The days following the discussion in the headmistress’s office were nothing short of hectic. With the new arrangement in place, top-performing first-years in the diplomacy major were suddenly eligible for a second-year advanced course. Despite the whispers of reservations circulating through the halls, a handful of ambitious first-years rose to the challenge.
When a group of first-years entered the classroom filled with upperclassmen, it drew mixed reactions. Some welcomed them warmly, while others responded with subtle hostility. It came down to pride and arrogance. To them, sharing a class with first-years felt like an insult.
“Stella.” A stern, familiar voice cut through the lecture hall.
The alpha turned and saw Ophelia tapping the vacant seat beside her. Wordlessly, she exhaled, broke away from the group, and made her way to the famous omega.
“I never would’ve thought that there would come a day that we’d be classmates,” Ophelia said, the corner of her lips lifting. “If you have trouble keeping up with the lessons, I might be kind enough to teach you.”
“There’s nothing for you to worry about,” Stella said. “I can handle the lessons just fine.”
“Someone sounds overly confident,” Ophelia said.
The alpha took her seat beside her fiancée, and Ophelia shifted closer. The omega seized this opportunity to lean intimately against Stella’s shoulder, putting their closeness on display for everyone to see.
“What are you doing?” Stella said, lowering her voice. “This is way too close…”
The alpha’s entire body stiffened, her voice bashful. Ophelia’s intimate gesture immediately drew the attention of their classmates at once, yet the omega couldn’t have cared less. This was exactly what she wanted.
“I don’t see a problem,” Ophelia said, shrugging. “Do you?”
With no room left to argue, Stella decided she might as well accept her fate and let Ophelia do as she pleased. She could hear indistinct whispers rippling through the hall as the two of them became the center of attention.
“…Fine,” Stella sighed, muttering under her breath. “Do whatever you want.”
Seeing her alpha’s ears tinted red, Ophelia’s lips curled in satisfaction. Shortly after everyone settled in, their lecturer came through the door and strode with effortless grace toward the podium. Her long blonde hair caught the light, glistening softly. Her gentle gaze swept across the lecture hall before she stood at the center and greeted everyone with an amicable smile.
“Good afternoon, everyone,” Blake said. “We’ll continue the lesson from where we left off yesterday.”
For a brief instant, her eyes found the familiar blue within the crowd. Their eyes locked, a silent exchange, before Blake’s gaze moved on. That was enough to bring a quiet smile to Stella’s face.
Stella listened to Blake’s lecture with quiet joy and pride. An hour flew by faster than usual, particularly when she enjoyed a lesson. Once the class concluded for the day, the lecture hall gradually emptied, leaving a rare moment of privacy. The alpha waited for Ophelia to leave before quietly approaching Blake at the podium.
“…Blake,” Stella whispered, just enough to catch her sister’s attention.
Stella wasn’t even sure where to begin. When the elder Albrecht turned, their eyes met, and silence settled between them. The younger alpha had too many words she wished to express in the brief moment they shared. Before she could utter a single one, a gentle pat on the head interrupted her.
“Have you been eating and sleeping well?” Beneath the calm, Blake’s voice was brimming with worry.
“I am,” Stella said. “I’m doing well.”
After letting those words sink in, Blake quietly pulled Stella into a gentle yet firm embrace. A soft whisper of relief hit Stella’s ear—You’re safe. I’m so glad you’re okay—after a firm hug and a few shaky breaths. Blake pulled back slightly, and a huge smile of relief spread across her face. They didn’t need more words to express their feelings. Their eyes said it all.
Shortly after, their conversation shifted into something lighthearted.
“By the way, I heard that you’re a top student in your year.” Blake beamed with joy and pride. “I’m so proud of you!”
“That’s nothing,” Stella said, shrugging. “It was easy.”
When the elder sister learned that Stella had ranked first in her year, she couldn’t help but swell with pride. Even though the alpha gave a modest response, Blake’s praise clearly stroked her ego, just a little. The woman began asking about Stella’s well-being over the past months, particularly how she was adapting to life at the Academy, like a typical worrywart.
