The moment Aurora walked into the academy, everyone's heads turned towards her. At first she tried to act unaffected but that became increasingly hard to do when people began coming out of their classes, whispering and muttering behind their palms.

Thankfully, the dressing room wasn't far and she picked up the pace. When she slid into the large room and noticed that there wasn't anyone in here except her, she released a grateful sigh and the proceeded to quickly change out of her normal clothes. Aurora deftly tied her pointe shoes and after making sure that her hair was still secured in the bun that she'd put it in, she walked out of the room.


The contest was still going to hold in the theater hall so she marched in the direction. When she arrived backstage, she noticed Louisa practicing her moves and that caused her to raise a brow,

"How long have you been here?"

The blonde startled, nearly toppling over her own feet, "Aurora!" She called with a gasp, her eyes wide in shock.


Aurora simply arched a brow, unamused by her enthusiasm.

"Oh-uh-a while back but you're early too, the contest isn't slated to start until a few minutes."


She nodded, looking at the huge curtains that stood between them and the stage. For a moment, she wanted to dance to her heart's content like she normally would but she wasn't here for that.

"So, how are you doing?" Her forehead creased at the question and she turned to face Louisa, "I mean, I'm glad that the whole thing has died down but yesterday-I saw the blog and I don't really believe they're true."

That made her cock a brow. She crossed her arms against her chest and peered at the girl curiously,

"Let me ask you something and do be honest," Louisa nodded, "What do you think of me?"

Louisa's smile widened and she cleared her throat, squaring her shoulders, "You're nicer than you appear to be and you have a really good heart. Although, you might say harsh words, I've come to realize that everything you do, you do them for a good reason."

Her brows shot up even more, "But I've never said a nice word to you."

"I know, however what you did the other day proves how selfless you are."

She knew instantly what the blonde was referring to and that made her scoff, "I did it purely because of my interests. I don't want to get married to him-"

"But," Louisa cut in gently, smiling as she took a step forward, "You called me there, you tried to make us realize our feelings for each other. If you were simply trying to run away from marriage, you wouldn't have to go through that stress."

She was already shaking her head but Louisa had wrapped her arms around her neck, pulling her in for a hug.

"I might not know you on a personal level but from the little I've seen, I'm certain that you're a good person," Louisa reared back to stare into her eyes, "And you deserve good things, don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

That had to be the nicest thing someone had ever said to her and she didn't know how to respond. Thankfully, she was spared from embarrassing herself because one of the dance teachers popped in and ordered them to move into the stage.

They both nodded and Louisa threw her an encouraging grin, one that she was surprisingly able to return. When they got onto the stage, she noticed that it was jus like the last time. The pianist was in the corner, three other teachers asides Monroe were seated four rows back, the only difference was the crowd. The hall was empty today and she thought it wise since she never really understood the need for having a crowd watch them in the first place.

"Alright, ladies," Julius started first, rising to his feet, "Which one of you will go first?"

Louisa lifted her hand immediately, smiling brightly, "I'd like to go first."

Julius nodded and retired to his seat. The slow tune of the keys began playing and she watched with interest as Louisa moved. Aurora was surprised that she had made impressive improvements. Her footwork was better than before and her arms moved gracefully but still with grit and power.

By the time she finished dancing, she couldn't help but jam her palms together. Louisa grinned proudly before doing a bow, the judges looked impressed too, Elena was clapping with a satisfied nod and Julius had a smile on his lips.

"Miss Rochester, you're up."

Louisa came over to her side and whispered, "Good luck."

Although she really didn't need it, she smiled nonetheless and nodded before walking over to the center of the stage. It was the same dance, one that she'd practiced one too many times.

It was apparent that all the judges were expecting to see her dance, Elena had a mesmerized look already and the rest had similar expressions of anticipation. She couldn't blame them though, there was a reason she'd kept the title of prima ballerina for years now.

But not today, this wasn't her moment.

When the first tune struck, she moved her legs, dancing gracefully and following the melody of the song. Then it came, the part for the arabesque and her ankle faltered, causing her to fall.

The judges gasps, the pianist stopped and Louisa's eyes widened. It was obvious, she had done it deliberately and she hoped that they noticed it too.

"Miss Rochester, what was that?" Monroe asked, eyes narrowing suspiciously.

Good...she needed that.

Aurora rose to her feet, "Nothing, I guess I'm beginning to get greasy feet."

"Do it again."

Aurora nodded and the pianist hit the tune again, she readied herself, danced and then tripped...again.

Now Monroe was furious, the other judges were whispering amongst themselves and she quickly rose to her feet.

"Again." Monroe ordered to the surprise of the others.

"Elena," One of the judges started, a femal brunette with sharp eyes, "The girl has lost already, if she can't perform a simple arabesque then it's clear who the winner is."

However, Monroe wasn't having it, "No, she's doing on purpose. I know that girl and an arabesque is the second thing that comes naturally to her," Monore returned her harsh glare to her, "Again."

Aurora complied, dancing again and tripping. On the fourth try, the judges had had it with her and Monroe shot to her feet.

"What exactly are you doing right now, Rochester!?"

She was still on the floor and beads of sweat had begun to gather on her forehead but she mustered a lazy smile, her gaze flickering to the blonde who was standing in the corner of the stage,

"Losing," Aurora said breathlessly and returned her gaze to the professor, "Isn't it obvious by now that that is what I'm doing?"