Chapter 2: I Need You by My Side!

Sophia's POV

"Miss Sophia, there's already media waiting," the driver says, catching my eye in the rearview mirror. "Royal protocol means you'll have to walk the red carpet for interviews."

"Please don't refuse, Miss. It's standard procedure. You saved Prince Marcus. That's major news."

Through the windshield, I see the flashing lights and reporters with their cameras ready. They're waiting like vultures.

My hands clench in my lap until my knuckles turn white.

I take a deep breath, trying to slow my racing heart. The car door opens, and there he is.

Marcus stands at the end of a red carpet in a deep blue formal suit that makes his eyes look even more intense. His smile is perfect, practiced, exactly the kind that makes people fall for princes in fairy tales.

But all I see is how his eyes lock onto mine with that same possessive hunger from my previous life. The look that screams mine without saying a word.

Camera flashes start going off like crazy.

Marcus walks toward the car, extending his hand to help me out. "Sophia," he says, his voice carrying just the right warmth for the cameras, "welcome to the Royal Territory. Let me show you our home."

I have no choice but to take his hand, but the moment our skin touches, I feel trapped.

"Prince Marcus! What's your relationship with this young lady?" a reporter shouts.

"Miss Sophia is my savior," Marcus responds smoothly, his media-trained voice projecting perfectly, "and an outstanding medical professional."

"I don't need this kind of show," I whisper, low enough that only he can hear.

His smile never wavers, but his grip tightens. "But I need it," he murmurs back, his voice almost threatening. "Everyone should know what you mean to me."

I try to pull my hand away, but his fingers lock around mine like a vice. The cameras keep flashing, and I force myself to smile even though it feels like my face might crack.

This is how it starts. He wants to announce to the world that I belong to him. In my past life, I was moved by this attention, this feeling of being special. This time, all I feel is suffocated.

Walking down that red carpet feels like walking to my execution.

When we finally escape the media circus and enter the castle's main hall, I'm struck again by how this place is designed to intimidate. The ceiling soars overhead, massive crystal chandeliers casting light across marble floors.

Noble families cluster in small groups, their expensive clothes and jewelry catching the light as they whisper among themselves.

Alpha King Alexander and Luna Queen Isabella sit on their thrones at the far end, radiating authority. Thornfield stands to one side, his silver hair gleaming and his blue eyes watching everything with calculating intelligence.

"Sophia Silver," the Alpha King's voice booms across the hall as we approach, "you saved my son's life. The entire Royal Territory owes you a debt. Tell me, what reward would you like?"

The nobles start their whispered commentary immediately: "An Omega from a remote pack..." "She wouldn't actually think..." "Prince Marcus surely wouldn't..."

I close my eyes for a moment, remembering my past life. How naive I had been, thinking nothing could stop true love. When I asked to become Marcus's mate, the entire hall was shocked that I would dare make such a request.

That same request led to my death. I wonder how heartbroken my parents were after I died. They warned me before I left, but I wouldn't listen.

I open my eyes and look directly at the Alpha King. "Your Majesty, I don't need any material reward. I only want to return to Silver Creek Pack and continue my duties as an Omega, caring for the young wolves and injured members of my pack."

The silence that follows is deafening. Every person in that grand hall stares at me like I've just committed treason. The Omega who dared to refuse royal rewards.

Luna Queen Isabella's eyes flash with something that might be approval. "What remarkable character. You haven't let power cloud your judgment."

But Marcus's face goes dark as storm clouds. "No!" The word explodes from him with enough force to make several nobles step back. "I absolutely will not allow you to leave!"

He stalks toward me, and I can see the same possessive fury from before. "You saved my life, and I want to spend mine repaying you! You can't leave. I won't let anyone take you away from me!"

"Your Highness," I say, keeping my voice steady, "I saved you out of medical instinct, not to get anything in return."

"But I need you by my side!"

Thornfield clears his throat. "Prince Marcus, you cannot force an Omega to act against her will. This goes against our traditions."

The other nobles nod along. "Yes, Miss Sophia has the right to choose." "It's natural for her to want to go home."

I can see through their fake concern immediately. These nobles are supporting me on the surface, but really they want me gone so their own daughters can have a chance at becoming the future Luna Queen.

In my past life, I was too innocent to realize nobody was truly helping me.

In the crowd, I spot Victoria Thornfield watching with cold blue eyes, her perfect blonde hair swept into an elegant style. Her fists are clenched at her sides, but her face maintains that practiced noble composure.

Thornfield's daughter, groomed since childhood to attract Marcus, dreaming of becoming his mate. In my past life, I knew she saw me as her greatest threat.

The Alpha King raises his hand for silence. "This matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration. Miss Sophia, you will stay in the Royal Territory for one month, and then we will make our final decision."

Marcus turns to his father, frustration clear in his voice. "Father—"

"This is my decision," the Alpha King says with unmistakable authority.

After the ceremony ends, Marcus personally escorts me to the luxurious suite prepared for me. The room is beautiful, decorated with rich fabrics, dominated by a massive four-poster bed, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking gorgeous gardens.

But I notice the subtle monitoring equipment hidden around the windows.

"Sophia," Marcus says, moving closer, "this month gives me a chance to prove my feelings. I know you think our positions are too different, but love can overcome anything."

I take a step back, maintaining distance between us. "Your Highness, I'm grateful for your concern, but my feelings won't change."

He takes another step forward. "One month. Give me one month."

His eyes have that same look from my previous life. That absolute certainty that he will get what he wants, no matter what I might prefer.

I move toward the windows, keeping space between us. His eyes flash with brief annoyance, though he quickly masks it.

"Sophia," he says as he reaches the door, turning back to look at me, "this place is very safe. But remember, don't try to leave. For your own safety, of course."

The way he says it sounds like a threat wrapped in silk.

After he leaves, I sink down onto the edge of the bed, finally alone with my real emotions. My hands are shaking again, and I cover my face with my palms, trying to steady my breathing.

One month. I have to find a way to escape before then.