It bugged Ruina that Enzo never looked back up. And he definitely never looked back towards her. A part of her wanted him to. Why? She'd never felt this way about anyone before. Sure, she'd had some crushes on some guys. She'd seen some guys she thought was cute, but she never craved their attention like she craved Enzo's. Suddenly she missed the weekend when Enzo and her were talking and hanging out. She felt a thrill earlier when their eyes had met. What was this? Another crush?

Perhaps she was trying to steal Enzo from Amber. But, was that such a bad thing? Amber didn't deserve Enzo, and she was a crazy bitch. A small smile curves at the edge of Ruina's face as she doodles on her own paper, oh yeah, she definitely had a crush on Enzo. Would she ever tell him? Probably not. She was scared. What felt like years ago, but was only about five nights ago, Enzo told her that royals didn't get true love. They never got happiness. If he had that mindset and she told him how she felt, would he reject her? Would he never try to find someone other then Amber?

Tarron's eyes moved between Ikaris, Thaola, Enzo, and Ruina. Something was going on and he wanted to know. Ikaris was being incredibly fidgety. Thaola, while talking to Tarron, was refusing to answer questions about what the hell was up and kept shooting looks at Ruina. Enzo wouldn't look up from his paper. And Ruina looked both worried and yet unbelievably happy. He'd never seen the werewolf smile quite that wide. Even if it was a quick smile. But, he got the idea that he was about to find out what the hell was going on.

And then class ended. Ruina and Thaola looked at each other and a look passed between them. Ikaris was suddenly beaming with joy. Tarron growls under his breath, he didn't like this. It felt off. What the hell was going on?! Ikaris and Enzo were off almost immediately. Though as the wereleopard gave a small smile to Ruina, the werewolf quickly flashes one back. Then the two were gone. Ruina, Thaola, and Tarron hang back a little longer. But set off within minutes after the other two. Amber had apparently already set off too, but Ruina didn't care. She knew the werefox would be there and that was all that mattered.

Tarron halts the two before any of the Truhan's could enter,"Okay. Does anyone want to tell me what the hell is going on?" Thaola and Ruina look at each other and after a few seconds. Tarron's rare to see temper starts to flare,"What the fuck is going on?!" Ruina snaps,"I'm about to beat a werefox's ass. Now move." She pushes past her cousin into the room. On the way, she'd put her hair up and she was already in clothes that could be used for sparring. She'd chosen to dress a little lazy today. Ruina's gaze drifts to Ikaris and Enzo briefly. Then away again. Boom, there was Amber.

Tarron and Thaola were quick to follow Ruina into the room. However as the werewolf heads for the coach, Tarron and Thaola head for Ikaris and Enzo. Thaola greets,"Hey guys." But Tarron's gaze was fixed on Ruina,"What the hell is she doing?" Thaola glances at Tarron,"Don't worry about it." Tarron rolls his eyes, anger flashing through them. Was this going to get his cousin hurt? He was very protective and very pissed. Not a very good combination. Thaola sighs,"Trust her, Tar." Tarron mumbles,"I do."

The coach looks up as Ruina approaches,"Hey princess." Ruina smiles,"Hey Coach. Say, do you think you could do me a favor?" Coach raises an eyebrow,"Depends on what it is." Ruina answers,"Oh, it's nothing hard. Just switching up a pair or two." Coach frowns,"I put you with someone who would challenge you." Ruina's eyes gleam,"Oh, that's not issue at all. I was just wondering if you would put me with Amber." The coach looks at her list,"Amber Bairus?" Ruina nods,"That's the one."

The coach frowns again,"I thought you liked challenges?" Ruina shrugs,"Let's just say I have a score to settle." The coach warns,"You know this class isn't for settling petty scores." Ruina rolls her eyes,"You've heard the rumors about me, no?" Coach grimaces,"I've heard them." Ruina leans forward,"Do you consider that a petty score?" Coach sighs,"Alright. Alright. Just, don't make me regret this. Make it a hell of a good fight." Ruina's eyes gleam mischievously,"You bet I will." Coach sighs, waving her off,"I've got to rearrange pairs."

Ruina heads back to her friends, her eyes gleaming,"Hey." Tarron studies her,"What the hell did you just do?" Ruina shrugs,"Said hey to coach." Tarron frowns at Ruina, but the werewolf refuses to say more. Thaola was shifting nervously. She hadn't been lying earlier when she said she would support without a simple doubt or hesitation. But, something felt off. What would this fight cause Ruina? A few minutes pass and Ruina was getting antsy as well. She was ready, she needed this, and it was time for Amber to be put in her place.

"Alright! Listen up." Ruina turns towards the coach as she walks towards the center,"You guys will be sparring today. In pairs." She began listing pairs, and then she got to the group. "Enzo and Ikaris." Names were being listed, some wereanimals were happy, some were not. "Thaola and Tarron." Here is comes, more names were rattled off. Then the final one. "Ruina and Amber." The werewolf couldn't help but smile, her teeth already felt sharper in her mouth. She'd have to control the shift. If she wasn't careful that hidden rage and emotion would come up and next thing she'd known she would either be half and half or full wolf.

Enzo was still reeling from the energy Ikaris surrounded himself with, and while he really didn’t want to ask, it is in the wereleopard’s nature to be curious. Enzo’s amber gaze moved to the entrance, and as if he had radar for one specific werewolf, he watched Ruina enter and begin a walk towards the coach. His eyes followed her for a moment longer before they moved to focus on the other two Truhan’s approaching him and Ikaris. “Hey guys." Ikaris jumps at the opportunity to greet Thaola. “Heyo!” He said, perhaps a little too excitedly to the werelioness. But she knew, he knew… it was going down! “Hey.” Enzo greeted, much more mildly. “What the hell is she doing?" Both boys’ eyes move to Ruina after Tarron's question, but Tarron’s energy was off putting to Enzo as well. And what is Ruina doing? “Don't worry about it." Came Thaola's response, and Ikaris dismissed Tarron’s current mood, “It’s not her you should worry about.” Ikaris winked at the werewolf, and he’s calling that more foreshadowing! That comment earned a raised brow from Enzo though. "Trust her, Tar." ‘What exactly are we trusting?’ is what crossed Enzo’s thoughts. “I do." Enzo was lost, and he didn’t particularly like that.

