2
Chapter 2
AZALEA POV
After the walk with Mack, I went to my room to freshen up. When I was done, I stepped out of the palace to get some fresh air. That’s when I saw my sister Ophelia training in the open space.
Unlike me, Ophelia could easily change into her wolf and control it. Her wolf Sylvia had grey fur and brown eyes. She was beautiful. I watched how Sylvia and Ophelia became one and worked together. She had the strength I didn’t have, and the courage I lacked. Even though I was the older twin, I always looked up to her and admired her.
We were twins, but it was quite obvious who won the genetic lottery. Unlike me, who had silky midnight black hair, green eyes, and a petite, delicate frame that appeared weak, Ophelia had beautiful silky brunette hair she took from our mother, green eyes, and a strong, dominant female appearance. She was also taller, by two inches.
“Hey, Ophelia!” I waved at her when I noticed she had shifted back to human. My warm greeting was met with a scowl.
“Cut the attitude, cheer up, and give your sister a hug.” I walked toward her and spread my arms, but she slightly slapped them away.
I sighed in defeat, guess she wasn’t in the mood.
Typical Ophelia. Even though we were twins, sometimes it felt like we were strangers. Ophelia was tough, way too tough. She was the perfect fit to be the Alpha and had everything.
“What do you want, Azalea?”
“Let’s talk.” My tone turned serious.
“About?”
“I know you don’t want that marriage.”
“You damn right I don’t!” She slammed her fist against the table in front of her. “I mean, who in their right mind would want to be married off to the almighty Fredrico De Luna, aka the ruthless and heartless Lycan prince? Do you even know the rumors? That he killed his first wife? Not to mention I don’t even love him, Azalea. I feel nothing for that man.”
I knew what she was going through. I understood how hurt she was and how undeserving this all was.
“Look, Ophelia, I und, ” She cut me off by raising her palm.
“No, you don’t.” Her voice cracked. She tried to hide it, but I sensed it.
My heart almost sank. “I do, and, ”
“You don’t, Azalea! What the actual heck do you understand?! You have it easy for yourself. I mean, you have Mack, who you love so much and loves you back. You’re also going to be the new Alpha. So, tell me exactly, Azalea! What the fuck do you understand? Why are you the privileged one?!”
“The privileged one? Do you think this is easy for me too? I can barely shift or control my wolf, and I have a dozen responsibilities breathing down my neck that I’m not even capable of handling. Do you think any of us have it easy? That’s just you being selfish, Ophelia. I understand you’re hurt, but don’t think you’re the only one carrying a heavy load. We all have our cross to bear.”
She smirked. “Hmhm, sure. But in your case, you’re just a liability with a crown.” She said, and left.
I don’t know how long I stood there. My heart felt heavy, and I wanted to cry. When I couldn’t hold it in any longer, I bent down and burst into tears.
“You’re just a liability with a crown.”
“Liability.”
“LIABILITY!”
I jumped out of my bed, sweat beading on my forehead. I was panting hard, my chest rising and falling rapidly. It continued like that until I was finally able to calm down.
For three days, three fucking days, Ophelia’s words haunted me in my sleep. I couldn’t sleep or think straight without remembering them. For those three days, I skipped breakfast most of the time. I spent all my time training, but nothing changed. I still couldn’t be strong. I wanted to prove them wrong. I wanted to prove her wrong.
But more importantly, I wanted to prove I was useful.
My weakness was also sadness, and I hated it.
I needed a walk. A long walk. I removed my robes and changed into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. I picked up my phone and put on my headphones.
Putting my hands in my pockets, I walked out of the palace. “Where do I go? Might just walk anywhere nearby since it’s late.”
I started walking around the palace but stopped when I noticed a shadow. “Who is it?”
I heard no reply.
I walked a bit closer but stopped when I saw who it was. “Oh heavens, Mack! You scared me.”
“Sorry, I was taking a walk.” He laughed and hugged me.
“What are you doing here at this hour? And where have you been for the past two days?”
“Taking a walk. I couldn’t sleep.” I eyed him. He seemed a bit unsettled, his breath was heavy, and he was sweating, seriously.
“A walk, ugh?” I swatted his arm away. “Why do you look like that? And you ignored my question.”
“Because I was jogging, and I’ve been busy since Azalea. I had things to do.”
“Really? Like what? Also, you said you were walking.”
“I was. What? What’s wrong with you? Why are you acting up?”
“Nothing, you just seem suspicious, that’s all.”
“Seriously? Azalea, me? Come on, you’re overthinking. Okay, I’m sorry I wasn’t available, but I’ve been busy and caught up in my web of things. That’s why I barely called.”
“Maybe, I guess so. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. You look so tired and sad. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, it’s just...”
“You’ve been thinking, haven’t you?”
“You know me so well.” I laughed, but he didn’t.
His face looked serious.
“I’m serious, Azalea. You have to stop this. You’re just hurting yourself more.”
“I know, but I can’t help it because it’s my harsh reality.”