his throat as well. I was anticipating the worst…

　　"We have come to a conclusion, that Aurora Fangborn, daughter of Den Fangborn, should prove her strength once more. This time, she and Prince Emeric will be prohibited from interaction even once. Aurora Fangborn will be sent to seek her final selection for the Trial, all by herself. Details will be shared later by the ministers of the court."

　　My heart dropped into my pants. What…does he mean by that?

　　I'll have to go through the phase of being judged once again? I have to go through a trial once again? Just because I was accused by Alexia, they all decided I was worthless? What's the point in putting me through another trial if they know I'd win anyway?

　　The papers of official print which came to Leif just a few moments before was approved to pass as source of information. The papers traveled down, several copies given to the ministers. By the looks on their faces…I could tell that the Trial Leif, the elders and others decided for me…was not good.

　　"Your honor, if I may speak, I ought to remind everyone present here that Aurora Fangborn does not have a wolf. She had yet to awaken one. This trial to prove her real strength is too dangerous! If she - by any chance loses her life to threats during this trial, our kingdom of Whispering Pines will have a bad reputation!"

　　Emeric and I quietly looked at each other. By the looks of it, I could tell that Emeric was not buying his tricks. Neither do I, because I know Leif tweaked the trials and made it more difficult. So that I wouldn't win!

　　His revenge and pettiness towards me has blinded him completely. Why is Leif so determined to ruin my life completely!? I wish I had asked him one day, sternly. Why was he doing this to me!?

　　"Looks like I have mentioned that it is indeed a testing of her strength, isn't it, minister? All of this would always mean we have a great leader to rely upon. I don't see where I've gone wrong. Please accept this proposal. Your honor, it is all left to you." After Leif said that, the copies of his proposal for me to prove my strength were distributed to more people. The moment they were handed to me, along with Prince Emeric and the judge, I widened my eyes.

　　There's no way he wants me to go…there.

　　"Are you serious Leif…?" I slowly mumbled beneath my breath. Rage got the best of me as I turned around and looked at him for the first time. He smirked at me, but heck! It didn't even look like he was smirking! Just a fucking ugly smile with corners of his lips tugged upwards! He's such a deceiving bastard!

　　"You will accept this, Aurora. I know you will."

　　I scoffed at his confidence.

　　Of course I should accept this!

　　There is no way I'm letting all my efforts go into vain.

　　Months of my life were spent in training for these trials of Heirs. I've read countless amounts of books, read even more at night to keep up with information! Then I had to train myself physically to the point of going insane with exhaustion every single day! That too, I had to train when everyone was asleep so I'd face less criticism because of the rumors about me since the beginning of Trials! Each time, something or the other has been against me.

　　Yet…I emerged as a victor. I've become incredibly strong, all without a wolf's assistance too!

　　Only a fool could back down from Leif's and Elders' proposal.

　　I will just have to prove myself, once again. That is all I have to do.

　　Once I've made up my mind, no one, absolutely NO ONE can shake me up and change my mind. I'm stubborn, adamant, determined, name me whatever you want. I just wanted to get done with this!

　　"Aurora," gently pulling me close, Prince Emeric looked into my eyes and shook his head.

　　"It's a trap. Listen to me, please." I crushed my eyebrows close.

　　"I know. But I'll have to get done with this, or they'll never, EVER trust in my power. I can do this, Prince Emeric." I said aloud, the elders, Leif and Alexia looked at us with their eyebrows raised. Well, I couldn't give a single damn about them anymore!

　　"Aurora…don't you see the repercussions you'll be facing if you ever say yes to their taunts? They won't back down unless you do. There could be another way—"

　　"Prince Emeric, I will take on this challenge." I cut him off for the first time, appearing as unprofessional as I could be at the moment. I couldn't care much anyway!

　　"Why don't you say it out loud, Fangborn?" Turned around, Alexia prompted me as I took a deep breath in. When I looked at Prince Emeric for the last time, he was shaking his head at me…

　　"Alright then. Lady Aurora has come to a decision, by herself." We all heard Beta Roman speak after I stood up from my seat.

　　"I, Aurora Fangborn accept this challenge to enter the final selection trial, customized just for my sake, to prove that I in fact hadn't been assisted by Prince Emeric in any which way. This shall also serve as a scandal between us, that nothing has ever happened between Prince Emeric of Whispering Pines Lycan Kingdom and I.

　　This is my acceptance, I take full responsibility for my performance at the Trials."