Chapter 3

THE CONFRONTATION .

      Sophia's POV

    Even the guards were confused, their hands moving toward their weapons, as their eyes shifted between I and Miranda.

      The paper she held, was so delicate, it felt like my entire existence. My entire world hung on that letter. It was my one chance to prove myself, my one chance to leave my past behind, at least for now.

    "That letter" I shouted, though my voice quivered, " is mine. She stole it".

     "Sophia" Miranda responded, as she turned to the crowd of students who had seemed to gather.

 "You've lost it this time. I know failing to make it here must be hard on you but lying won't fix anything" she faked concern.

     Her words cut deep, but I refused to show any weakness. Around us, the crowd had become more. I heard a series of whispers from them too .

   "She doesn't seem like the type to belong here "

"Who is she even?"

"I heard she's an outcast in her pack"

       I clenched my fists, trying to hide my anger, as my breath became heavier. 

_Focus, Sophia. Don't let her win, you've made it this far._

  "What is the meaning of this?" A tall masculine figure, looking like he was an official in the institution interrupted amidst the whispers in the crowd.

    The crowd parted, as he came forward. His presence alone made the crowd silent . He was an embodiment of authority. He looked at the scene carefully, scanning everything with his intimidating eyes.

   "Professor Xavier " one of the guards stepped forward, "there's a dispute over this acceptance letter".

   Professor Xavier then shifted his gaze to Miranda and after that me. His intimidating eyes started a little too long, and I felt like he could see through me. I felt like he could see every bruise, every scar and every doubt I had.

    "And you are?" He asked, his voice much calmer but firm.

   "Sophia Clarks", I replied, trying to not be intimidated. "That letter is mine.. she stole it from me".

    Miranda let out a nervous laugh, causing Professor Xavier to look at her. "Professor I can't believe we're entertaining this nonsense. Sophia's just trying to sabotage me because she knows she could never be like me. This is my acceptance letter".

      Xavier’s expression was indifferent, but he looked more serious. "The Prestigious Institution of Wolves values integrity above all else. If there is any question of deceit or impersonation, we will settle it now".

       Miranda's expression but nothing but shock,but that didn't mean it affected her confidence. "Of course" she lied like she was telling the truth." Let's settle it. I have nothing to hide".

       Xavier nodded. "Very well then. Both of you will have to undergo another trial. Whoever proves their worth will earn their place at the institution. On the other hand, whoever is found to have lied or deceived, will be expelled immediately".

       Miranda's smile wasn't as bright anymore, but she quickly wore the big smile she had on before.

"Fine" she said like she had something up her sleeve.

       Xavier turned to me "Sophia, are you prepared for this trial?".

      "Yes," I said firmly .

"Follow me," he said.

        The crowd followed as were taken into the open training hall. The room was big, its ceilings high and walls adorned with pictures of past alphas. At the center of the hall, was a table, glowing with a faint blue light. The tension in the room was almost suffocating as Xavier moved forward to explain the challenge. 

     "This test will test your leadership, strategy, and ability to think under pressure, skills a wolf should have" he started. "You will each be given the challenger to defend a vulnerable pack from danger. You'd have limited resources and your time will be against you. Show us your strategy and strengths. And the better one will earn their place here.

     "Buzz" the timer started.

 I tried my best to focus, pushing aside the crowd starting at me.  

    There was a holographic map in front of me, showing a small village, surrounded by a forest. I remembered Alpha Baron’s teachings, the ones he'd teach me despite the whispers of others calling me useless.

    "A wolf's strength does not lie in their power, but their wisdom," his voice echoed in my mind.

     I quickly sketched out a plan, using the characteristics of the village to our advantage. I set traps in the narrow valleys and organized an ambush near the riverbank. I made sure my priority was the villagers, even I'd it meant adjusting the defenses.

     I looked over to Miranda, she was complaining silently. I didn't need to look more before I knew she was struggling and her confidence was cracking.

   The timer buzzed again and that was it. Time was up. Xavier stepped forward our submissions. He examined Miranda’s first, his face indifferent. 

    "A straightforward approach," he said, his voice firm. "But a reckless approach. You achieve victory, but a a great cost. Over half your pack would perish in this scenario. This is not the mindset of a true leader. You can do better" .

     The smile on Miranda's face was gone, along with her confidence which was long gone.

      Xavier moved to my submission, his intimidating eyes scanning the notes and maps I'd written. He looked confused for a moment but his softened after a while.

   "Sophia", he said turning to me. "Your strategy is innovative and compassionate. It's new but it's wise. You used the characteristics of your village wisely and prioritized your pack while ensuring your victory. This is the kind of leadership we value at the Institution of Wolves ".

      The whole crowd applauded, but I nearly heard it. I felt relief, but I knew it was temporary. 

   "This is a joke!" Miranda shouted. "She's nothing but a shifless wolf, she doesn't belong here!"

 Xavier's expression became firmer and the room silent. "Enough," he said. "Your action today has shown nothing but a lack of honor and integrity, and you are hereby expelled permanently from this institution ".

   Two guards stepped forward, grabbing Miranda by the arms.

    "You'll regret this, Sophia!" She shouted as they dragged her away. "This isn't over".

   "Congratulations Sophia Clarks, welcome to our institution. As a show of compensation for what had happened today, there won't be any further tests, you're officially a student of this institution " Xavier said, his expression still firm.

    "Thank you very much, sir, you don't how much this means to me" I responded. 

   "Then make sure you make the best of it," he said, as he took his leave 

**********

      That night, I sat alone in my dormitory, staring at the window. The events of the day replayed constantly in my head. Miranda's threat still bothered me like a cloud of rain.

    As I turned away from the window, I saw a shadow shift outside. My heart dropped, and I froze.

   There was a knock at the door.

"Who's there?" I called out, my voice shaky.

    But there was no answer.

Another knock, louder this time.

     I thought about it again, my hand hovering around the doorknob. 

   When I finally opened the door, the hallway was empty, but a note was laid on the door.

  I picked it up, my hands shaky as I read the words written with red ink.

    "You've made an enemy Sophia. Watch your back”