Chapter 47
The whole place was filled with murmurs as everyone nervously anticipated the names that would be called. I couldn’t help the growing nerves eating at me. There was a chance that I wouldn’t pass and even if that were to be the case, there wasn’t anything I could do about it.[]
Froste came to stand behind the middle–aged man. That was expected seeing that he was in fact the examiner.[]
Askhan leaned closer to me. “That man right here is the Head of Instruction.”
I turned to him. “Really?“[]
He nodded. “He’s way stricter than any of the Elders you’ve ever met.“[]
The man opened the paper in front of him, seemingly about to make his announcement. Then suddenly he paused. He handed the paper to Froste.
Froste silently went through it before his eyes widened. He turned to the man, a look of apprehension and disbelief on his face. The man didn’t look fazed by it at all.]
“Go ahead and read out the names. Please make it as quickly as possible.” He said to Froste with a gesture of his hand.[]
Froste reluctantly nodded and began to read out the names. “Marilyn Stark.”
A girl in the crowd clapped her hands happily. Froste continued to read out the names slowly. By the end of the list, my gaze remained on the floor.
My name hadn’t been there. I didn’t make the cut.
“What the actual hell is that? There’s foul play here.” Askhan looked upset.[]
He was about to make his way to the stage when I pulled him back. I was pretty upset with it but I couldn’t just show it
now.
This was something out of my control and I didn’t have much of a choice than to just accept it for what it was.[]
“It’s okay. Let’s just leave it.‘
Askhan shook his head vehemently. “It’s not okay. Not at all.”
“Askhan,” I said his name firmly, “There’s nothing we can do about it. You have to calm down.“]
Askhan shook his head once again. “This is not okay. You need your wolf. We’ve worked so hard for this. And yet, they decided to just throw you aside like you’re not worthy.“]
I felt his words hit me. It hurt knowing that all my efforts and hard work had amounted to nothing but there wasn’t much I could do about it. The decision was final.]
“It’s okay.” I said, more to myself than to Askhan.]
I tried to enjoy the rest of the party despite the feeling of gloom that hung over my head. Even if I was saddened by the news, I couldn’t let it show on my face. There were people watching me. I had to toughen up.]
Chapter
I noticed Froste making his way to me. He was wearing an unreadable expression on his face as he stared.
“Hey.” He stood beside me.]
“Hi.” I waved, trying to ignore the growing awkwardness between us.
He cleared his throat and began to speak again. “I had no idea your name wasn’t there. I promise. If I had known, I would have definitely questioned them about it.“[]
I rolled my eyes before shaking my head. “It doesn’t matter. We’re not related in any way so you won’t have to feel ashamed about me not having a wolf.“]
Froste looked hurt by what I said but he quickly masked it. “I’ll help you no matter what. And I want you to know I’m not ashamed of you not having a wolf. Please don’t think otherwise.” He said to me, his voice full of sincerity.[]
I stared into his eyes for a moment before turning away. I didn’t quite know what to make of this and it would be better if I remained guarded. Once bitten, twice shy.
Askhan was oddly quiet, which was weird, since he always had something to say to Froste. It was surprising to see that he
wasn’t treating Froste badly.
“Let’s go to the elders.” Froste said to him. “We’ll ask what all this is about.“[]
Froste nodded his head, agreeing with what Askhan has said. He turned to me as if asking if I was okay with coming.
I ignored his look and turned to Askhan before nodding my head. With that, we began heading towards the Elders.[]
It didn’t matter what they eventually decided. I knew who I was and what I deserved. None of that mattered. Whatever it is that came as an outcome for this, I would take it in stride.]
I was a princess now. It only meant that much would be expected of me. I had to make sure I met those expectations. Both the expectations of others and of myself.]
We made our way to the Head Instructor. He turned to us, a questioning look in his eyes when he noted Froste and
Askhan.
