And then—
His lips were on mine.

The sudden kiss stole my breath, scattering my thoughts like wind through loose petals.
My hands rose instinctively, gripping his shoulders for balance, for something solid in the whirlwind he created.
His mouth deepened against mine—slow, firm, purposeful.
Our lips moved together as if they had always been meant to.
He kissed one corner, then the other, lingering with a hunger that felt almost reverent, as though he was memorizing my taste.
My chest ached with a blooming, almost painful pleasure.
Why is he doing like this… like Aera doesn't even exist or matter to him ? But-----
When his tongue traced along the seam of my lips, I let him in without hesitation.
His grip on my waist tightened—possessive, unyielding—as though letting go was not an option.
A soft, unbidden moan escaped my throat. His answering growl was low and deep, vibrating through my ribs, a primal sound that spoke to something buried in my bones.
We broke apart slowly, as if tearing away from each other was against the rules of the universe.
Our foreheads rested together, our breathing heavy and uneven.
I traced my fingers over the sharp lines of his cheeks, cupping his face gently, as though my touch could hold this moment still in time.
Even if it wasn't truly mine to keep.
"Alpha…" I whispered, my voice trembling.
He didn't move away—only pressed closer, his presence wrapping around me like a second skin.
His need was palpable, radiating off him, and it sank into my bones until I could barely breathe.
I kissed his forehead, soft and lingering, then let my lips drift down his cheek… lower, until they brushed the warm skin over his scent gland—the place that always calmed the storm in him.
"Look at me, Alpha…" mumbled softly
He obeyed instantly, lifting his gaze to mine with the raw obedience of someone who would follow my voice through fire.
"You have to go."
His eyes narrowed, irritation flickering like embers..His grip on my waist tightened, almost in defiance.
I smiled faintly, cupping his face again.
"I know you need me right now… but you're the Crown Prince also..You have to go."
He stayed still, stubborn as stone, his gaze locked on mine.
I pressed a small kiss to the tip of his nose. "Please, Alpha. I promise I'll be waiting for you in our chamber.
Come to me as soon as she leaves. I'll be there… waiting. Okay?"
A warning growl rumbled from deep in his chest, his eyes glowing red—his inner wolf fighting the very idea of letting me go.
And then, without warning, his teeth sank into my neck—firm enough to make me gasp, gentle enough not to break skin—leaving behind a deep, blooming bruise.A mark to told to world.I was his
"Wait for me," he said, voice low and rough.
I swallowed hard, the sting of his bite only deepening the ache in my heart. "Always, Alpha," I whispered.
I smoothed the fabric of his clothes over his chest, my fingers lingering longer than they should have.
He pulled me into one last, crushing embrace, pressing a brief, searing kiss to my lips before stepping back.
His scent clung to me—warm, intoxicating—long after he turned and left the library.
The door shut.
I stood there, staring at the empty space he had filled, my chest tightening painfully.
Then I exhaled. Adjusted my own clothes. Forced my trembling hands to still. Swallowed the lump in my throat, willing the tears not to fall.
I walked toward our chamber, each step heavier than the last, the ache in my chest refusing to fade.
Other side:
"What happened, Aera!? Why are you crying?" Luna's voice cut through the sound of hurried footsteps as the princess ran straight into her arms, sobbing.
"Luna…!!" Aera choked out, clinging to her.
Luna's hand smoothed over her hair, worry darkening her eyes. "What happened?"
Aera's voice cracked. "Jungkook and Yn… they're— in the library… I can't—" Her words broke into another sob.
Luna's expression hardened, though her voice remained calm. "Aera… you already knew about this. Trueblooded Alphas need a pure Omega to tame their beasts and help them through rut cycles.
That's why we chose Yn for the role. And you know that and She's doing her duty."
Aera pulled back, tears still streaming.
"Did Jungkook… get into his first rut?"
Luna held her gaze for a long moment before nodding.
"Why didn't you tell me!?" Aera's voice shook with outrage. "I told you—I want to be everything for him. Even his claim."
"Aera… stop." Luna's tone softened, but her words were firm. "Being his claim and taming the beast isn't easy.
The Omega has to go through harsh training."
Aera:"I know! That's why I trained too—just for him! I told you, inform me when it happened so I could surrender to him, be his claim and his Luna!"
Luna sighed, brushing a tear from Aera's cheek. "Because you can't tame his beast. Yn is better suited for it.
In rut, a Trueblooded Alpha can kill—even their claim with their power..You don't know the strength of those cycles.
You couldn't tolerate it. And you're the princess of a great dynasty—you're soft, fragile. You couldn't handle the harsh words people would throw at you."
Aera stared at her, trying to absorb the weight of her words.
"So what if you're not his first rut? You will still be his Queen, Aera. Only you can carry his pups.
Only you will be his royal spouse. Look at me—I knew this about before I loved the King, but I didn't cry like you..I own everything what's His Now I am the Luna of this dynasty.
And Jungkook he will always be yours. I'll make sure of it."
Aera swallowed, her voice quiet but steady. "I want to be his Queen.No matter what.I love him."
"And you will be," Luna said with a soft smile, wiping away the last of her tears.
"Look—Jungkook's coming."
Aera turned quickly, forcing a smile. He had left Yn—left her—for Aera. She walked toward him.
Aera:"I'm leaving, Jungkook," she said softly.
He looked at her briefly, then nodded. She stepped forward to hug him—but stopped when she caught the scent on his skin. Her scent. Yn's scent.
Her fists clenched, but she masked her anger with a smile.
"I'll come soon for you, Alpha," she said. His expression was unreadable, but he nodded.