So instead, Enzo moved his attention back to Ruina as he watched her with the coach. When the werewolf began to make her way towards the group though, Enzo averted his gaze rather quickly, unfortunately moving it to Amber. Yikes, she looked like she was waiting for that, and again Enzo moved his gaze. Which just ended up on Ruina again. If he were in a sassier mood he would just dramatically tip his head up to stare at the ceiling. “Hey." Enzo’s smile only reaches his eyes halfway as he notices the gleam in Ruina’s eyes. "What the hell did you just do?" Only Ikaris’ gaze flashes briefly to Tarron, while Enzo’s remains on Ruina as he, too, studies her. “Said hey to coach." Enzo wasn’t quite moved by that answer, and then his eyes move to Thaola’s more nervous stature. “Is it vague answer day, today? Because I think I missed the memo.” Enzo commented under his breath, shooting a still very happily anxious Ikaris a small glare.

"Alright! Listen up." Both Enzo and Ikaris, and even Amber from her space, looked towards the coach. “You guys will be sparring today. In pairs." Enzo perks up a bit with satisfaction, and he was already pitying his partner. Ikaris rocked lightly back and forth on his heels in wait while Enzo’s foot tapped on the floor, and finally, their names. “Enzo and Ikaris.” The boys smile at each other before sharing a high five, “Hell yeah.” They speak in unison. Alright, Enzo will pity Ikaris less, but only because the wereeagle poses a challenge since he knows the few faults Enzo possess in combat better than anyone. "Thaola and Tarron." The boys give smiles to both Thaola and Tarron, although who would that leave Ruina with? Enzo figured she would enjoy a challenge, and admittedly one of the only wereanimals that posed a challenge to even Enzo was one of his old sparring partners, Leith. The boy that once bowed to the prince, well, Leith no longer bows to Enzo after a match now. Enzo supposed he should take Leith’s ferocity in combat as a good sign though, since he would be one of the warriors of Ritha.

"Ruina and Amber."

Every thought in Enzo’s mind ceased as he heard that pairing name. Shock briefly rippled over his face as he looked from Ruina to Amber. Although, Amber’s wide eyes at hearing the pairing she was in, but she that was quick to disappear as she composed herself with a sharp breath. Of course the werewolf would enjoy this, Amber could tell by Ruina’s smile. Keeping her eyes on Ruina as she began to approach with her head held high, Amber gave a smile that just barely passed for friendly. “Hi, partner,” she said, drawing out the second word, “I think as long as you demonstrate reasonable self control, this can be fun!” She said in a voice too high and far too bubbly. The werefox has to look up to most people, and Ruina wasn’t an exception. As Amber watched the girl for just a moment, a fraction of nervousness began to course through her veins, but she wouldn’t let that show. “Come, come!” Amber spoke, gesturing for Ruina to follow, although Amber’s behavior was almost demeaning. As if treating Ruina like an obedient dog.

“Quite honestly no forms of fighting are among my plethora of skills, so I hope you take that into consideration as my partner? It is your responsibility to ensure my concerns are heard and addressed after all as my partner. But you know that, right?” Amber spoke, although she was stalling, taking her time with everything. She even began to redo her hair. “As a good partner myself, are there any concerns you would like me to take into consideration?” She asked, hoping if she could keep up a conversation that just maybe she could push off the inevitable. But oh, she knew it was coming.

Eventually though, Amber pushed herself out of her bubble of cowardice to take her sparring position. The werefox never makes a first move, and she was already sifting through everything she knew she was willing to do combat wise to be able to at least keep up with someone like Ruina. Amber knew that the werewolf could fight, and very well. And Amber knew that she herself could not fight, and what little she could, would not save her from a seasoned fighter. So, drawing a breath, she watched Ruina with a hint of fear, but mostly in anticipation of any of the werewolves' moves.

“Surprise!” Ikaris shouted after Amber walked off, earning looks from more than just Enzo. “Surprise? You do know Amber is going to get obliterated, right?” Enzo spoke, raising a brow at Ikaris as they claimed their own space for a spar. “Duh, that’s what makes this a great surprise.” Ikaris threw back. Enzo frowned slightly as he glanced over towards Amber. He did feel bad… but not for the reason one would think. Enzo felt bad because he didn’t feel bad for Amber. Caring for the werefox felt like an obligation, and quite frankly, too heavy of one to burden himself with right now. So he wouldn’t intervene, but he would spectate. As would most of the class, no doubt.

"Heyo!" "Hey." Thaola flashes a smile at the wereeagle and wereleopard, she was excited too. Although it was more of a nervous excited. Not because she was nervous Ruina would lose. But because of what this would mean for the werewolf? Would other take this as the rumors are true. That Ruina is just fighting Amber for Enzo? She knew Ruina really wouldn't care what others thought, simply just disproving them anytime someone brought it up around her. But still, this fight would spread faster then the rumor Amber had started today. The princess of Truhan beating up the princess of Iprihan? No doubt it would find a way to reach outside the school.

"It's not her you should worry about." Tarron rolls his eyes, what the hell did that mean? And that answer simply pissed him off more. Why were the answers so vague? And then it hit him. He'd heard the rumors. He never had the chance to confront Ruina about it. Anytime he tried to bring it up, she'd find something else to do or a way to change the subject just like that. Was this about the rumors? Surely Ruina wasn't letting them get under her skin. She was better than that. Besides himself, she was the calmest person he knew. So... What else was going on? His grey-blue eyes flickers to Enzo who was watching Ruina and the coach. Did it have something to do with the prince of Ritha?

His eyes quickly flash away towards his cousin as he hears her approach. Ruina's eyes flicker among the group. She knew three of the four were on her side. The only one she did not know was Enzo. If he did not know, would he be pissed no one told him? She didn't want to lose his friendship, she was enjoying hanging out with him. "Is it vague answer day, today? Because I think I missed the memo." All three Truhan's sharp hearing picked up the muttered words, but none answered. They didn't know exactly how to, and besides, there was no time to explain.

