(Aiden’s POV)It was a busy day in the capital when I decided to visit the villages to announce the new rule in person myself. I wanted my people to feel my sincerity. I am not doing this to ostracize those who are infected by the virus.We’re just taking measures for the safety of everyone."Make way for the Prince!" a herald's voice boomed, cutting through the chatter. The crowd parted, forming a pathway for my procession.Everyone looked at me in anticipation. They are all waiting to hear what I’m about to say.The air hung heavy with fear, thick as the smoke curling from the makeshift pyres outside the village. I stood on a makeshift dais, my voice echoing across the silent crowd. "My people, I know that you are scared," I began, my tone firm yet laced with compassion, "but we are facing a grave threat, a plague that has swept through our lands. Those who exhibit symptoms, the fever, the chills, the cough, must be isolated. We must act swiftly to prevent its spread."A wave of mur
(Anthony’s POV)The sounds of people crying and coughing filled the air where my car is currently parked. I was inside, watching the people outside weep for help. I could smell their stench from here, an acrid tang of sickness.This is one of the reasons why I had Dianne do the job of spreading the rumors for me. I could never talk to ill people like them.Dianne, her face a mask of feigned concern, weaved through the throng of villagers. Their eyes, once bright with hope, were now clouded with despair. Every loved one they have is now suffering in the plague, dying in their hands, barely breathing to survive."The Luna," she hissed, her voice laced with venom, "She's the reason the Moon Goddess has cursed us! He's stolen her favor, and now we suffer!"Her loud, direct blame gave a place to people’s anger.The whispers started, like a low hum building into a roar. Fear, suspicion, and anger twisted their faces. And Dianne, with her carefully crafted lies, had given them a scapegoat, a
(Aiden’s POV)There was too much turmoil going around in the palace today. As much as I wanted to focus my head, I can't seem to understand what to do. I needed time to think, and I wanted to do it where I could see my mate.I slightly squeezed my mate’s hand that was resting on the bed. I have never needed her so bad.At that moment, I felt her finger move, a clear sign that she’s waking up. I immediately pulled my head up to look at her. Her eyelids are twitching like they're about to open their eyes. I smiled, a hint of happiness on my face. She’s waking up."Migumi," I whispered, my voice hoarse with concern, "You're awake. Are you alright?"Migumi weakly opened her eyes, squinting in adjustment to the light from the lights. She slowly nodded. "I'm fine," she said, her gaze fixed on me. "I… I killed Lady Arianne.”My breath caught in my throat. I know about the incident, the whispers of a confrontation, a struggle, but I didn't dare to believe it. I didn't want to believe that Mig
(Migumi’s POV)The birds I was watching chirping on the window flew when the door in my room suddenly opened. I turned my head to look at the door, it was Aiden.I could smell the scent of fresh baked bread from the paper bag he was carrying.“Those are for me?” I asked, a sweet smile playing on my lips. He nodded his head and smiled. But that smile didn't reach his eyes. I have known him for so long that I already know when he’s faking happiness.“Marvin said you went to the villages?” I said, asking him to update me about what happened to his journey there. He said he was going to catch Anthony who apparently doesn't have a plan of stopping poisoning everyone with his fake medicine. “What happened back there? Did you catch him?”He didn't respond. I watched him place the paper bag on the bedside table, and went to sit straight to the chair beside my bed.“Hey? Are you alright?” I asked, a hint of worry in my voice. Aiden seemed dull. I can tell just by looking at his face that somet
(Migumi’s POV)My heart swelled with relief as I watched Aiden approach his father's bedside. King Arthur, who had been pale and listless just days ago, now beamed a genuine smile, his eyes sparkling with life.Just a few minutes ago, he was almost at the brink of death. Now, he looks full of life more than ever."Father," Aiden whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You look...amazing."King Arthur chuckled, a sound that was music to our ears. "I feel amazing, son. It's like a new lease on life." He gestured to me, making my face flushed with a mixture of exhaustion and triumph. "All thanks to this incredible woman."Aiden turned to me, his eyes filled with an intensity that made my breath catch. "Migumi," he breathed, his voice husky with gratitude. "You saved him. You're a miracle worker."Still recovering from the grueling night I spent concocting the cure, I blushed deeper. "It wasn't just me, Aiden," I insisted, my gaze flickering to the pack's healer, who stood quietly in th
(Migumi’s POV)It’s already dark outside when Aiden came back to our chambers after a long day of dealing with the plague. I worked with the pack healer to make more medicine with my blood. We were able to make enough for the entire population of infected people.However, I’m not sure if our help was able to reach those who are blinded by Prince Anthony’s light. I heard about how these people are worshiping him now. They would go as far as giving their lives just to save him.Prince Anthony is officially wanted in the Kingdom. The guards were trying their best to catch him, but the people were consistent in guarding him day and night.They couldn't hurt the civilians though because of Prince Aiden’s reminder. He doesn't want anyone to get hurt. That's why he told his guards to not touch, not even a strand of their hair. After all, they are the ones we’re trying to protect from Prince Anthony. It’s only right that we put them first.“How is the plague?” I asked, my voice soft. He sat o
(Migumi’s POV)As the plague finally ceased its relentless spread, Aiden and I refused to let our guard down. We knew that only by uncovering the source of the plague could we truly resolve the problem.We carefully pondered our next steps, our minds racing through the events leading up to the outbreak.Suddenly, an idea sparked my mind. I remember Aiden telling me this after Beta Marvin reported about spying on Prince Anthony for a week."Aiden," I said, my voice thoughtful. "Do you remember Prince Anthony? Marvin said he often wandered alone in the secluded palace garden before the plague started."His brows furrowed. "Yes, I do. He seemed to spend a lot of time there. Do you think it means something?" he asked, his voice laced with doubt.I nodded slowly. "It's worth investigating. We don't know what we’ll find if we don't try.”Aiden nodded his head, tucking me under the covers. He pulled me closer, the warmth of our bodies pressed together. My mind began to relax as the loud thou
(Dianne’s POV)“N—No… No… Please! Spare me! Plea—acckkkk!!!”I watched as my puppets torture and tear apart the captured stubborn warrior wolf from Migumi's team until his body is completely destroyed. The poor creature's agonizing howls echoed through the forest, a lullaby to my ears. His blood slowly spreads to the ground, the soil absorbing him dry. He’s still screaming despite the continuous tearing of his skin from his bones.But I know for sure that no matter how loud he gets, no one would ever find him in this deep, dark cave.And even if they do, it would be too late.He’d be nothing but bones and chunks of meat“You…” I looked at the smaller puppet watching his fellow puppets devour the dead warrior. He looked at me, his eyes as dark as the night. His drooling mouth tells me that he’s hungry for me. “Recognize Migumi’s scent and hunt her down. I want her dead.”With a malevolent grin, I sent the smaller puppet ahead to kill Migumi. He howled, disappearing through the darkness