“What happened to your neck?” Blake’s tone shifted slightly. “Did you get injured? Who hurt you?”
The moment Blake pointed out the bandage on her neck, a subtle heat of embarrassment crept up Stella’s face. To spare herself a long, unnecessary explanation, she lied outright to avoid suspicion.
“Just a small scratch I got in my sleep,” Stella said, keeping her tone natural. “It’s nothing to worry about.”
Thankfully, Blake didn’t notice her faintly reddened ears and carried on with the list of questions she still had.
“Did you enjoy the food at the dining hall?” Blake asked. “It can get tedious sometimes, but make sure you don’t skip any meals, okay?”
“I know,” Stella said, nearly chuckling. “I’m not a picky eater.”
“If you run into any difficulties, don’t hesitate to consult Professor Rosalind.” Blake continued. “She’s a very kind teacher, and she helped me greatly during my years at the Academy.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Stella said, nodding. “She’s my homeroom teacher, so I’m quite familiar with her.”
“Also, since I couldn’t be there to tutor you if you’re stuck with a subject…” Blake said, pulling a list she had prepared earlier from her folder. “I’ve listed all the textbooks that will help you through the majors you’re taking.”
The elder sister was prepared. Too prepared, actually. She had done her investigation, learned about Stella’s majors, and put together a list of books she would need across her three years at the Academy.
“Sis…I can handle it fine.” Stella said, sighing with her lips curling up. “You’re always so worried about me.”
Occasionally, Stella couldn’t help but feel that Blake acted more like a mother than an elder sister. Perhaps the five-year age gap made the omega still see her as a child, even though Stella was more than capable of taking care of herself. Still, the alpha didn’t mind this side of hers. This had always been Blake’s way of showing affection for her family.
“No one is bullying you in school, right? Alphas can get especially competitive and prideful…” Blake said. Her voice carried a hint of worry. “Oh, make sure you don’t hurt anyone. You can be quite feisty at times, particularly when you’re mad.”
“Of course I won’t stoop that low!” Stella said, crossing her arms. “Besides, I doubt anyone would dare pick a fight with me after the scene you caused at training last week. Everyone has been pestering me about you.”
-///-
It was last week that Blake had learned of her sister’s whereabouts from Professor Rosalind.
Shortly after the weekly meeting with her fellow faculty and the academy staff had concluded, Blake’s legs carried her straight to the training ground. They were sore, but she couldn’t stop. She needed to see Stella for herself before she would miss her chance.
When she arrived, sweat beads rolled down the side of her face as her gaze swept across the field from the second-floor balcony. Luckily, it wasn’t hard to spot that unique jet-black hair Stella had inherited from their father, the signature of the Albrecht bloodline.
There she was, standing out amongst her classmates as she chatted with a friend.
Just moments later, Stella’s head snapped toward Blake, as though she had known exactly where her sister was standing.
“—!”
No matter how subtle it was, Stella wouldn’t fail to notice her family’s scent. The instant she caught the faintest trace of jasmine in the air, her body reacted immediately. It was exactly as Stella remembered: sweet, tender, and warm. Just like Blake herself.
When their eyes met, relief and joy washed over them both. It was the first time they had seen each other since the late Duke’s passing. No words were needed. Their eyes spoke for them. Stella’s lips gradually curled into a smile, moving to form words meant only for Blake.
‘I am well, sis.’
Those silent words of reassurance carried across the distance between them and made Blake beam with delight. But their quiet moment was short-lived once Stella’s classmates soon noticed the famous omega on the second floor.
“Oh! Isn’t that Lady Blake?” one of the classmates called out.
Blake’s presence quickly became a massive distraction for everyone at the training ground. Because she had been sweating, her sweet jasmine fragrance dispersed far more quickly into the air.
“Good afternoon, Lady Blake!” an alpha man shouted, trying to catch her attention. “It’s an honor to see you again.”
“This is the first time I’ve seen her in person…” an alpha woman murmured, staring at Blake in awe. “She’s much more beautiful than I imagined.”
“Ugh, I’m jealous of Stella for having such a gorgeous sister,” a beta man said.
