INDY

I sprinted upstairs where I knew my designated room was located. I hadn't been here before, but I knew the layout in the back of my mind-naturally, I was the one who wrote it. Pausing in the hallways, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself after the intense interaction. 

It took a while before I finally calmed down. Then, the moment everything became clear, I slapped my cheeks multiple times, hoping to transport myself back to my small apartment. 

"This truly can't be real," I muttered, shaking my head while pacing back and forth. 

However, everything felt so vivid! Since the slap on the cheek didn't work, I proceeded to slam my head against the wall. That should do the trick, right? 

"Have you lost your mind?" 

I turned to the side and saw Lucio, the second Windsor, around the same age as Lucinda. In fact, the two of them were childhood friends before having a massive fall-out when Lucinda's uncle assassinated the Queen Windsor, their mother. 

Their whole lore was quite complex, but the gist was that Lucio also hated Lucinda. Well, everyone hated Lucinda. 

"I mean, you've already been crazy for a long time," he continued, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he stared condescendingly at me. "However, this just takes it up a notch." 

As he continued speaking, I took the time to study his features. He was as handsome as I had written him. He had a friendlier face than his brother, but his eyes also showed a lot of depth and pain. 

"Can you slap me?" I asked, hoping for this to be the final straw. 

An incredulous look crossed his face. "You've really lost your mind. What kind of scheme are you plotting now? Do you want us to pity you after you pulled that stunt? No-that crime?" 

I bit my lip as he continued to lecture me. 

"Clara is an omega. She needs more nurturing. She is working in our household because she needs money to raise her brothers. She hasn't done anything wrong, but you've tormented her. You used your power as the daughter of the Lord Justiciar to bring about injustice in this household." 

"If it weren't for the fact that you and my brother are mates and that my father isn't indebted to your grandfather, then you would have been kicked out long ago. You wouldn't even be able to step into this household." 

"I wish you would just disappear." 

"Trust me," I whispered. "I do too." 

I said it quietly, but with his heightened senses, he must have heard me. 

"What?" he asked, appearing in disbelief at what he had just heard. 

I ran my fingers through my hair. "Trust me," I repeated, looking into his eyes. "I also want to get out of this place." 

He was stunned for a couple of seconds before a humorous chuckle escaped his lips. "Well, that's the first time you said something like that. Reverse psychology, is that it? That won't work this time around." 

"You nearly killed Clara. If it weren't for me finding the situation early, then you would have succeeded in your evil plan." 

I waved him off, feeling my head ache even more. 

The longer I stayed here, the more real everything felt. 

"See?" he exclaimed. "You don't even care about what you did. That's the kind of person you are." 

"My brother has been through a lot," he continued. "You're making it harder for him to live his life peacefully." 

I looked into his eyes and saw the sincerity in them. I knew how much Lucio admired his older brother, and a big part was because Rome was the one who comforted Lucio when their mother died. Their father, the Wolf King, had always been busy, so Rome acted like a father to his brothers, especially to Lucio. 

"Don't worry," I said right away. "I won't bother him from now on." 

He scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Like I'm going to believe that. I best be on my toes from now on. You must be planning something even grander." 

He walked past me, bumping against my shoulder forcefully in the process. I stumbled to the wall, hitting my head. I closed my eyes once more and massaged my temples. 

"Well, I really do feel the love," I muttered sarcastically. 

Observing my surroundings, I recognized the colorful door at the very end of the hallway. I knew it was mine because it was painted gold-a stark contrast to the natural wood color of the other doors. Lucinda had always been extra in many ways, and she made sure to make it known to everyone. 

I walked briskly to the room, slamming the door shut once I arrived. I flinched the moment I saw the interior. It was even worse than I had imagined. I also loved color, but this was just too much. All of the bright colors were uneasy on the eyes, and they made my head hurt even more. 

Still, I went to the bed and closed my eyes, processing everything that was happening. One moment, my mom was telling me to die, and the next second, I felt like I actually did. However, instead of spawning in the afterlife, I was in my book-the one that had been the subject of my curses. 

Was the universe taking revenge on me for making the main characters suffer so much before they could achieve a happy ending? Or did my readers succeed in their black magic and successfully transform me to become the most cruel character in my story? 