As the boys did, Tarron and Thaola exchange a smile at the fact they were paired up. But, they knew they probably wouldn't be sparring. If Ruina really was gonna do what she wanted to. It would be a show. Their eyes were fixed on Amber, how would the werefox react? Surely Amber was aware there was no way she could win against Ruina. They knew how the werefox was, she hated scars, which meant she wasn't much of a fighter. Ruina was littered with scars, she didn't care. Life was war and peace. And none of those things promised eternal fair skin except for cowards who wanted power.

Ruina couldn't help but shift so she could see Enzo in the corner of her eye, Amber in the other corner. She saw the shock on the wereleopard's face and the wide eyes of the werefox. Ruina did not move, Thaola and Tarron beside her the whole time, as Amber approaches faking a smile. "Hi, partner." If wolves could purr, Ruina was doing it,"Hey, partner." The werefox was nervous. "I think as long as you demonstrate reasonable self control, this can be fun!" Oh to bust the werefox's bubble. "My definition of self control is different then yours." Ruina smiles, though it did not reach her eyes,"And this is Combat in Action. It's not meant to be fun."

Ruina tipped her head down slightly to meet Amber's eyes, grey eyes cold yet amused. "Come, come!" Ruina scoffs,"I'm not a dog." Though she does follow, she'll let Amber have a little bit of.... control.... something. "Quite honestly no forms of fighting are among my plethora of skills, so I hope you take that into consideration as my partner? It is your responsibility to ensure my concerns are heard and addressed after all as my partner. But you know that, right?" The werefox was stalling, wuss. "Hmm, not my issue. I'm not going to pull punches and sheath claws because you couldn't get out of your damn castle to learn more then just defense 101." The werewolf spoke clearly, not exactly loudly, but clearly.

If the werefox wanted to humiliate and spread rumors about Ruina, then the werewolf could play just as dirty. "I'm here to spar. Not play patty cake with a princess who can't defend herself. You have seen me spar, no?" She knew Amber had. She'd watched Tarron, Thaola, Enzo, Ikaris, and Ruina spar. And Ruina hadn't even gone her hardest in that spar. She had no reason to, that spar had been for fun. This.... This was revenge. "As a good partner myself, are there any concerns you would like me to take into consideration?" A ghost of a smirk plays across the werewolf's face,"Yeah, do me a favor, and try to at least draw some blood."

Tarron and Thaola were a few feet away in the space they had claimed for their spar. Though like much of the class, they were too busy watching Amber and Ruina. And the coach was doing the same thing. She didn't care the others weren't sparring, this was going to be interesting.

Ruina watches Amber finally move into a sparring position. Hmm, well, at least she knew that. Ruina, however, stayed how she was. Studying the werefox with cold and calm eyes. And then she was on the move. Ruina could fight in many different ways. Right now, she'd start with brute force. A streak of werewolf moving forward. Already her claws were out. She was aiming for the werefox's arms, the goal was to catch the werefox's arm and draw some blood and throw the werefox a few feet. Ruina at least wanted to draw some blood. The spar was on.

"Hey, partner." Amber has to suppress a gulp. "My definition of self control is different then yours. And this is Combat in Action. It's not meant to be fun." Amber’s eyes search Ruina’s for a second, a break in her own friendliness evident as a cross between fear and irritation crosses her, but it vanishes just as quickly. Amber was already trying to think of someway to get out of this while still retaining her dignity. Well, just a little fighting before crying to the coach usually worked for the werefox. But would it this time?

"I'm not a dog." Amber didn’t bother looking back at Ruina. The werewolf still heeded her command, and Amber took that as a small victory to soothe her growing fear. "Hmm, not my issue. I'm not going to pull punches and sheath claws because you couldn't get out of your damn castle to learn more then just defense 101." Amber gives a light scoff. “You're right, I sacrificed playtime to learn to be a Queen.” Amber said after a pause in her steps, at the same level of tone Ruina did, basically communicating ‘I’m going to be taking a step up in the world, and you will stay what you are’. Although, most of Amber’s time was actually directed to pursuing Enzo in any way she could. Which lately, has been nearly impossible.

"I'm here to spar. Not play patty cake with a princess who can't defend herself. You have seen me spar, no?” Instead of saying anything, Amber’s face only flushed with anger. Any angrier and she’d be redder than her hair. Yes, Amber has witnessed Ruina spar, which is exactly why she was enraged about this pairing. It’s not fair! She didn’t deserve this! Amber was only looking out for what was hers by spewing rumors about the werewolf, is that really such a bad thing? Not in Amber’s world, the same world where she believes everyone revolves around her. “Yeah, do me a favor, and try to at least draw some blood." Oh, if Ruina was putting effort into this, then so was Amber. To the best of her ability… which isn’t much honestly.

Amber’s heart was beating at a fairly rapid pace as she watched Ruina, just waiting. At the blur of Ruina moving towards her, the werefox’s best reaction was to flinch and put her arms up to protect her face, the movement allowing her hands to shift into her fluffier red paws with small, cat-like black claws. It was the not moving part that set Amber up to being struck by Ruina, effectively catching her arm and knocking her back into a stumble before Amber caught herself. Clutching her arm closer, a barely audible whimper sounded from Amber, but she refused to look at what she suspected were marks on her arm. And in fact, there were marks. Bolstering up what courage she did have, Amber knew she was at least very swift on her feet. She was already smaller, so her speed was her greatest advantage in any fight. Moving straightforward as if to charge Ruina head on, in a flash, the werefox ducks lower, pivoting on her feet in a quick motion to the right while extending one paw out to try and graze her claws against Ruina’s legs. Amber is really best at going for legs and torsos because most of everything else target wise isn’t usually an easy shot considering she’s so much lower than most. Spinning again to face Ruina, she pushed herself forward onto the balls of her feet so she was at least ready to try and quickly dodge an attack, instead of freezing like she did the first time.