Several students shamelessly competed for Blake’s attention, while others tried to keep their composure, though their eyes were clearly on hertoo. The omega smiled sweetly at everyone and waved back.
“All of you are Stella’s classmates, correct?” Blake said. “Please take care of my dear sister for me.”
“Don’t worry! We’ll take care of her!” one of them shouted.
With a single request from the charming omega, Stella found herself becoming the center of attention in the blink of an eye. From then on, the way her classmates treated her changed. Their motives for befriending the alpha were obvious: they wanted to get close to Blake, an eligible omega, and not a day passed without someone asking Stella about her.
Pinching the bridge of her nose, Stella alternated between complaining and sighing about her classmates for constantly nagging her about Blake. Her elder sister couldn’t help but chuckle at her exaggerated reaction. Of course, she knew exactly what she was doing when she wielded her charm as an omega.
“Well, at least no one will harm my little sister when I’m not around,” Blake said with a smile.
“That’s not the point! They’re obviously trying to court you through me,” Stella said, sighing loudly. “Also, I’m no longer a child. I can defend myself fine.”
No matter how mature and grown-up Stella had become, the woman would always remember that little girl who once followed her everywhere, clutching at the hem of her dress. Blake reached out to pat Stella’s head once again, finding her sister too adorable to resist.
“Of course,” Blake said, smiling. “I know you’re a strong and tough alpha.”
Unable to win this argument, Stella had no choice but to concede. Looking at Blake more closely, she noticed the dark circles visibly beneath her eyes. Those violet eyes were clearly deadened with fatigue. Stella couldn’t help but wonder what kind of insurmountable burdens her sister had been carrying.
“You looked drained,” Stella said. “Is everything okay on your end?”
“Well, you could say lots of things haven’t been going so well since our father’s passing,” Blake said, her tone low and soft.
Stella noticed Blake’s carefully maintained composure beginning to crack. When she pressed further about the situation back home, Blake shook her head and forced a cheerful smile. It was clear that the omega did not wish to burden her sister with their family’s current troubles.
“What is going on back at home?” Stella pressed. “I know things must be awful if you look this sleep-deprived—”
“Don’t worry. I’m the family’s secretary after all.” Blake cut her off mid-sentence, masking her fatigue behind her smile. “It’s my job to resolve problems and protect our family’s name.”
“But—”
“We have our own roles and duties. Just as I have mine, you have yours.” Blake said. “That’s why your only responsibility is to stay safe, no matter what. Promise me.”
A deliberate emphasis on staying safe. Without further explanation, Stella understood the hidden meaning behind Blake’s words. She suspected that Blake already knew she was the true heir to the dukedom.
“…Then promise me that you’ll stay safe as well,” Stella said. “Always be on guard, even when around the servants, and be careful about what you eat, even at home.”
“Stella?” Blake asked, looking confused.
Stella knew that sooner or later, or perhaps it had already begun, the Marquis would send his men to infiltrate the Albrecht estate and wait for the right moment to eliminate the entire family. All she could do was warn her sister of what was yet to come.
“Anything could happen, right?” Stella said. “It’s best to trust your gut first, and no one else.” This chapter is updated first at g.com.
“You’re not wrong about that,” Blake said.
Unfortunately, their touching reunion was cut short.
“Stella, how long are you intending to keep me waiting?” Ophelia’s voice cut through, interrupting their conversation.
The familiar hint of lavender reached Stella. When she turned around, she saw Ophelia standing by the entrance of the lecture hall. It turned out the omega hadn’t left and had been waiting for Stella to finish her quick reunion, though both siblings seemed to have lost track of time. When Blake turned to Ophelia, her body instantly reacted as if to a physical threat.
“I’m sorry, but could you give us just another five minutes?” Stella asked nonchalantly.
“I was generous enough to give you ten minutes for your little sentimental reunion,” Ophelia said, her tone sharp and cold. “Do you think you’re in a position to make demands?”
Judging by her tone and frown, Ophelia was visibly annoyed at being kept waiting, but Stella was unbothered. With a relaxed smile, she gently reassured her fiancée that she would wrap things up quickly.
