(Migumi’s POV)Silence filled the four corners of the room where Aiden and I are currently staring at each other. His voice echoing repeatedly in my head like a broken phonograph.I looked at him with a mixture of happiness and sheepishness on my face.Hearing him call me “Queen” tickles my heart but…Does he mean it?“You… You called me…” I stuttered in difficulty, not knowing how to control the racing of my heart inside my chest. I should have learned this in my combat training with Princess Abigail as well. I didn't know I’d need this kind of skill when I’m with him.Aiden gave me a soft smile, his hand caressing my hair with gentle care. “Yes, my Queen,” he repeated once more.I looked at him with rounded eyes.He speaks it with pure confidence like he has done something while I was asleep.Did he…I gasped when he suddenly leaned closer, his face just a few inches away. I could already feel his hot breaths hitting my face. I flushed pink while he studied my complexion carefully u
(Migumi’s POV)My heart sank as soon as Aiden left, leaving a vaping hole in the room. I could feel the nervous thumping of my heart for my friend who is in danger of being caught red-handed.I flew my hand to my throat, my fingers digging into the soft fabric of my collar. The memory of the bitter taste of the drink, the sudden dizziness, the terrifying feeling of losing control, all came flooding back. It was a betrayal, a deliberate attempt to harm me, and it never crossed my mind that it would be Mara.We were friends, confidantes, and almost sisters.I don't see any reason for her to betray me like this. She would never attempt to hurt me in any way.I don't know what made her do it, but all I know is she’s in danger and I have to get to her before Aiden does. I’m afraid that Aiden would find out the truth and she’d have to face the grave accusation of attempting to murder the Luna Queen.She may not have a reason, but there's always a motive. And that's the secret I have to unco
(Migumi’s POV)With pupils as small as a dot, I stared back at the woman who was standing in front of me, a playful smile playing on her lips as she ran her eyes to my body like she couldn't believe she'd finally come to see me in person.“Isn't it weird how we look so alike?” she sneered in disbelief. I flinched when she took a step forward. “We're not even related in any way, but no one can deny the similarities we have with each other.”I clenched my fists as I tried to reclaim my calmness.She must be the same person Aiden was talking about that night in the car.“How have you been?” she asked, walking in circles, as if guarding her prey. “Did you get bored of my mate’s wealth and now you're milking the royal prince?”Dianne’s evil laugh filled the vastness of the silent alleyway. I didn't lose eye contact despite the growing anxiety inside my chest. I could hear my wolf’s voice screaming that I ran away from her because she’s a witch, but it felt like my feet were pinned on the f
(Migumi’s POV)“I’m fine,” I said, trying to dismiss Beta Marvin’s persistent attempt to ask if I’m okay. He’s been asking the same question for the last five minutes, while all I can think about is how I can get out of here.I still have to find Tara. We have something to talk about before Aiden reaches to her first.“Is there anything I can help you with?” he asked.And that rang a bell in my head.“Do you know my friend Tara? Have you seen her?” I asked, assuming that he already knows her. He nodded his head and smiled.“Of course, she bakes the best cake in the capital,” he replied, as if reminiscing the sweet taste of the cake he had bought from his shop. “I saw her last in her shop. She looks a little blue though. And her shop was close even if it’s weekdays.”Damn it.I should have went straight there.“Thank you!” I said, hurrying to the coffee shop which is not far from here.My heart is thumping out of my chest. I can't stop thinking about being the first one to get to her b
(Migumi’s POV)“You’re lying.”My words were firm and stern. I don't want to believe the truth I’m hearing from Prince Anthony.Tara came back to her brother’s pack?Why would she do that when we both fled there to escape from Alpha Cyrus’s grasp? Something isn't right with his story. Tara would never go back there, let alone leave me in the capital where we dreamed to be. I know her so well. She wouldn't leave without talking to me.Tara did not leave in her own will.Prince Anthony scoffed.Once again, he waved the piece of paper in his hand that he’s claiming to be Tara’s written letter. I frantically snatched it from his hand to check the handwriting.Those cursive fonts and light strokes confirm that it was, indeed, written by my friend.My eyes watered at the realization.The crisp parchment, bearing Tara's goodbye, felt like a branding iron against my palm. The words seared into my consciousness, confirming the truth I desperately tried to deny.My friend left me without saying
(Migumi’s POV)His words echoed in my ears like a broken phonograph. It was a simple question but made me sweat in so much nervousness. I wanted to speak and defend Tara but no words came out of my mouth.I felt powerless.Despite the pain her sudden departure left in my heart, I was relieved that she’s away in the palace, out of Prince Aiden’s reach. She wouldn't have to face him and answer his heated questions.It was too late for me to realize that I’d be the candidate in replacement for her.“It… It was…” I hesitated, struggling to find an excuse for my friend.I knew that Prince Aiden already knew the answer he was looking for and was just waiting for my confirmation, but I still felt the need to protect Tara. I don't want to paint her badly. I might not know it now but I’m sure she has a reason for doing that.Tara would never hurt me.“Migumi, you can be honest with me. I know that you're protecting Tara because she’s your friend, but we have to work together,” he advised, plac
(Author’s POV)The air crackled with anticipation as the crowd assembled in the grand courtyard of the palace. The annual Swordsmanship Tournament, a spectacle of skill and prowess, was about to begin. This year, however, a heavy tension hung in the air because of the big names in the participation list.The two women who are rumored to be fighting for Prince Aiden’s heart will be having a match in front of everyone today.A wolfless Omega against the daughter of the Kingdom's Delta.Lady Arianne, looking respectable in her crimson gown that seemed to blaze with inner fire, stood at the head of the judging panel. Her eyes, usually sparkling with good humor, were cold and calculating today. She looks very different to the Lady Arianne Migumi met in their first meet.Beside her is Lady Charlotte, her dark hair pulled back in a severe braid, and wore a smug smile that betrayed her sweet facade.On the other side is Migumi, wearing her silver armor that is gleaming under the midday sun. I
(Migumi’s POV)The roar of the crowd was a symphony to my ears, a signal of my sweet victory. Each cheer, each clap, each chant of my name, was a reminder of my triumph. From my vantage point, the bleachers seemed to stretch on forever, a sea of faces all turned towards me, their eyes reflecting the brilliance of my achievement.Everyone seemed to be happy at the result of the competition. There was no reason for them to question my victory anymore because they saw me fight with their own eyes.I have successfully defeated their reigning champion in swordsmanship.I have won against Lady Charlotte.Suddenly, the proud faces of the people were quickly replaced with fearful expressions. My brows furrowed slightly while their faces contorted with horror while looking at what's behind me.“MIGUMI!!!” I heard Prince Aiden’s voice calling me as I turned my body to look behind me.There, I saw Lady Charlotte, her face contorted with a mixture of fury and fear, lunged at me. Her sword, gleami