(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
(Migumi’s POV)I stared at the unconscious man sleeping on the hospital bed. It’s already midnight and Aiden is still sleeping from the medicine that the healer prescribed for him.A pang of guilt stabbed me in the heart, seeing his poor condition. He’s a respected, strong Alpha in the pack, but now he’s in bed because of me.The sterile white walls of the hospital room seemed to amplify the weight of my guilt and sorrow. It made me feel heavy, my legs could barely support it. I sat beside Aiden’s bed, my hand resting lightly on his, feeling his warmth. I looked up at the ceiling to prevent my tears from falling down again.I can't let Aiden see me with swollen eyes. He wouldn't want to see me crying."He protected you, Migumi," my wolf murmured, her voice a low rumble in my mind. "He put himself in harm's way for you. That's a man's act. A strong one. You should let him mark you soon."My lips smiled from my wolf’s eagerness.I know that she’s excited to complete the bonding process
(Migumi's POV)“Doctor! Doctor!” I started screaming out of panic, holding Aiden in my hands as he continuously groaned in pain. I don't know what's happening. But I don't like hearing those noises he makes when he’s hurt.A few panics later and the doctor finally arrived. He immediately went to Aiden to check his condition. I was forced to stand in the corner of the bed where I could watch Aiden’s state.His face was all white and there were droplets of sweat glistening on his forehead. I’m so glad that the healer came right in time.It could have been a lot worse.The scent of antiseptic hung heavy in the air in Aiden’s chambers. With my face pale with worry, I watched as the doctor meticulously examined the reopened wound on Aiden’s abdomen. The bandage, painstakingly applied just a few hours ago, had been torn loose, revealing a raw, angry gash that bled freely.“It seems the wound has reopened,” the doctor said, his voice a low rumble. “You must be more careful, Prince Aiden. It