“I promise I’ll be done in five minutes,” Stella said. “I’ll make it up to you later, okay?”
Ophelia answered with a sharp, irritated sigh, then reluctantly marched out of the lecture hall. Watching their odd exchange unfold before her, Blake couldn’t shake the unease settling in her chest.
“By the way,” Blake murmured. “How are they treating you?”
She was clearly referring to Ophelia and the Chevaliers. But to Blake’s surprise, the alpha wore a lively smile as she casually recounted how pretentious they were, along with all the abuse and provocations she had endured. Stella made sure to emphasize that Ophelia and Matteo were the exceptions.
“Truthfully, I’m indebted to Ophelia,” Stella said. “If it weren’t for her, I might not be able to attend the Academy.”
“I see… She doesn’t strike me as the person you describe,” Blake said. “Nevertheless, you must remain cautious. One could never be fully certain of another’s true intentions.”
Even after hearing Stella’s stories, Blake found it difficult to believe that her sister could describe the imperious Chevalier woman as a gentle soul. She had encountered Ophelia several times at banquets and events. Their interactions had been minimal, and Blake couldn’t recall seeing a single trace of warmth in her voice or those icy green eyes. The only impression she had of Ophelia was of a coldhearted, domineering woman, just like Marquis and Marchioness Chevalier.
“I know what you’re trying to warn me about. I once viewed her with great resentment, until I got to witness who she truly is,” Stella said, her tone firm and steady. “That’s why I can assure you that Ophelia is different. Even if she doesn’t seem like it, she can be trusted. She is the reason I’m safe today.”
For a brief moment, Blake wondered whether her naïve sister had been manipulated by Ophelia, but that thought came to an abrupt halt. It was the softness in Stella’s blue eyes when she spoke of Ophelia that told her she meant every word. There wasn’t even the faintest trace of doubt in her voice.
“Well, time is running out,” Stella said, exhaling softly. “From now on, I suggest we keep our interactions minimal, for safety purposes.”
Blake listened, then nodded quietly. She understood what Stella meant without requiring further explanation. Many eyes and ears at every corner of the corridor. The safest course of action was to keep their distance. Moreover, Stella was working on earning Ophelia’s trust and wouldn’t want her to think she was planning another escape.
“I promise there will come a time we’ll reunite properly,” Stella said, facing her sister with a quiet, confident smile. “Until then, you must uphold our promise to stay safe for me too, okay?”
“Of course.” Blake smiled. “I’m glad that I can get to see you again.”
“Me too,” Stella said. “Take care, sis.”
Even though this reunion was unplanned, it was far more than Stella could’ve hoped for. After they exchanged farewells, Blake’s eyes followed her as she left the lecture hall. Those violet eyes shone with nostalgia as the weight clinging to her heart lifted. That little girl she remembered had grown up and was capable of protecting herself.
When the day ended, the couple rode the carriage back to the Chevalier estate. With just the two of them in this confined space, the only sound breaking the quiet was the crunch of wooden wheels rolling over the gravel road. Stella’s blue eyes gradually shifted toward Ophelia, who gazed softly out the window at the scenery. Before Stella could make a sound, her fiancée interrupted her.
“Don’t get your expectations up,” Ophelia said. “I don’t intend to give you private time with Lady Blake after today.”
The omega already had a hunch that Stella was about to bring up what happened earlier, and Ophelia cut in before she could say a word. Though it was a threat, it didn’t sound like one to Stella.
“I know, and I’m extremely grateful for the time you’ve given us,” Stella said, her tone unhurried. “That’s more than what I could’ve asked for.”
“Good to see that you know how to be grateful to her owner. From today on, I don’t expect to see any interaction between you two unless I say so.” Ophelia said. “Do you understand? I’m certain you wouldn’t want me to put you on a tighter leash.”
“I understand, and I have no objections to that,” Stella said.
Ophelia had half expected her fiancée to put up at least some fight, and she was surprised by how compliant Stella was. However, she didn’t stop there.
“You should consider yourself lucky that my father isn’t aware of this yet,” Ophelia said. “I assume you’re aware of what will happen if he learns about today?”
