Trials.

I tried to take my time getting ready but Aiden was having none of it, "You look great, come on Armina" he pushes, basically pulling me out the door. "Two seconds" I laugh, kind of enjoying his upbeat demeanour. Knowing I can't put it off forever I take a deep breath.

Time to start the day.

As I walk into the school with Aiden beside me, I feel the shocked eyes following me. Aiden has never walked me into school, not right by my side, especially with his hand on my shoulder and a loving fatherly look on his face.

He was serious about not hiding anymore, his pride was on show for all to see. 'About time' Aurora beams, she has never been as understanding as me about his behaviour. 'Be nice' I scold, smiling as she scoffs. Relieved that for once it's out of humour, not disappointment.

"Aiden, are you sure?" I ask again, worried for him as I watch everyone stare at us. I know the trauma he has and the internal battles he faces.

"Armina, stop, this is how it should have been from the start" he reassures me. I can't help but wonder what's brought all of these sudden changes on for him. I guess knowing I'm leaving school and will be 17 soon is finally hitting him.

This birthday means I'll be able to find my mate, after that protecting me doesn't fall just to him anymore.

While a big part of me was scared about the trials, worried about allowing Aurora to show the world what she could do, the bigger part of me was proud.

Proud that Aiden was ready to show the pack he wasn't heartless. I guess he was finally letting some of the pain of his past go. If only I could do the same when it comes to my family leaving me on a doorstep without a note.

As we continue to walk, it's more stares, more whispers, more confusion. I've always been able to pick up on the emotions of others and right now we were creating a scene.

"Are you okay?" I ask, still worried he was forcing something he wasn't ready for. Aiden smiles, his eyes not showing the slightest bit of worry. I let myself feel what he is feeling, finding only pride.

"Armina, I have been thinking about this for a long time now, I've seen how you are treated here. It isn't right, you are an amazing, strong, talented young woman, and I couldn't be prouder to call you my daughter" he stops walking as he reaches for my face. His hand gently stroking my cheek as he stares at me with love.

"I used to hide behind my desire to protect you but let's face it, you haven't needed my protection for a long time" his smile so proud I almost tear up, "I love you dad" I declare, letting go of my social anxiety and hugging him. I try to block out the crowd around us, refusing to let the feelings of others destroy this moment. I've never been one to enjoy large groups of people, especially not being the focus of the attention.

People around us stop walking, not trying to hide their glares as they watch us closely; "You brought me back to life my princess, I know you can look after yourself, hell I'm pretty sure you could protect us both" I look down, his not wrong. "We both need to stop living in fear" he reminds me again. I try to smile but he sees right through it.

"You've got this Armina, no more hiding, no more excuses" I nod. I know his right. Aurora beams within me. 'We really do have this Armina, it is time to be who we really are' she's basically doing happy laps around our mind. A pure joy I've never felt from her before.

Aurora, you'll make sure I don't screw this all up right?' she scoffs, 'Babe, you don't give yourself nearly enough credit, you'll be the one making sure I don't go too far and kill someone' she laughs.

'You were born for this Armima, you're destined for great things, this test is going to be easy' I want to agree, to let myself be happy with her. As always the same thought that has haunted me for years, every single time I feel any happiness comes back.

'We don't know who we are though Aurora, we never will' Aiden waits patiently knowing we are talking and giving us our time, 'No Armina, we don't know where we come from, we know who we are, there is a difference' I let myself feel her certainty, letting her strength fill me again, pushing back the doubt that keeps creeping back. We won't lose, I know that with certainty. We can't, not with her on my side. 'Always' she whispers.

Show time.

Refusing to look even slightly nervous or afraid I start talking. It's in that moment I decide I am not going to give my classmates the satisfaction, I keep my head held high, making no effort to hide my face like I always have. For the first time in my life I don't fight to keep Aurora's strength hidden, her aura on display for any wolves in tuned and powerful enough to recognise it.

I head towards the arena that all senior students are filling. Knowing we are going to be paired off to fight, excitement, nervousness & adrenaline filling the air. Each one of us feels the pressure and severity that comes with this event, this day marks the beginning of our adult lives.

They start announcing the first rounds. "Kade Andrews will be sparring Leon Mason" the excitement grows as the school buzzes with the two sons of Alpha Ethan preparing to battle.

Ethan has two sons along with his bitch of a daughter, Kade comes from a fling before he found his destined mate and our Luna Cassandra, so having the 'bastard son' and the legitimate alpha in training battling is big news. I couldn't care less. Neither of them had barely spoken a word to me our entire lives. Kade graduated two years ago, but had to wait for today to find out his part. Leon was too young under our laws to fight for the title of Alpha.

The fight lasts over 20 minutes, both boys exhausted as Leon comes out victorious, coming from two strong bloodlines, while Kade only comes from one, his mother an Omega. Kade being older is probably the only reason it lasted as long as it did.

I barely listen to everyone gossiping and laughing, until I hear the announcement "Serena Mason will be fighting, Armina Carter" I stop breathing for a minute, my mind struggling to comprehend the news.

This is going to be interesting.