~Aurora~

　　As soon as I reached the palace, I was told no one was allowed to meet me unless I'm freshened up and sufficiently groomed. Groomed? I was confused as well.

　　"Oh well, it's a short quarantine period for you, Fangborn."

　　"Quarantine!?" I exclaimed at Captain Kingston,

　　"Yes. Don't freak out. But there may or may not be potential viruses out there and the elders are specific that you must go through a medical examination before meeting them."

　　"Ridiculous…"

　　"I think I know why you resent them now. Well, better safe than sorry." Patting my shoulder, Captain Kingston took his leave. I hope he doesn't catch any of my 'viruses' that I carried on me from the Ice Glaciers…

　　While trying to go to my room, I was interrupted by healers and their assistants. They had huge smiles on their faces, and I reciprocated their smiles with a tired one myself!

　　"We were told to assist you in your bathing and check up, Alpha Aurora."

　　"Oh…well, it's alright. I can manage by myself. I'll need to head back—"

　　"Prince Emeric insists that we assist you, Alpha Aurora. Please. Let us." Emeric insisted this?

　　"Okay…but my room is too small to accommodate…"

　　"Prince Emeric had told us that we can use his chamber to bathe you. It must be a form of apology from his side. Please accept our service, Alpha Aurora."

　　First things first…I have been yearning to be called an Alpha for my entire life. The way they were calling me, pleading me to accept their services was sweet as hell. I don't have the heart to deny it!

　　Besides, I'm way too tired myself. The healers will check me up in the process too, reducing my time to face my detractors. I hope Leif and Alexia are still in the palace. I'm not backing down until and unless I've seen the rotten expressions on their faces!

　　After being bathed and pampered like a princess, I was given royal clothes to wear. I couldn't help but refuse this time. I needed clothes to feel comfortable. I don't need to obey anyone from this moment onwards, right?

　　At around 12 in the noon, I was called to join the table with all other alphas and Prince Emeric. However, things weren't going as smoothly from their end.

　　As I was walking to the palace's prestigious diner, more like a VIP diner, I watched a scene unfold,

　　"I'll have to leave early, Prince Emeric." Leif was insisting. Elder John, Beta Roman, Emeric and Odin were all facing him and the woman next to him. She is Alexia,

　　'Go and check it out, I insist.' Upon Maia pushing me to do that, I joined their conversation.

　　"Where are you going, Alpha Lupus?" I joined in, Exclaiming.

　　"Oh! Look who is here. The victor! Yay!" I could sense the hidden sarcasm in his tone.

　　"At least my wolf turns out to be an alpha." I retorted,

　　"Well, it shouldn't be a surprise to us since your parents had strong alpha genes. Isn't it, Den Fangborn's daughter?" Elder John spoke up as I widened my eyes.

　　"Y-Yes, thank you, Elder…"

　　"Well, congratulations. We are proud of you, and will welcome you back into our pack as our Alpha, Aurora. Let's forget all past disputes and collaborate for the sake of Darkforest, hmm?" Elder John gave me a half hearted pat on the back, and entered the VIP diner. I…didn't know how to process that. It was weird. It was a rare occurrence.

　　"Yes…"

　　Quickly getting over that shock, I turned to face Leif.

　　"You couldn't put me down this time, Alpha Lupus. Nor you. We've proved you wrong. I am indeed worthy of my title and victory." Speaking to both Alexia and Leif, I spoke in a low tone. There were still people around, and I didn't want to cause a scene.

　　"Well, it's good for you now, isn't it? You'll get to play 'Alpha' finally. But hey, I'm happy for you!" Everyone was confused over Alexia's mixed response. I shook my head, and embarrassed her by refusing to take a hug from her!

　　"Well, we should be getting going now. There is an emergency in my pack. I'll see you around, Fangborn."

　　"I'll see you around too, Leif." Smirking at the man, I waved at him as he scoffed and left the palace with Alexia. Oh, this feels as good as winning!

　　"I'll let you two talk for a bit. I'm going inside." Emeric patted my back softly, and I could just tell that he was controlling himself from hugging me to his chest!

　　And by allowing me to talk to someone, the someone who was jumping to hug me and congratulate me was Odin!

　　As soon as Emeric turned around, and was inside the diner which was gently busy with sounds of cutlery and conversing old men, Odin literally pounced on me!

　　We were waiting for the exact moment for Emeric to disappear behind the walls, and then, we pounced on each other!

　　"Ugh! You were so cool! And you're an alpha!"

　　"Seems like we will never be able to defeat each other now. We're on the same level!" I said in excitement, not knowing he could take it in a whole different sense.

　　"Hey…about that. I'm sorr—"

　　"Are you joining us for lunch? It's my celebration, come on!" I quickly diverted the topic. He fell silent for a few seconds, and shook his head as a no,

　　"Sorry to disappoint, but I'm not an alpha by position yet. Even if I have the blood and rank, I can't sit with you all."

　　"Oh. I'm sorry. But we will definitely catch up." Saying that, I noticed his smile turning gloomy. It was a sad smile. I wondered why. After that, I entered the VIP diner. Several maidens and servers were stationed in the shadows. Probably to tend to each and every one of the guests with their best hospitality!

　　My eyes were filled with surprise when I saw Beta Torin. He had a great smile on his face upon seeing me! I was excited to see him after a long time as well! Considering we didn't interact even a bit during my selection and the whole discussion before my trial, I missed him very much!

　　And that was how I was accepted back into my pack. But behold…there were a lot more things to handle before leaving to take my position as an Alpha.