The courtyard had been cleared of all but the spectators. Sunlight glinted off polished armor, nobles perched uneasily on their seats, and even Kairo watched with a rare flicker of curiosity. The next beast was brought forward—a massive cage that rattled with every movement inside.
The sound of deep, guttural growls echoed through the court as the bars clanged. The crowd leaned back instinctively, fear etched on every face.
Inside, a ferocious polar bear roared, steam curling from its nostrils. Its white fur was streaked with grey and scars, eyes like twin shards of ice, teeth sharp and stained. It lunged at the cage bars, claws scraping steel, sending a shiver through the onlookers.
Lena stepped forward, holding Ashikai lightly against her chest. She felt the tiny fox tense beneath her fingers, his ears pressed flat. She exhaled slowly, calming her own nerves.
"Deep breaths," she whispered to herself. "Just like Kion…"
The crowd murmured, whispering their astonishment. "She actually walks in there?"
"Is she trying to get killed?"
"Someone stop her!"
But Lena ignored them. She approached the massive cage, eyes locked on the bear. It roared again, swiping at the bars, and the vibrations rattled the stone beneath her feet.
She took a deep breath and stepped inside. The guards on the edges stiffened, hands ready, but Kairo said nothing, just watched.
The polar bear surged toward her, muscles rippling, claws extended—but as it reached her, it stopped. Its massive head lowered, nostrils flaring as it sniffed her. Lena froze, heart hammering.
Then, in a motion that stunned everyone, the bear licked her cheek.
Lena's initial shock melted into laughter. "Oh, you big oaf," she said, reaching up to pat its head. The bear's fur was rough but warm beneath her hands. Its growl softened to a low rumble, and it nuzzled against her like a giant puppy.
The crowd gasped in disbelief.
"Impossible!" one noble whispered. "She… she's actually taming it!"
"Is this the same beast they said no one could control?" another added, eyes wide.
Ashikai peeked over Lena's shoulder, ears twitching. She really has no fear, he muttered, tail flicking nervously.
Lena knelt slightly, letting the polar bear press its head against her shoulder. "Good boy," she murmured. "You're okay. No one's going to hurt you."
The bear huffed and shifted closer, brushing her with its immense body. Its icy-blue eyes softened as it gazed at her, and a low, approving rumble vibrated through the cage.
The nobles were dumbfounded. Some were already applauding; others gaped, frozen in awe.
Even Kairo's expression softened slightly, dark eyes studying her intently. There was a faint curl of amusement on his lips, though he hid it quickly behind his usual stern composure.
Esmeralda's lips pressed into a thin line, fury simmering beneath her perfectly applied makeup.
Lena straightened, brushing a hand through the bear's thick fur. "See? Not so bad, right?" she said softly. "Just needed a little trust."
The bear rumbled again and, with surprising gentleness, leaned back on its haunches as Lena stepped out of the cage, Ashikai safely tucked under her arm. Its head tilted, watching her go, but it didn't growl, didn't move aggressively—simply stayed still, mesmerized by her presence.
The crowd erupted. Murmurs turned into cheers. "She's incredible!" "A beast tamer unlike any other!" "Promote her immediately!"
Lena smiled faintly, bowing slightly to the audience while patting Ashikai. "Easy now," she whispered, nuzzling the fox. "Not every beast can be bribed with burritos."
Kairo's eyes narrowed, calculating. Something about this girl unsettled him—her audacity, her confidence, and her inexplicable ability to command creatures no one else could.
Esmeralda's hands clenched in anger. "This isn't over," she hissed.
But Lena simply laughed softly, brushing dirt from her knees. The polar bear gave one final rumble before settling down, calm and watchful.
For the first time, the court understood: this girl wasn't just brave. She wasn't just clever. Lena Maren was something entirely new. A force that no law, no cage, and no fear could bend.
And the polar bear had already accepted her as its own.
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