“…”
This time, it was a genuine threat. If the Marquis were to find out that Stella had come into contact with Blake, he would be far from pleased. The head of Chevalier already had his hands around her throat and could throw her into their underground prison as early as the next day if he wished.
“Won’t the Marquis eventually learn about this anyway?” Stella asked. “Eleanor may already know at this point.”
“He will eventually find out,” Ophelia said. “Just not any time soon.”
Marquis Chevalier had little to no interest in his children’s trivial lives at the Academy, unless they had important matters to bring him. Ophelia was more than confident that Eleanor wouldn’t breathe a single word to their father either.
“I doubt that woman would say anything to Father,” Ophelia said. “She benefits more from turning a blind eye to you.”
“What do you mean by that?” Stella asked.
“That witch is only interested in personal gain. Knowing what kind of person she is, she’ll use this as leverage to make you indebted to her,” Ophelia explained to her. “I suppose you should be thankful that you have her interest.”
“Ugh,” Stella muttered, her eyes narrowing slightly. “That sounds truly unpleasant.”
Ophelia knew how cunning Eleanor could be. It was only a matter of time before the woman found the right opportunity to approach Stella.
“As a word of warning, do not let your guard down around her. I doubt you could outsmart Eleanor,” Ophelia said, her tone cold and brutal. “Underestimate her for a moment, and you’ll become her puppet before you realize it.”
“That certainly is one way to describe your own sister,” Stella said.
“You should know by now that being related by blood means nothing to us. One’s value is determined by how useful they are to the family,” Ophelia said, crossing her arms. “That’s the iron rule of Chevalier.”
“…” Stella fell silent.
Ophelia’s voice was void of emotion, carrying no traces of love or affection. The alpha couldn’t help but wonder what it was about Eleanor that made Ophelia this cautious.
“Let’s change the conversation to something much more pleasant and interesting.” Ophelia’s voice shifted slightly into something close to playful. “I can see you’re still covering the mark I left on you. Did Lady Blake notice it?”
Her green eyes found the bandage on Stella’s neck, and the corner of her lips lifted. Her delicate fingers rested against her lips in satisfaction. The art she carved into the alpha’s body was still there after a whole week.
“Whose fault is it for biting it so hard?” Stella muttered with a glare, her tone laced with frustration.
“You have no right to sulk. You belong to me, remember?” Ophelia smirked. Seeing Stella’s frustration only fueled her enjoyment. “But if you want to get back at me so badly, nothing is stopping you.”
Ophelia unhurriedly undid her bow, then gently tugged down her shirt collar to reveal her smooth porcelain neck. It was an open invitation for Stella to carve her mark. The result was as expected. Stella tensed, suddenly nervous, her eyes widening in surprise.
“You can mark me however you want,” Ophelia said, her voice low and soft. “I promise I won’t stop you or resist.”
Between the flirtatious lilt in her voice and the enticing lavender fragrance in the air, Stella became visibly flustered. Warmth spread across her cheeks and her jaw clenched with frustration.
“Aren’t you even a little embarrassed to say something so shameless?” A low grumble slipped from Stella’s throat.
“Why should I? We’re engaged.” Ophelia shrugged. “You’re technically mine, and I wouldn’t mind becoming yours.”
When those captivating eyes met hers, Stella instinctively looked away. The alpha made no effort to hide her discomfort, clearly at a loss for how to deal with this difficult woman.
“Aren’t you going to claim me?” Ophelia said, inviting her fiancée. “I’m certain you’ve been taught how to mark an omega properly—”
“Shut it.” Stella cut her off. “I’m not going to entertain you any further.”
Ophelia’s lips curled as she watched the alpha’s cheeks, and then ears, grow redder with each passing second. Once she started teasing Stella, she found it hard to stop. The temptation to poke the fuming puppy was irresistible.
Weeks had gone by since Stella attended Blake’s lecture, and the Marquis’s behavior had not changed.
It was as Ophelia said: Eleanor did not report to the Marquis. That woman was certainly aware of everything that happened in the Academy, yet she chose to take no action. Even though Stella was unsure what to expect from Eleanor, she decided to heed Ophelia’s warning.