Either way, I already knew that I wasn't dreaming. I opened my eyes again and went to the windows, opening them slightly. I gasped in amazement the moment the view revealed itself. The sun was just about to set, casting a magical glow on the garden and the overlooking view of the entirety of the city. 

At that moment, I realized that I didn't have the luxury of looking outside of my window. It had been a long time since I had done so. In fact, I didn't remember a time when I felt this relaxed. The world, which was so beautiful, appeared bland in my eyes because I was stuck in a mundane routine. 

I placed my hands on the ledge of the window and closed my eyes, inhaling the late afternoon breeze. I didn't know if the universe was playing a cruel joke on me or if it had taken pity on my older body. 

Back then, it felt impossible to live for myself. 

However, with this chance, I might be able to live peacefully as I wanted.

INDY  

"Okay, so this is really happening," I muttered, finally coming to accept everything. I realized I hadn't looked at myself just yet, so I went to the bathroom, which once again felt larger than my past apartment, and turned on the lights.  

A figure stared back at me, making me flinch instantly.  

The girl staring back at me had big, artificially curly hair, dark makeup, and a very ill-fitting gown. Seriously! No wonder I was getting lightheaded. Who wears a corset indoors?  

Still, her striking features couldn't be hidden. She had a button nose, big light brown eyes, and plump, pink lips. Her skin was more on the olive side, and her hair appeared to have natural highlights.  

Reaching for my back, I quickly unraveled the corset, sighing in relief when I could finally breathe properly. Then, I went to the shower and turned on the heater to its full capacity, making sure to wash everything off. I didn't mind how the water slightly scalded my skin. I felt like I needed to go through a deep cleanse.  

A couple of minutes later, I emerged from the shower and wiped off the fog that had accumulated on the mirrors. The girl stared back at me again, and this time, I couldn't help but smile.  

"Better," I muttered.  

Despite Lucinda having a sharp personality, her face was anything but. She had rounder features and was more on the cute side, so she used dark makeup and loud hair to match her personality. However, she looked much better like this. Or maybe it was because I actually saw my past self in her image.  

I wrapped my hair in a towel and went to the closet, once again flinching at the choice of clothing. My eyes scanned for the simplest pair of pajamas and quickly placed them on my body.  

Once I was completely dressed, I rummaged through the drawers until I found what I was looking for.  

"Aha," I smiled, grabbing a notebook and a pen. I opened it quickly but stopped when I saw the poems that Lucinda had written. I paused for a while and read the contents.  

"They're all about Rome," I muttered, shaking my head.  

Yeah, this girl was completely obsessed. I quickly ripped out the pages and threw them in the trash. That obsession needs to change from now on.  

With that, I wrote something on the top of the blank page-The Wolf Prince and the White Rose.  

The idea came to me like a fever dream. I was literally running a fever when I wrote it. Werewolf tropes were still trending, and I decided to try out my luck once more.  

On the same evening, Romanov Windsor and Clara Saint were born.  

Their story was set in the werewolf country of Algard, where the royal family Windsor ruled. Algard was composed of multiple packs; however, they all bowed to the royal family of Windsor. They were given that title because they were a family of True Alphas. The Windsors were born leaders-the chosen ones by the Moon Goddess. Their strength was instinctive, making their authority unquestioned. Even when they married into other packs, their children were always Alphas. It was written into the world itself.  

Below the royals were the packs, divided into Alphas, Betas, and Omegas. I'd written Alphas as powerful and respected, Omegas as cherished and protected. Betas... Betas were ordinary. They were useful but replaceable. It was cruel, looking back, but at the time, I was tired of stories where only Omegas suffered. I made Betas the overlooked ones instead.  

Lucindabella Pendragon was a Beta.  

She belonged to one of the most important families in the country, second only to the royal house itself. The Court of the Justiciar, the COJ, existed to keep the royal family and the packs in check. They oversaw laws, disputes, and abuses of power.  

Lucinda's grandfather, Dragon Pendragon, had been legendary. It was already evident in his name. He was the one who had introduced the Wolf King and Queen in the first place, a match that had turned into genuine love. Because of that, the Windsors owed the Pendragons a debt they never quite repaid.

