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."

INDY

The people here really hated me! I was able to leave my room easily without getting caught because they were too busy gossiping about what I had done a while ago. Leaning against the walls of the gates, I heard two maids talking with a guard.  

"The house has really been unpleasant ever since Lucinda was engaged to the Alpha Prince. It's only been three months, but it already feels like a lifetime," one of the maids said.  

"Shh," the guard silenced her. "She wants all servants to call her by her full name, remember? Lucindabella only. We'll get tormented if she hears us."  

The other maid scoffed. "It's not like she'll hear us."  

Well, I was here. Not that it mattered, though. I wasn't offended by their words. I, too, knew how evil Lucindabella truly was.  

"She's probably up in her room thinking of another plan to lure Alpha Rome. However, she will never succeed. Clara is far better than her. I wish she would just leave this house."  

"I will," I whispered to myself. I was already thinking of all the other places I had written into this book. My mom's province-Bellarium-was especially beautiful. There were also other provinces that felt like a joy to live in as an introverted person.  

"Should I just poison her food?"  

I pursed my lips. Well, I guess I'd have to be more careful with my meals from now on.  

With that, I sneaked out of the gates without any trouble, still making sure to be careful because they were wolves with keen hearing. Once I ensured an adequate distance, I began moving around more freely. I whistled a happy tune and breathed in the fresh air. 

However, I suddenly felt my chest ache. A whimper echoed in my ears, and I reckoned it was my wolf. In this universe, one's inner wolf would manifest through instinctive utterances and reactions; but human forms cannot communicate with their wolf forms through words. Still, without such communication, I could feel my wolf longing for Rome.  

Mate. Mate. Mate.  

She must be feeling like this because I was leaving the house after staying here for months.  

"There, there," I muttered, patting my chest. "Your mate doesn't love you. You'll get used to it someday."  

I felt another ache but ignored it, looking around the surroundings instead.  

"I really did make a beautiful world."  

It wasn't perfect at all, but after getting used to the four corners of my small apartment, this felt like heaven. I paused for a while when I remembered Larissa, though. I would truly miss her presence and aggressive pieces of advice. However, she always wanted me to live for myself. With that, I was even more determined to break off this engagement.  

That was why I sneaked out in the first place.  

The very first person I needed to convince was none other than my father.  

Gideon Pendragon, the eldest son of Dragon Pendragon, a.k.a. Lucinda's worst nightmare.  

Well, in the book, Lucinda loved her father a lot-mostly because he was the only parent she had left. Her mother died after giving birth to her, so her family always held an unspoken grudge against her. When she manifested as a Beta at the age of 5, it was another demerit to her character. From that point on, she always tried to prove herself in the worst ways possible. Back then, I wanted to show the readers that Lucinda wasn't a villain by heart but a villain built by her trauma. However, it was never accepted well when I tried to introduce her backstory, so I never bothered.  

The Pendragon household wasn't too far from the Windsor mansion. In fact, it was only two miles away. Another two miles and the Court of Justice would be found.  

I recognized the estate even from afar. It was far from the other houses and undoubtedly the largest in the subdivision-not as big as the Windsor's but definitely still far too large.  

I arrived at the gates, and the guards were immediately startled the moment they saw me. "Lady Lucindabella," they bowed.  

I bowed to them as well and greeted, "A pleasant evening."  

They lifted their heads slightly and appeared confused. I didn't waste any time then and went inside. They were about to escort me, but I held out a hand.  

"It's fine," I smiled. "Just take care of your posts."  

Again, they looked perplexed.  

"Oh, and call me Indy from now on. My name is far too long."  

Despite not seeing their reactions, I could sense how stunned they were from behind me. I giggled to myself and shook my head. However, the moment I entered the house, I felt a chill run down my spine, causing the small smile playing on my lips to drop.  

I heard the sound of utensils clanging elegantly against plates, paired with the scent of meat and vegetables. My stomach grumbled. I realized then that I still hadn't eaten since I came into this world.  

I walked slowly until I reached the dining area. I didn't even have to make myself known before four pairs of eyes snapped toward me.  

Genevieve, the eldest daughter. Archibald, the literally balding twin of Genevieve. Tristan, the sibling who openly hated me. At the head of the table was my father, surprised by my appearance.  

"Lucindabella, what are you doing here? You didn't inform us of your visit."  

I looked down at the spread and saw the scrumptious-looking food. However, there wasn't a spot for me, and I definitely couldn't eat properly with all of their stares, so I decided to proceed with my plan and leave.  

"I just came to inform you about something," I started off.  

Genevieve sighed, shaking her head. "You could have just asked the messenger to send a message."  

Genevieve has always been the one closest to my mother as she was the eldest, so I knew she was the one who hated me the most. She just didn't make it obvious like Tristan did.  

"This is an important one," I said.  

That captured their attention.  

"What is it?" Archibald asked. "Is it the wedding? Father has already set a date for it."  

"It's about the wedding," I affirmed. 

My father's face slightly lit up with the mention of my marriage. A small smile appeared on his lips with the thought of marrying me to the most powerful household. I knew his objective after all. He plans to merge the Court of Justice and the royal family to govern over all the packs. That way, he would have more power as the Lord Justiciar.  

So, this marriage was really important to him.  

Well, sorry Dad. I was going to ruin your dream.  

"I don't want to get married to Alpha Rome anymore."