Blake and Stella had kept their interactions minimal, restricted to the lecture hall. The alpha was more than satisfied with this arrangement. At least she could still see her sister every day, an opportunity she had never imagined. As the weeks passed, it became evident that several first-years were struggling to keep up with the course. Some considered dropping and returning to their first-year diplomacy course.
Kenric was struggling too, but not as badly as the others.
During their free hours, Stella had been holding study sessions with Kenric and a few of their classmates who were interested, leading up to their first major test.
When the results were out, it came as no surprise that both Ophelia and Stella were among the top five students of the class. That marked the moment Stella made a name for herself. The alpha drew mixed gazes of dissatisfaction and admiration. More upperclassmen, especially the ladies, had visibly shown great interest in the charming alpha.
Her lunch hour in the dining hall had become the perfect opportunity for anyone to pass by and greet Stella directly. It was hardly surprising, considering how desirable the Albrecht alpha was among noblewomen. She possessed practically everything they desired in a partner: fame, wealth, intelligence, charisma, gentleness, and a sweet, modest personality. Even though Stella showed no interest, they seemed to take her lack of attention as a challenge instead.
“Hey Stella, I noticed you haven’t gotten any dessert yet,” an omega upperclassman said, setting a plate of cube-shaped cakes on the table for Stella and her friends. “I got some for you and your friends. I hope you’ll enjoy them.”
While some approached Stella with subtlety, others had no issue flirting boldly in public.
“That’s too kind of you, Lady Elva,” Stella said. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“Don’t worry about it.” A light chuckle escaped the woman. “I hope you’ll enjoy the cake as much as I do.”
Once the upperclassman left their table, Stella gently nudged the plate of cakes toward her friends instead. Unfortunately for her admirers, they didn’t know that the alpha wasn’t particularly fond of desserts. She was more of a fruit person.
“You have to be careful, Stella,” Astrid said, giving her friend a playful jab with her elbow. “You’re going to make a lot of people unhappy and jealous by stealing all the women’s attention.”
“I couldn’t care less…” Stella said, shrugging it off, clearly uninterested in the courting games.
“So, how has Lady Ophelia reacted to your sudden popularity?” Astrid asked, eating her cake nonchalantly. “Wouldn’t she be upset that so many omegas openly flirt with you?”
“Huh, no?” Stella said, her brows furrowing slightly. “She’s her usual self.”
“I think that’s because Lady Ophelia trusts you deeply.” Lisette chimed in. “She knows you’re loyal to her.”
Lisette and Kenric had been taking bites of the cake. Having spent most of their time together with Stella, the three friends had never once seen her spare a moment to entertain anyone’s advances. If it were any other alphas, their ego would’ve been inflated, and they would have happily played along.
“Ophelia being jealous? I doubt it,” Stella said, unable to picture it. “She’s not the kind of person to be bothered by something so trivial.”
“Stella, you understand how a woman’s heart is extremely delicate!” Astrid said, giving her a look of near disappointment. “You need to be perceptive of your fiancée’s feelings, or else you’ll end up hurting her.”
“Uh…” Stella murmured, blinking with confusion. “O-Okay?”
Seeing how naïve her dear friend was about a maiden’s heart, Astrid gave her a lesson she needed. Stella understood that such concerns applied to ordinary couples, but they were not one. They were more like comrades-in-arms, trying to keep each other alive in this unforgiving predicament. Having lived alongside a woman as wise and cunning as Ophelia for years, Stella had never once seen her act that way.
“It seems someone had made herself the center of attention lately.” Ophelia’s voice broke the silence in the carriage, her lips curving slightly.
As usual, they were on their way home together, and Stella felt those icy green eyes stay fixed on her. Ophelia had clearly noticed how much attention, and how many gifts, the famous Albrecht had received over the past week.
“Did you bring all of them, as I asked?” Ophelia asked, her tone cold and laced with authority. “Give them to me.”
Stella took a small bag out of her leather satchel. It was filled with gifts she received, ranging from luxurious sweets to letters, bookmarks, and pens. Stella watched every shift in Ophelia’s inflection and expression closely. Those indecipherable eyes lingered on the bag before the omega nonchalantly slid open the nearest window.
