~The team Aurora's chamber~
Aurora and her crew trudged back from the arena, their faces gleaming with the sweat of battle. They had triumphed over the Saints team. Her crew laughed and celebrated, their spirits lifted by the hard-fought victory.

Yet Aurora stood apart, her silence heavy, her steps deliberate. The thrill of success seemed to wash over her like a faint echo, distant and hollow.

While her crew exchanged excited chatter, Aurora's brow furrowed deeper, eyes clouded with thoughts she kept to herself. Victory clung to the air, but it did little to brighten the storm darkening her mood.

Fiona had noticed Aurora's darkening mood long before the match had started, and the ferocity the latter displayed in the arena only deepened her concern. Throughout the battle, Aurora had fought with a level of aggression that felt far from her usual self.

Fiona couldn't ignore it any longer. Her cousin's cold fury had boiled over during the match, and it disturbed her. With quiet resolve, Fiona approached Aurora, her tone gentle but direct. She knew she had to confront the matter head-on, to uncover what was truly driving Aurora's unsettling behavior.

FIONA: "... You acted aggressively weird today. I don't know you to be quite brutal with your fists,"

AURORA: "I don't know you to concern yourself in other people's business," Aurora retorted coldly, her face expressing a scowl.

FIONA: "I agree.... Except that you nearly had Sebastian beaten to death. You're lucky he chose to hold back despite all,"

AURORA: "Leave me be. I already said it's none of your business,"

FIONA: "We are family. It should be my business to know what's going on with you..... This is about David, isn't it?" Asked Fiona with a concerned but straightforward tone.

The moment Fiona mentioned about David, Aurora's composure shattered. Her eyes widened as emotions surged like a storm breaking through a fragile dam. She clapped her hands to her face, her body trembling as sobs overtook her.

The revelation that David had been alive all this time was overwhelming. A wave of relief washed over her - he was safe. But beneath that relief simmered a fierce anger, raw and bitter. How could he have broken his promise? How could he have stayed away?

Through tear-filled eyes, Aurora pulled out the bird-shaped whistle David had given her, its delicate form cradled in her palm. She gazed at it, her expression a blend of sorrow and tenderness. It was more than just a gift; it was a symbol of their bond, a reminder of the love they shared.

Fiona, observing Aurora's reaction to the mention of David's name, confirmed her suspicion. She finally understood why her cousin's mood had been so unreasonable. So this was the reason behind her cousin's erratic mood - the weight of unresolved feelings she had buried deep inside.

As Aurora's sobs quieted, Fiona calmly took a seat on a nearby couch; her posture was relaxed as she motioned Aurora to sit beside her.

She knew Aurora needed more than silence, more than a mere witness to her grief. She needed someone who could help her untangle the web of emotions that now threatened to drown her. With the kind of wisdom that comes from watching closely and understanding without judgment, Fiona spoke with measured calm. There was no rush in her tone, just the steady presence of someone willing to help find a way through the confusion.

FIONA: "Look cousin, David may be an idiot most times but I can vouch for him when it comes to deeply caring about you."

AURORA: "[Feels doubtful.] You think so?"

FIONA: "I know so. I've seen how he acts around you. He definitely had his reasons for doing whatever he did. Have a little more bit of faith in him," Fiona comforted Aurora in a reassuring tone.

After sharing her heartfelt words, Fiona rose from the couch, her expression heavy with a quiet sigh. She understood that Aurora needed time - time to sift through the storm of emotions that had been unleashed. Respecting her cousin's need for space, Fiona made her way toward the chamber's exit, her steps steady and purposeful.

But as she reached for the door, she collided with someone waiting on the other side. It was David - the very person whose name had shaken Aurora to her core now stood before her, as if summoned by the weight of their conversation.

Fiona's brow furrowed, her face reflecting both indifference and suspicion as she stood face-to-face with a startled David. She had sensed his presence lingering behind the door earlier, but never imagined he'd stay long enough for their paths to cross. Now here he was, flinching slightly, his expression a tangled mix of surprise and anxiety.

David, caught off guard, simply stood there, his eyes locking onto Fiona's with uncertainty. Neither of them spoke at first - the tension between them palpable as they silently registered the gravity of the moment.

FIONA: "[Finally breaks the silence, her expression stoic as ever.] Leave Aurora be for now. She needs all the space and time that's required."

DAVID: "[Replies guiltily.] Yeah... You're right. Thanks for vouching for me. I... I heard through the conversations. Moreover, It's nice seeing you once again after a long while; Fiona." David revealed an embarrassed smile, acknowledging that he had indeed been at the door listening.

FIONA: "[Responds with indifference.] Yet, I don't find it very pleasing to see you; David. Your presence alone spells trouble for Aurora."

DAVID: "[Unveils an apologetic expression.] I'm sincerely sorry for everything... But why vouch for me?"

FIONA: "Vouching for you was not without reason."

DAVID: "Huh? What reason could that possibly be then?" David asked, his expression contorting into a phase of confusion and curiosity.

FIONA: "The reason is simple. Do not lose the tournament untill you find an opportunity to encounter someone who doesn't seem to know his place - an insufferable brat whose arrogance knows no bounds.
"For yours and Aurora's sake, you must defeat Bernard."

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