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!"

ROME  

She wants to break off the engagement? And what was that? She wants me to call her Indy?  

I couldn't believe my ears. Lucindabella has always been vile. I wanted to stay as far away from her as possible for as long as possible. However, she turned out to be my mate. 

I felt that the Moon Goddess was punishing me when it manifested on her 21st birthday. She was everything I loathed, personified.  

Tonight, she once again sneaked into my room, but it was different than before. She wasn't wearing lingerie, nor was she made up. Instead, her hair was in its natural state, and her face was bare.  

I was a bit startled when I first saw her this evening, but I knew this was one of her schemes again.  

Running my fingers through my hair, I went out of my room to the dining room. My father, Osiris, was reading his usual newspaper, with my younger brother, Lucio, next to him. As I sat in my usual seat, I felt myself frown. For once, Lucinda wasn't here.  

"Where's your fiancée?" my father asked.  

Lucio placed down his utensils loudly. "No wonder it's so peaceful this evening. She isn't here."  

The old man sighed and adjusted his glasses, placing down his newspaper. "It's strange. She's usually the first one here."  

I sighed and downed the glass of water in one go. "Let's just eat."  

Lucio smirked and continued eating, appearing satisfied with her lack of presence. I, too, would have been more relaxed. However, I couldn't help but think about our interaction inside my room.  

I had gone on a trip to the southern part of Algard to help the victims of the flood. It was a week-long venture, but Lucio always reported Lucinda's wrongdoings, even from afar.  

Clara only started working in the household a month ago, but I already felt protective of her. She had suffered so much because of Lucinda, making me want to cherish her even more.  

Even though we weren't connected by fate, I couldn't deny that the attraction was there. I accidentally kissed her the night I took her out for dinner on her 22nd birthday, and I knew Lucinda saw it.  

That must be why she was doing all of this.  

Yes, I cannot trust her at all. Even if she says she'll break off the engagement, I knew, deep down, that she was only trying to make me relax.  

"The wedding dress has arrived."  

My father's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I felt my temper rise then, but I controlled myself.  

The wedding was bound to happen in two months and would be announced to the public in a week's time just in time for my 26th birthday. 

Lucio cleared his throat. "Will the wedding really proceed?"  

"Yes," my father answered right away. "The preparations have already started."  

"But they're not yet done," Lucio interceded. "It is obvious that Rome does not want to marry Lucinda. Be honest, Dad. You also don't want Rome to marry her, right? She's not fit for the crown."  

"Just because she's a Beta-"  

"You know it's not that," he cut the old man off. "She has a terrible personality, and even our servants have been a subject of her acts."  

My father sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose. "We are indebted to the Pendragons."  

"No," Lucio said, slamming his fist on the table. "We are indebted to Dragon Pendragon alone."

"Well, without him, this family would cease to exist," my father said in a tone that left no room for argument. "Besides, Rome and Lucinda are mates. They are destined by the moon. They are lucky to have a bond that is evident. Your mother and I had a bond so weak that we didn't even realize it. Without Dragon's help, we wouldn't be able to conceive the three of you." 

"Can you still say that when a Pendragon killed Mom?" 

A painful look passed through my father's eyes. 

"That's enough," I said, cutting off their conversation. I crossed my arms in front of my chest and leaned against the chair. 

"I am not going to marry her." 

"What?" 

My father stood, looking at me incredulously. "What are you talking about, Rome? We already had a deal with Lord Gideon. We cannot go back on our word." 

"Lucio is right," I casually said. "She is not fit for the crown. No matter how we look at it, our family will be respected less if she becomes one of us. I also cannot bring myself to love her." 

"It's because you fell in love with that omega maiden, is that it?" he asked. 

"Clara," I said. "That's her name. It doesn't matter what I feel about her. All that matters is I am not going to marry Lucinda. Didn't you hear about what happened in the manor this morning? She nearly killed Clara. The innocent girl was just cleaning the staircase when she was pushed to the bottom." 

My father bit his lip. There was conflict in his eyes, and I knew the exact reason why. It wasn't because he was particularly fond of Lucinda. No, I knew that he also didn't see her as fit for the crown. However, she was the youngest daughter of Gideon Pendragon, the Lord Justiciar of the Court of Justice. 

The COJ had always given us a difficult time in leading Algard, apprehending our men without proper warrants just because of petty reports from packs that wanted to abolish the royal family. However, when I got engaged to Lucinda, their hold on us loosened. 

I knew my father was only worried about the repercussions that breaking off the engagement would bring. However, I had already made up my mind. I would face all the challenges, no matter how difficult they may be, if it meant I wouldn't marry Lucinda. 

"Listen to me," my father said, but stopped at the end of the statement, appearing hopeless. He knew it was useless to convince me. 

With that, he turned to a servant. "Call Lucinda here." 

"Yes, Alpha," the servant bowed and walked briskly upstairs. The dining room was silent, not even the sound of utensils breaking through it. After a couple of minutes, the servant arrived, breathless and appearing frantic. 

We all turned to him with curious gazes. 

"Lady Lucindabella..." 

"... is not in her room, Your Highness."