Nobody was sparring, though it seemed no one would unless they were told to, or the fight ended. Enzo was definitely among those watching, internally criticizing Amber’s movements. He has attempted to train with her in the past, when he was interested in being a good boyfriend, but she hardly ever wanted to do what he wanted to do. She would follow him around in public, yes, but when Enzo wanted to do something just between them, well, it was never what Amber wanted. Why did he ever bend to her? That was his mistake, making her believe he was an object to be controlled. He could honestly say a part of himself admired Ruina for not taking Amber’s shit like everyone else. So why should he?

Why does he have to spend nearly every waking hour worried about what decisions might displease Amber enough to get her to retaliate? Why has he led himself to believe that Amber actually has any pull in his life? Enzo was tempted to laugh at the those thoughts. How had he let himself become another tortured puppet on Amber’s strings? The thought of breaking away, completely from Amber, flooded Enzo with a new found sense of desire. Maybe not today, but in the coming days, he was ending the arrangement, and breaking up with Amber. For good. It was as if Amber heard Enzo’s thoughts declare he was done, because the werefox looked distracted for a few seconds as her eyes moved to Enzo, hurt in them. Enzo’s eyes reciprocated hurt, but not because this would be hard for him, but because she brought him to this point. She did this. Amber made him a person afraid to leave her. Is that what she has desired since the beginning? To keep him as a pet that didn’t know anything better than her? Regardless, it was over.

Enzo’s eyes focused on Ruina now, and he would keep his eyes on her for the rest of the fight. Amber wasn’t his concern any longer. And never again. He wanted Ruina to be his focus. Enzo knew he wanted more than he and Ruina currently have. And he watched her with a subtle longing. There was still a metaphorical distance he made between him and her, out of his hesitancy to ever jeopardize what they had now. If their friendship broke down just because he started talking about his feelings… Enzo already knew that would destroy him on a level unlike any other. This was the first and last time he would ever comfortably open himself up to the idea of someone else, but just the idea. As for actually doing something, that was still another story. And one he wished he could tell, maybe even tell Ruina the few words that have been circulating in and out of his thoughts. ‘I think I like you, Ruina. A lot.’ Even just thinking about saying it gave him butterflies. Funny how he’s watching the woman he’s crushing on destroy the woman he hates, and his head is able to drift into the clouds thinking about just how hard he’s crushing on the Truhan princess. Repercussions for this fight were beneath Enzo right now. And when this is over, if Amber has the gall to insult or degrade Ruina in his presence, he’ll break it off with Amber right then and there.

Ruina felt no pleasure or joy in the sight of brief fear in Amber's eyes. She was not a cruel human who thrived off of the fear of others. It wasn't her thing. But, Amber had asked for this. The werewolf had tried to be nice, she'd tried to simply go the route of disproving the rumors and telling the werefox off. But if verbal warnings did nothing, then Ruina would do physical warnings. And if that didn't work. Well, she'd crush the werefox. She'd go straight to Ritha herself and offer the king something that he could not refuse. Something to get Enzo away from Amber. The one thing Amber always wanted.

Ruina knew how Amber was, she didn't like to spar. She usually managed to wriggle out of it by whining to the coach. But, considering coach agreed to switch pairs for Ruina. The werewolf highly doubted the coach would so easily allow Amber to get out of this spar. Especially because the coach was definitely rooting on Ruina.

"You're right, I sacrificed playtime to learn to be a Queen." Ruina's laugh was genuine,"You think I cannot be a Queen? You think my mother really allowed me to learn nothing of ruling?" Her eyes grow colder,"I could be a queen and a warrior." Her lips curve in a cold smile,"And we'll see how much of a sacrifice you wish you would have made while I show you what I learned during my playtime." Although there were three royal children and Tarron, a royal cousin, Ruina's mother had made sure that all of them knew how to rule. Of course as crown prince, Revalor learned the most and stayed by the king's side. however, the queen knew anything was possible and made sure that Truhan would not be left without a worthy ruler. Tarron and the three royal siblings were well prepared to rule Truhan.

Now, the anger flushed on Amber's face gave Ruina a little joy. No doubt the werefox was still making it all about herself. And no doubt afterwards she'd go crying to someone about it. Unless Ruina instilled in her what would happen if she tried to go tattle. Ruina was never one for tattling, but there were times where it called for it. This was not one of those times. Amber had brought this upon herself, and she had witnesses who would attest to that. Ruina was simply paying forth what the werefox deserved. It was time for her to learn that Ruina is not just another wereanimal who would cower beneath Amber's antics.

As the werefox threw up her arms, Ruina growls, wuss. At least try to fight back. However, her claws did hit and knocked Amber back. The werefox was smaller and therefore quicker. But, Ruina was quick on her feet as well. And unlike Amber, she was use to getting clawed up. So she wouldn't falter at a wound. She'd keep going. Ruina watches as Amber charges, ducking low aiming for her legs. Ruina instead leaps upward, pulling her legs towards her stomach, pulling a flip move. She was aiming to come down on Amber's head and knock the werefox on her butt. Yet Amber spins out of the way and Ruina comes down seconds later.

Ruina straightens up, staring at Amber. Should she continue to do brute force? Or should she end the fight quickly? The petty part of the werewolf was screaming, make her suffer. Make her pay! Drag it out! But Ruina was not like that. She couldn't do it. She'd get one or two more blows in and then she knocked Amber to the ground. Tell the werefox off and make sure Amber knew not to mess with her.

Ruina moves again, straight at Amber. Her claws flick out, she wanted to nick the werefox's face. Perhaps bad enough to scar, a reminder of what happened when she messed with the wrong person. So Ruina aims for the legs, hoping to taunt the werefox to expose her face and protect her legs. Though once her claws were mere inches away from Amber's legs, Ruina suddenly shifts, exploding upward. She did have to pull back slightly, no point of drawing a whole lot of blood. She was aiming for the cheek, hoping that at least one of her claws would get in a good scratch.

Tarron and Thaola had moved over towards Enzo and Ikaris. Though neither were speaking. They knew Enzo seemed deep in thought. No doubt Ikaris was loving this. Tarron, well, he was glad that Ruina was sticking up for herself but like Thaola, he didn't think this was the best way to do it. Thaola was of course cheering Ruina on quietly all while wondering what was going to happen when it was all said and done.