When Dragon died, Lucinda's father, Gideon Pendragon, took his place. He was just as capable and admired. His children were powerful too-gifted with sharp senses and dominant auras.  

Lucinda was the odd one out.  

She was born a Beta with ordinary senses and no natural authority. She grew up knowing she wasn't enough, no matter how important her last name was. And when she met Romanov Windsor for the first time, that insecurity latched onto him like a lifeline.  

Rome was powerful and destined to rule. In Lucinda's mind, Rome was the perfect man for her. She fell in love at first sight and hadn't turned back since.  

Rome never saw her that way. In fact, he hated how obsessive she was and how hard she tried to get his attention.  

That resentment only deepened after his mother died. Queen Faith Windsor was killed by Bronson Pendragon-Lucinda's uncle, the family's disgrace. Dragon Pendragon had exiled him himself, but it didn't matter. Blood was blood. Rome was young when it happened but old enough to remember the grief and learn hatred.  

From that moment on, the Pendragon name was tainted in his eyes.  

Lucinda, desperate and stubborn, only pushed harder.  

When she turned twenty-one, she discovered their mate bond. Fate itself had tied her to Rome. Rome was twenty-five then. The bond felt like another trap to him.  

However, Lucinda was quickly arranged to marry Rome, spearheaded by her father. The Wolf King agreed, cornered by his debt to the late Pendragon. Although Rome never consented, he endured the mandate of his father.  

That was when the story truly turned dark.  

Lucinda tried everything to win him over through pressure and manipulation. Eventually, she became even more obsessive. I didn't shy away from it when I wrote it. I made her cruel, obsessive, and impossible to defend. I needed a villain, and I made sure she earned the role.  

Then Clara Saint arrived three months into their engagement.  

Clara was poor, gentle, and burdened with responsibility far too young. She was the same age as Lucinda but was much wiser. She worked to support her younger brothers and never asked for more than she needed. I wrote her as warmth in a cold world. She didn't fall into Rome's arms immediately. Their love grew slowly, and Lucinda stood in the way of all of it.  

The story revolved around Rome and Clara trying to escape her influence, her family, and the power of the Court of the Justiciar. It was painful and full of longing and angst. 

No wonder the readers complained constantly. It was truly a frustrating read. Just when they thought everything would finally get resolved, I found a way for the main characters to suffer again.  

I closed my eyes and exhaled.  

"Yeah," I muttered. "I deserve every curse."  

Now that I was here, knowing all of this, one thing was clear-if I followed the original path, I would die a painful death.  

However, that didn't have to be the case.  

I know the challenges that Rome and Clara would face, and I can help them avoid it. I'll make sure that they have the sweetest love story by staying as far as possible.  

I nodded to myself, determined with this resolution.  

With that, I need to accomplish the first step.  

Breaking off the engagement.

INDY 

I probably should have waited until tomorrow, but I felt like this couldn't wait. The earlier I detach myself from the story, the closer I am to living my awaited peaceful life!  

Still with my wet hair and silk pajamas, I made my way out of my room and proceeded to the other end of the hall-where Rome's room was.  

I let out a deep breath, my heart beating inside my chest as his scent entered my senses. I covered my nose as I felt my body grow hotter. He really did have an effect on me, huh? Now, I feel bad for all the times I called my characters weak for worshipping their mates.  

Knock. Knock. Knock.  

"Rome?" I said softly. However, I realized that wouldn't cut it, so I knocked louder and repeated his name.  

"Rome? Can we talk?"  

Still no answer.  

I pursed my lips. Was he out and about again? He had always been busy as the Wolf Prince, the second most powerful wolf in the land of Algard.  

Feeling impatient, I placed my hand on the knob and twisted it open. To my surprise, it actually opened.  

"Is this a bad idea?" I whispered to myself. In the end, though, I shrugged and slowly opened the door, peeking inside.  

When I noticed that the room was empty, I straightened up. Feeling drawn to the scent of the space, I took a step forward before I even realized it. A small smile appeared on my lips. It was just as plain as I had written it. Granted, he wasn't home most of the time because of work-or maybe because he just didn't like being in the same vicinity as me.   

