"Live in each season as it passes; breathes the air, drinks the drink, tastes the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth." –  Henry David Thoreau

The day had come finally. It was the final day Seraphina had to stay in the forest. From the first moment she stepped into the forest, she thought she'd die. But that fox, it saved her. It was like the creature knew Seraphina was in trouble. But thanks to the fox, she was able to survive and learn how to defend herself in case of anything now.

Training took place again the minute hunting for breakfast was done. Wild berries and wild rabbit meat with water again from the river. Seraphina had also washed herself down in the river that morning to help give more energy to her sore body and get rid of some of the smell that could've been coming from her.

The fox and Seraphina traveled back towards the edge of the forest so she'd be ready to walk out when the moon was at its highest for midnight. It'll be some time though before they reach the edge of the forest though. Seraphina had realized how deep they had gone and really started to think about how she would've died that first day just barely in the woods. That or getting lost too. Either way, Seraphina knew she would've been screwed.

"Do you think they'll be shocked to see I survived?"

The fox nodded at Seraphina. Its soft eyes didn't look at her when it answered but she knew it was being honest.

"I wonder how Dorian is doing. I hope he's okay. Also my friends too. Jeez, it's been so long since I ended up coming here. Not really but it's felt longer than it really is. They probably feel like crap for losing me."

The fox gave a huffed response to her out aloud worries. Seraphina nodded taking it as an It'll be alright reassurance.

By the time noon had come around, Seraphina and the fox had made it to the edge of the forest. Everything felt so rushed. Seraphina's heart was racing for the fact that this would all officially be over. That she'd be looking at Dorian again. His friend and his parents. Seraphina would be looking at Elvina one last time.

She remembered the agreement between her and Elvina. If Seraphina were to fail the three days or even chicken out, she would've had to find a way to leave. But since she won...Elvina was to leave and never come back. That girl who was too clung to Dorian, to possessive of him, she'd have to leave! Elvina would have to follow the rules since she made them and they both agreed!
A smile twitched at Seraphina's lips. The corners slightly curled at the thought. But soon it faded away because of it. Some dumb challenge just to prove who was better for Dorian was the underlying meaning here. She figured that out now—some little challenge to try and win over his heart.

Sure, Seraphina came out of nowhere and boom, Dorian and her clicked and felt that both of them were meant for one another, but jeez. She wouldn't even go that far.

The fox let out a soft growl that snapped Seraphina from her thoughts. It lay on the ground looking at her and probably telling her to rest for now. She did. She took her place against the fox and closed her eyes. They both would go hunting a bit again before it was time for her to exit. For now, a rest.

~~~

When Seraphina and the fox woke, the sun was completely gone now. The light had faded faster now with more rest and Seraphina munched on the berries that were in her pocket prior to that morning.

The fox stayed laying beside her. Seraphina felt the fox won't come with her since she was to be alone on this challenge. If someone were to find out another aid, Seraphina could get in trouble. That's the feeling she had.

The time was close now, she could hear voices coming closer to the forest edge. Dorian's guards were there now with his too. Elvina's voice was loud and annoying as ever as well. Seraphina felt a calm feeling of satisfaction from knowing that Elvina's face would drop from seeing her.

The time was now.

"Miss Seraphina!" A guard had called out. His voice echoed in the still quietness that wrapped around them.

"Miss Seraphina?"

"She probably got lost l bet. Or get eaten by the creatures in there." Elvina sounded so smug when she said that. Seraphina grumbled and made her way out of the forest. The fox huffed softly with what seemed like a smile.

Small gasps at the sight of Seraphina and wide eyes of seeing her were shown by everyone that was there. Elvina's jaw seemed to hit the floor as Seraphina appeared into view by lantern and moonlight.

"I made it!" Seraphina beamed at everyone. Cheers erupted from the small crowd and hugs all around.

Dorian was there too, with a thankful expression and a relieved body.