Ruina notes how Amber's gaze flashes away for a few seconds and so she leans back, sweeping out with her leg, attempting to knock Amber on her back. If this worked, it would be Ruina's final move against Amber. She wasn't going to drag out the fight, she was going to end it. She figured she could get the message through and if it didn't work. Well, she could always do it again. The plan had been to humiliate Amber, the way the werefox was trying to do to her. Amber had no excuse for not learning to fight better than defense 101. It was a skill everyone needed, learning to fight kept people alive in this world.

Thaola glances sideways at the three beside her, spotting the subtle longing in Enzo's eyes, well just barely spotting it. The werelioness glances back at the spar, fighting the smile. Hmm, so perhaps while the rumors were false. Enzo and Ruina seemed to be gravitating towards each other. Perhaps the rumors were making them think of how they felt about each other. And maybe, just maybe, this would be the end of Amber's relationship with Enzo. Something Thaola was hoping for. The werefox was a bitch and Enzo deserved someone better. Someone to treat him right and someone to love him for him.

“You think I cannot be a Queen? You think my mother really allowed me to learn nothing of ruling? I could be a queen and a warrior. And we'll see how much of a sacrifice you wish you would have made while I show you what I learned during my playtime." Amber’s gaze hardened, but her expression said enough. No, Amber did not believe Ruina could be a suitable Queen. Nothing about Ruina exactly screamed ‘ruler’ to Amber. Though, she is judgy in general, so her opinion doesn’t amount to much. She was still nervous about the spar in general, but even given the opportunity, Amber would have never spent much time with strenuous training.

Amber gritted at her miss of Ruina, lowering from the balls of her feet, she did angle herself lower. Not quite in a cower, but more of a coil, anticipating to strike. As Ruina moved forward, seemingly aiming for her legs, Amber instinctively went into a slight crouch to prevent her legs from getting nicked, while her claws were angled lower to attempt to sink into any part of Ruina that dared to inflict harm. The quick flash of Ruina’s claws moving up caught the werefox by surprise, and from her lowered stance she was only able to flinch a half a step back, pulling her face back and looking to the side. A graze of two claws went up along the werefox’s cheekbone in the moment. Amber takes a further, more shocked step back at the feeling.

Something along the lines of rage and devastation trickled into Amber’s eyes as a warm sensation just barely broke the surface of where Ruina’s claws had made contact. A growl escaped the werefox, with her sudden influx of rage making it difficult for her not to fully shift. Spite gleamed in Amber’s eyes as she watched Ruina, but there was no tactical move she even knew that could earn her making a mark on the werewolf. She couldn’t do this… because she didn’t know how. If she were to get drunk with rage and just charge blindly, she knew it would not end well.

Amber had looked to Enzo for help. To do something. Anything. But only for him to do something for her though, like she always expected. Instead that plea distracted the werefox, and a higher pitched surprised yip like noise pushed through her throat at feeling her legs go out from under her. Catching herself with her arms as she fell back, Amber kicked in Ruina’s direction, just to give her ‘back off’ signal. “Enough!” The werefox barked to Ruina, humiliation and anger now being what was evident on her face. She was done, and that demand was to Ruina, as well as the coach to ensure it didn’t go any further.

“Come on! Kick her! Bite her! Drag her around by the hair!” Ikaris encouraged joyfully from the sidelines. The bird has been bouncing steadily, shitting on his feet slightly throughout the encounter. Ruina has Amber on her back now, perfect opportunity to deliver a final blow! The sudden vocalization from Ikaris is what brought Enzo to blink before shifting his attention to his friend, his brows knitting. “This is still class, not courtyard rules.” Enzo reminded Ikaris, which seemed to deflate the wereeagle’s excitement by a fraction. “Spoken like a real buzzkill.” Ikaris muttered, his blue gaze shifting back to Ruina and Amber.

Enzo glanced towards Thaola and Tarron. When did they get closer? Well, he was occupied with a multitude of thoughts at the time they came closer, so he didn’t even register them. Moving his eyes to the same scene everyone else was spectating, he shifted on his feet. Amber was in a vulnerable position, and even he could see the faint crimson streaks on her cheek. That would be something she wouldn’t be able to let go, Enzo knew that was coming. He also knew, as much as he wanted to watch her suffer as well, that he would more than likely at least walk with her so she could look over her face for herself. And, begrudgingly, do his best to tell her “it’s not that bad, don’t make a big deal out of it”. He’ll call it one of his final kindnesses before he breaks their relationship off. While he may fantasize malicious doings, he isn’t cruel enough in the sense to hit her with a break up after what he was guessing would already be a difficult day for her.

Enzo didn’t want to think about him paying Amber of all people a kindness, but that’s just the person Enzo is. Sometimes he hates it, but he won’t indulge in self-loathing. Regardless of the small thing he was doing for Amber, he felt no sympathy. Perhaps he enjoyed her topple from her high horse more than he should have, but it was long overdue. The only thing that’s changed with his perspective has been his thoughts and feelings toward Ruina. Even now, those feelings burned as a soft ember internally, and that warmth was something Enzo was still hesitant to cling to. “Are you okay?” Ikaris’ voice broke through the wereleopard’s thoughts again, and Enzo turned his head to Ikaris. “Fine, why?” Enzo replied smoothly. “Because you’re all zoned out, just thought I’d comment on it.” Ikaris shrugged, though that's probably the difference between a sensible individual and Ikaris. He will out you, not intending harm, without even reading into why someone may be behaving a certain way. His thoughts usually never get that far in advance before he feels the need to speak though.

Ruina could tell simply from Amber's expression that, no, the werefox did not believe Ruina could be a queen. Which amused Ruina, which showed when the cold light disappeared for mere seconds to be replaced with amusement. She knew how to lead a kingdom forward, and not into war. What did Amber know? And on the terms of ruling, did she know how to rule alone? Or had she only been taught how to rule with a king? Hence another reason she was so attached to Enzo? Did the werefox even know that ruling alone was an option?