Before I knew it, I had walked even further into the room, noticing a small photo frame on the bedside table. I picked it up and looked at the smiling family encased within.  

The royal family.  

Rome and Lucio were smiling brightly while the King and Queen proudly showed off their newborn son. They looked so happy before I took away their sunshine.  

I felt a sharp tug on my wrist before I fell down onto the bed, my breath caught in my chest. The photo frame fortunately fell to the soft mattress, but that was the least of my worries for now.  

"What are you doing here?"  

Rome's deep voice filled the room as he pinned my wrists above my head. I was about to respond, but the words wouldn't come out when I felt the water droplets from his hair fall on my skin.

Not only that, but his scent was even more intense-and it was definitely attributed to the fact that he was shirtless, wet, and only wearing a towel. 

My eyes went down from his gorgeous face to his defined, muscular body, which was still dripping with water. His dark blue eyes from this angle appeared even darker than before. His lips... his lips looked red from the hot shower. 

Alright, that's enough. 

I was here to break off our engagement, not to ogle this fine specimen! 

"Let go," I said, looking defiantly into his eyes. 

His brows furrowed as he tilted his head to the side, making me feel like prey under his gaze. 

"But don't you like this? Isn't this why you came here again?" 

I pursed my lips. I'm not the same person, you asshole! 

"Let me go and let's talk like civilized human beings." 

"We're not humans." 

I closed my eyes, feeling frustrated already. However, I had to act patiently. This man could kill me in a second if he wanted to. 

"Please?" I muttered, looking sincerely into his eyes. 

For a moment, it felt like he was going to let me go; however, I underestimated his stubbornness because he held even tighter. We were much closer now, and I could feel the hardness of his body. 

Moreover, I could also feel the slight dent in the thin towel. It wasn't hard at all, but I could still make out the outline of it with my thigh. I held in the urge to curse because that thing shouldn't be that big when limp. 

Instead, I cleared my throat. 

"Let me go. I didn't enter here for the purpose you're thinking about." 

He glared at me more deeply. "Really? This isn't the first time you have sneaked into my room." 

I bit my lip and turned to the side. Yup, Lucinda had broken into his room multiple times before with a desperate and sexual objective.

"We're just going to talk, I promise." 

He scoffed and finally moved away from me, standing on the bedside and towering over my frame. This angle made everything more prominent, so I had to look away. 

"Can you cover up?" 

"Why bother?" he muttered, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "You like the view." 

"You're pretty cocky." 

"What?" 

I covered my mouth quickly. I hadn't meant for that to come out. Still, I stood by my words. 

"I mean, I've never heard someone say those words out loud before. You must love yourself a lot." 

"Do you want me to kill you?" 

"Right," I muttered, holding back a giggle because he looked too serious. "Sorry." 

He shook his head and ran his fingers through his wet hair. "Whatever. Do you know that Clara is required to stay in the hospital for a week? You've really done it this time." 

"Like I said, this is my last straw. I'm going to break off our engagement. Otherwise, I'll report you for attempted murder. Your father may cover it up, but I'll make sure it reaches the headlines." 

"Okay." 

"So, you want me to spread your wrongdoings?" he asked, eyes narrowing. 

"No," I said, shaking my head. 

"Then, tell your father to break off our engagement," he smirked. 

"Yes. Okay, I'll do that," I repeated. Didn't he hear me the first time around? 

I could sense that his suspicion was through the roof, so I reassured him right away. I stood from his bed and placed myself before him.

"I am a very horrible being," I started off. "I've realized that I can't stand next to you like this. Being next to you would only make me more obsessed." 

I said those words because I didn't want him to be too suspicious. I still needed to be like Lucinda to an extent. 

"So, I will take this time to reflect and tell my father to break off the engagement." 

Then, I placed my hand on his shoulder, gripping it in a friendly manner. It seemed he was too perplexed by my words because he didn't push my hand away. 

I patted my chest twice and smiled, giving him assurance.  

"Leave it up to me. I'll make sure to break off the engagement just as you like." 

"Oh, and from now on, call me Indy! Lucinda is too much of a mouthful," I winked. With that, I let go of his shoulder and walked to the door. I turned around for a second and waved a hand. 

"Have a good night, Rome!"