The werefox was a coward. Ruina would call her that forever, unless Amber changed, which she wasn't sure would ever happen. However, the stance Amber took on next was more prepared to strike, a coil. Amber drops for a crouch, aiming to protect her legs, which was exactly what the werewolf wanted. And even as Amber managed to withdraw slightly, the werewolf felt her claws graze Amber's cheek. Then she saw red. Blood had been drawn. The marks on Amber's arms had been nothing compared to the wounds on her cheekbones. At least in Ruina's eyes. Satisfaction flashing through her. As Amber takes another step, Ruina simply straightens up, allowing her to become full human again. Claws sheathed.

Ruina's cold grey eyes hold Amber's green ones. Watching as rage and devastation trickled into those green eyes. Ruina did not move as Amber growls. The werefox was pissed, but there was nothing else for her to do. Ruina stares down Amber as spite grows in the werefox's face. If Amber got to angry and charged, Ruina would retaliate again. Although, the angrier one got, the worst they fought. It was time for it to end. Time for Amber to admit defeat.

Ruina hears Amber's surprised yip as she tumbles to the ground. And although the werefox barely managed to catch herself with her arms, the werefox was down. Ruina easily dodged Amber's kicks as she steps forward. Her claws appearing and extending once again as she looms over the fallen werefox. Her grey eyes were empty now, no emotion at all. "Enough!" This was the moment where she could end it all. Ruina could give Amber another mark, this one deeper, one that would surely scar. But was the humiliation on Amber's face enough for the werewolf?

"Come on! Kick her! Bite her! Drag her around by the hair!" That was Ikaris. Tarron and Thaola said nothing, eyes full of worried and lips pressed thinly together. This was not Ruina, if the werewolf looming over the fallen werefox attacked again. Then that was not Ruina. Ruina was not one to beat a fallen enemy. Ruina was merciful. Ruina was kind. But neither liked the empty look in the werewolf's eyes. It signaled that perhaps Ruina was too far gone into her determination to get revenge to care. Would Ruina dare strike again? Would she go that far?

And apparently the coach was thinking the same thing, because she steps forward, barking,"Agarvran! That's enough!" Ruina doesn't move, still staring down at Amber, body tense and right paw raised. While her eyes were empty she was ready to move at any moment. The only reason she hadn't was because she was thinking. She was deep in thought. Coach draws closer,"Agarvran! Snap out of it! This is a spar, not a battle field." Still nothing and the coach launches into a speech as she approaches,"Hey! Don't make me send a letter to your parents! They won't be happy to hear that you are busy beating up--"

"Silence."

That one word, filled with authority, reminded the coach that while Ruina was the student, she was also still a princess of Truhan. Ruina steps back, her paw shifting into her human hand again. Though she makes no move to help Amber up, simply fixing her cold gaze on her. "This better be a lesson, pup. If you continue to do as you do, spreading rumors and being a bitch, I will come back and finish what I've started. And you can go crying to your mommy and daddy, but I promise you this. If you dare, I will rip everything you ever had away from you." Tarron and Thaola exchange a glance, they'd never seen this side of Ruina.

"I've tried to be nice, and trust me, I truly wish you the best. But you've pushed too many buttons. The time for pettiness is over, Amber. So enough is enough." Ruina lifts her gaze, letting it travel over all the other students,"The rumors you hear are not true. Enzo and I did not sleep together. Every word fallen from Amber's mouth, or her friends, is false. Do not get caught up in those rumors." Ruina would not spread rumors about Amber, it would simply lower the werewolf down to the werefox's level. Ruina looks back at Amber,"Next time I will not be so merciful. Remember that."

Ruina turns on her heel, walking away, not towards Tarron, Thaola, Ikaris, and Enzo, or the coach or even the other students. She went for the door. She'd held back in that fight and now she needed to let out some steam. Already, before she could even reach the door, her wolf side was appearing again. Thaola calls out,"Ruina!" But the werewolf princess simply ignores her, breaking into a run as she slams into the door, flinging it open. Thaola takes a step after, but Tarron stops her,"Let her go. She needs to blow off some steam." Tarron's lips were still thin and eyes were narrowed. Thaola sighs, turning towards the others. What would they think? Was Enzo pissed? Ikaris no doubt, from his cheering, was happy. And the other students looked shocked. As did the coach.

"Agarvran! That's enough!" Amber’s chest was rising and falling rather quickly, but she didn’t break her eye contact with Ruina. Narrowing her eyes, Amber waited. For what? She was fairly positive Ruina would try to attack her. Ikaris certainly cheered for it, but would Ruina add insult to injury? The werefox refused to let her gaze fall. She was already down, and humiliated, wasn’t that good enough for the werewolf? "Agarvran! Snap out of it! This is a spar, not a battle field." Ikaris was still gleaming with anticipation, praying that Ruina went further. While Enzo watched, with curiosity. Enzo would expect Amber to hit a man down, but he held Ruina on a much higher pedestal than that. He shouldn’t put expectations on anyone, since the wereleopard hated them himself, but whatever Ruina was about to choose would affect Enzo’s views. He may like her, so much more than he ever thought he could, but he would still protect himself from anyone that reminded him of Amber in even the slightest of ways. “Hey! Don't make me send a letter to your parents! They won't be happy to hear that you are busy beating up--"

“Silence.”

Amber only shifted back completely to normal once Ruina’s paw went away, and there the werefox watched the werewolf. "This better be a lesson, pup. If you continue to do as you do, spreading rumors and being a bitch, I will come back and finish what I've started. And you can go crying to your mommy and daddy, but I promise you this. If you dare, I will rip everything you ever had away from you. I've tried to be nice, and trust me, I truly wish you the best. But you've pushed too many buttons. The time for pettiness is over, Amber. So enough is enough.” The werefox silently took this all in, her eyes still unwavering from that glare. But, she didn’t dare say anything back either.

"The rumors you hear are not true. Enzo and I did not sleep together. Every word fallen from Amber's mouth, or her friends, is false. Do not get caught up in those rumors." Enzo slightly tensed at those words coming from Ruina as her gaze went over the other students. He wasn’t prepared to quite hear it so bluntly disproved, in front of an entire class, but his gaze moved to the other faces to see how they were taking it. Most if not all seemed to believe Ruina, but there will always be stray disbelievers. “Next time I will not be so merciful. Remember that." Amber’s breath hitches in a slight fear, before releasing it as Ruina turns to walk away. Hesitantly Amber’s eyes moved to the faces around her. Pity, embarrassed, mocking… those were just some of the expressions she saw. She watched Enzo’s eyes trail after Ruina, which hurt more than she wanted it too, but eventually Enzo’s gaze moved back to her.

“Well that was disappointing.” Ikaris huffed after Ruina left. He glanced over to Thaola, meeting her gaze before he gave a shrug that expressed his disappointment, before his eyes moved back to Enzo… although the wereleopard was already silently walking forward towards Amber. “Come on, let’s get the cuts taken care of.” Enzo spoke in a quieter, warmthless tone as he extended a hand down for Amber. The werefox was quick to take his hand, pulling herself up. “Is it bad?” She asked in a meager, insecure voice. “I’ve seen worse.” Was all Enzo responded before leading the way to a place he knew he could at least let her get a look for herself. She would be horrified, disgusted, and angry needless to say. But who didn’t see that coming?

~Skip~

Days. It’s been days since Enzo hasn’t been as talkative as he usually is with anyone, with Ikaris being the exception. And even with a few words, not one was really directed towards Ruina. Not once. His gaze barely moved to the werewolf too. Was he angry with her, or even disinterested in Ruina after the incident with Amber? No, actually, the exact opposite. He liked her too much. She was distracting, and he’s not used to thinking about someone as much as he’s thought about Ruina. He can’t talk to her because she makes him speechless. He can’t look at her because he knows how much he likes her is bound to bleed into his stares. It hurt worse than any pain he’s ever experienced to restrain himself, but he was also filled with the utmost of joy at just hearing her name. It was confusing to the poor boy. Especially to a boy that does not talk about feelings.

Tonight, Sunday night, Enzo did it. He broke it off with Amber, and as he had expected, the werefox was livid. It happened to be the night Enzo found out everything Amber had been doing behind his back involving his own kingdom and Iprihan, which turned Enzo livid as well. The level of planning between Amber and her mother to force the arrangement, or get a back up suitor to fill the shoes, was ridiculous. And worse? His parents agreed. Enzo had no siblings, so the only person that could even get close to legalizing a switch in the line of succession would be the Archduke of Ritha. Which was exactly their plan. And Enzo? He would be demoted to a sovereign prince, with a space in his kingdom to “rule”, while still reporting to the person that would be stealing his throne. This… his downfall being plotted behind his back!

“You. Did. This? You did this?! I don’t even know what you’re after anymore! And I don’t care. But this? You’re fucking with my life! So because I don’t want you, you think it’s grounds to rip everything of mine away from me? Who the hell do you think you are?! You don’t know, but let me tell you exactly who you are Amber. You are a conniving bitch! A petty, cowardly, little girl who can’t handle being told ‘no’. And if you can’t get your way? Oh, what does the little spoiled brat do? She throws fits, and cries, and expects the world to bow to her desires. I will not bow to your will. Not now, not ever! I’m not another one of your fucking mindless puppets that does and says whatever it’s told just to please you. I will never be that. And that’s all you want from me. You don’t want me, you don’t love me, you love the thought of adding another pretty puppet to your collection. I hate you Amber. I HATE you!” Was the last thing the fuming wereleopard yelled in the argument, and he doubted he'd ever expelled so much rage before. Everything negative that’s been building, and building though… it was released with a snap.

So hours after that rocky moment, Enzo had finally calmed himself. He never knew he could feel so tired, and yet so wide awake at the same time. And amid everything, do you know what still brought Enzo peace of mind? Thoughts of Ruina. How his mind could even flip from reeling from the fight to romanticizing about a crush was above him, but it happened. It was over with Amber, and yet he felt he would never be any closer with the Truhan princess than he already was. If his lack of attention hasn’t already blown the friendship. He didn’t mean to be so inattentive, but he just didn’t know how to function properly around her. So maybe a walk in the hall wouldn’t hurt, maybe he could even stop by Ikaris’ room? Enzo wasn’t sure yet he wanted to burden his friend, but he knew he didn’t want to stare at the ceiling all night.

Exiting his room quietly, amber eyes flicked down the hall to make sure no one else was around before he fully emerged and closed his door behind him. Ikaris is usually always up for gossip though, maybe Enzo could come up with something interesting enough to jar his friend awake. Enzo didn’t usually gossip, but he could come up with something good. As he walked down the hall, he mulled over his options. Herschel lost his pinkie after losing a bet, and that’s why his hands are always in his pockets… is that good gossip? Apparently, that was as bad as Enzo could get with fabricating.

What was Ruina doing? She was better than this. She was like this. She did not fight those who could not fight for themselves. And she definitely did not not attack them when they were down. She had been taught better. But here she was standing over a werefox who was unable to defend herself. What would her parents think? What did her friends think? And most of all, what did Enzo think? They may have grown closer over the last few days, but here she was beating up his girlfriend. Even if he didn't love her, how did he feel about all of this?

Ruina was glad that Amber said nothing back. It may have pushed another button and Ruina's rage may have gotten the better of her. She was no monster. She never wanted to be one and she never planned to be one. But the way Amber had treated her, and how she treated others, had pissed the werewolf off. And when it got to a certain point, Ruina was tired of it. She was just glad that she hadn't been pushed past the point of no return. That was a side that terrified Ruina. The complete beast of her, the side she had no control over. The side that was a monster.

The werewolf was glad to see most of the class seemed to believe her. Of course there would always be those who did not believe, those thrived off of the rumors. And they were no better then the people who started the rumors. But, word would spread of what happened in this class and hopefully it would be enough to stop the rumors. Hearing the slight hitch in Amber's breath did nothing to please the werewolf, in fact, she felt a little bad. But, she let none of those emotions show. It would not help Ruina at all. It could perhaps even piss Amber off more.

Ruina was barely two steps out the door when she shifted. And then a large black wolf was thundering down the path. Steering towards the woods. She needed to blow some steam. She would run and run and run until she could not run anymore. Then perhaps she would return. She was aiming for home, maybe the sight of her home would calm her. Or perhaps it would simply fuel her rage, especially if the land was quiet. But all Ruina could think about was running. Blowing steam and just moving. During that spar, she'd almost went past the point of no return and that scared her. To know what pushed her to that point.

"Well that was disappointing." Normally Thaola would agree, the werelioness would laugh along. But this time Thaola shakes her head,"Ikaris. Ruina would have killed Amber. She wouldn't have meant to... But that look in her eyes." Between Tarron and Thaola, they'd only ever seen that expression on the werewolf's face once. And the two had to haul Ruina away, all while the werewolf was attempting to kill someone. That was the day that Ruina became an incredibly calm wereanimal. The day she'd learned how to control and hide her emotions. How to shut them off and how to keep the beast away. It was a day none of the Truhan could forget.

-Skip-

It had been days since the spar, since Ruina had put Amber in her place. The rumors had stopped, but she was still getting looked at. No doubt everyone knew how close Ruina had come to snapping. But, the werewolf didn't care what they thought. She had skipped the rest of her classes for that day and she had run all the way to Truhan and to the shore. There she stood on the cliffs before finally, as the sun started to go down, she turned and began her journey back. It had been late morning of the next day when she had finally returned. Thankfully Tarron and Thaola had been forced to go to class. That had given Ruina the rest of the day to sleep and rest and think.

Though as soon as that day's classes had ended, the two had found Ruina instantly. Finding the werewolf still hiding in her room and she had been confronted. And Ruina had refused to talk. Simply saying that it went further than Ruina wanted it to go. And that she had to get out and blow some steam before she took it out on somebody and accidentally hurt them. After hours of pestering, Tarron and Thaola realized they wouldn't get an answer out of Ruina, and so finally they gave up. The next day, Ruina returned to class and things started to fall back into routine.

Except Enzo had refused to talk, or even look at Ruina. And that had hurt. She didn't realize he'd be so pissed at her. She never meant to piss him off, she just was tired of being Amber's target. But perhaps that last moment in the spar, when Ruina had stood over a fallen Amber, about to attack again. Maybe that was the moment when Ruina had disgusted Enzo and now the wereleopard wanted nothing to do with her. She just didn't realize it would hurt so much. It kept her awake at night, tossing and turning. If she got sleep it was very little, and yet every day she kept going to class like nothing was wrong.

Sunday night. She couldn't stand it any more. She had to get out of her room. The bed that was usually always so soft and comfortable and put her to sleep quickly well it only felt like it was drowning her now. Her room felt like a cage and she hated being caged. So in her typical pajamas, sweats and a random t-shirt, she exits her room, padding down the hallway. Maybe she could go for another run. Maybe this time she could go to the opposite coast. She would move so fast no one would have time to realize who she was and no one would be bothered. Ruina sighs as she turns a corner, eyes fixed on the floor. What was she doing? And why was Enzo invading every thought? Why did it hurt so bad that he was ignoring her?

"Ikaris. Ruina would have killed Amber. She wouldn't have meant to... But that look in her eyes." Ikaris looked at Thaola with a small smile. "She would have been doing the world a favor, and I would have hailed her a hero." There was a coldness to both his tone and grin, which turned towards Amber once more. He supposed if Ruina had gone far enough to kill, she may have felt bad about it perhaps. Not to mention the whole law about murdering. Ikaris would have felt no such remorse though, and he's far too impulsive to think about consequences after the fact. Morality is fairly grey in Ikaris' world, and he is not bound by things like 'right' and 'wrong', not always. All the more reason he relies on the group to balance him out, and because he lacks a helpful inner conscious.

~~~

As Enzo walked, he strayed from thinking about gossip to criticizing how ridiculous he looked. One, if he had planned on wandering, he would not have chosen knee high socks, shorts, and a T-shirt. None of it matched, whatsoever. Quite honestly the clothing wasn't even his style, so apparently angry Enzo has bad taste. Like seriously? Who wears white socks with baby blue shorts, and a red shirt? It looked like a poorly made desert threw up on him. The only reason this bothered him was because he knew it would be the first thing Ikaris would notice, and the bird would laugh. Well not everyone can look perfect 24/7! It was ridiculous how Ikaris retained around the clock perfection, it is far from fair. It pisses Enzo off very deeply too. Or maybe he's still a little worked up. He couldn't tell.

The wereleopard did pause near the end of his hall at hearing steps, and he thought over his options. Turn back, that could work. Blend in? Not possible, he's a living eye sore. Distraction? Other than someone laughing at his outfit, he had no means of diverting attention. Ultimately, Enzo drew in a breath to see what other creature was roaming the halls, and whether this would be good or bad for him. A figure turned the corner, a short distance from him, and his heart skipped a beat in immediate recognition. "Ruina?" He spoke quietly, a trickle of nervousness in his tone. Shifting indecisively for a second, he stepped a little closer to the werewolf, with subtle concern now. "Nightmares again?" He asked, naturally assuming that's her reason for wandering like it was last time.

But last time he wasn't hearing a fast drum of his heartbeat in his ears. A part of him just wanted to turn away, to silently and quickly disappear back down the hall so he could shut himself in his room. But that would be weird, wouldn't it? She's not the plague, though he might as well had been treating her like one. He frowned slightly at that thought. Enzo cared for her, deeply… too deeply? He was genuinely concerned for her either way, which reflected in his gaze that he couldn't move from her. That was until his eyes flickered to her clothes, and he was reminded of his own.

Great. He looks like an idiot in front of her. An uncomfortable sense of insecurity swept over him as he began to nervously fiddle with the hem of his shirt. "I know I look ridiculous, but if you could spare me the laughter and do it behind my back later, that would be much appreciated." He said with a small smile to accompany his plea. From being able to come up with nothing, to light conversation… he wasn't sure how Ruina would take that. Would she be upset? Bitter even? It would be his fault if that was the case though, he deserved it. Or maybe she hardly noticed his behavior. She only had a hold on his thoughts because of his feelings, and he was certain those feelings weren't reciprocated, so he was doubting she cared whether he was hanging around and talking to her, or not. And that hurt.