She tossed it out of the carriage, casual and cruel.
“Finally, that trash is out of my sight…” Ophelia said, her voice low and sharp. “How dare they leave traces of their pheromones behind?”
“…”
Her voice, devoid of emotion, prompted an immediate physical reaction from the alpha. The scent of burnt flower wafted beneath Stella’s nose as the air dropped to freezing temperature. Stella tensed and found herself at a loss for words.
“You’re not allowed to keep any gifts from other ladies in your possession,” Ophelia said, her brows furrowing with a clear tinge of irritation etched across her face. “Except when they are from me.”
“…Yes, I’m aware,” Stella said, playing along.
“Being an Albrecht and my fiancée doesn’t mean you are free to interact with anyone you please,” Ophelia continued, sounding as though she was scolding. “Every word you speak and action you take reflects directly on me. Any misstep will tarnish my name.”
She harshly admonished Stella to be mindful of whom she chose to associate with. Although the alpha had done nothing wrong, she was left feeling as though she were at fault.
“Let your guard down and find yourself alone with any lady, even for a brief moment, and our names will be on everyone’s lips.” Ophelia’s tone stayed cold and sharp. “I’m certain you know how much nobles love a good scandal to gossip over tea.”
“Yes, I understand,” Stella replied, not knowing what else to say.
As someone who never once let her emotions get the best of her, Stella didn’t know how to respond to Ophelia. Up until this moment, she had no idea why she was being reprimanded, but she suspected that asking the omega to clarify would only make things worse.
The burnt floral scent remained strong, hanging heavily in the air, warning her not to enrage Ophelia any further.
Why am I getting scolded like it was my fault?? This isn’t like her. Stella thought quietly.
Despite Ophelia’s impeccable ability to mask her thoughts and emotions behind an unreadable expression, Stella sensed something was off. Normally, she required only a few words to justify or assert her point, yet today she seemed intent on overwhelming Stella with justifications.
“Hmm…” Stella’s eyes met hers.
Ophelia’s explanation droned on as she lectured Stella on how to conduct herself without damaging her reputation at the Academy, but she was barely listening. The omega’s words went in one ear and out the other until realization suddenly clicked, like a switch flipping. Though the idea had never crossed her mind before, it now seemed oddly reasonable in this situation. If Astrid was right, all Stella needed was confirmation.
“Ophelia, are you by chance…jealous?” Stella asked, interrupting the lecture.
That single question cut Ophelia off mid-sentence before the scent in the air shifted drastically. The burnt floral note gave way at once to a pronounced freshness of lavender.
“W-What? No, I’m not!” Ophelia’s voice rose in pitch, her cheeks flushing rosy pink. “Where did you even get such a preposterous idea??”
Her response was immediate and intense, and her eyes widened with embarrassment. Although Ophelia’s words denied Stella’s suspicion, her physical reaction betrayed her. She might seem more upset than before, but to the alpha’s relief, the scent lingering in the carriage was far gentler than it had been earlier.
“I will reiterate. I am not jealous.” Ophelia said, her brows furrowing as she glared at her fiancée. “It is all about the family’s reputation. How many times must I explain myself to you?”
“Okay, if you say so,” Stella said calmly. “Then I suppose you’re not jealous.”
It was obvious Ophelia was lying. Stella noticed the ears hidden beneath her long hair flush a deep red, and the scent of lavender grew stronger with each passing minute. Unable to take her gaze away from Ophelia, the corner of her lips curled in surprise and amusement.
Sometimes the impregnable, domineering demeanor she wears makes me forget that she’s just an ordinary woman. Stella thought, smiling to herself.
Odd as the situation was, Stella still found this refreshing. She liked this side of Ophelia far more than her usual guarded persona. The wider the alpha’s smile grew, the more annoyed the omega became. Heat quickly spread across her cheeks as she glared furiously at her.
“Then wipe out that ridiculous smile off your face,” Ophelia snapped. “Right now.”
“It’s just a smile,” Stella said, nearly chuckling.
“I said, wipe that off,” Ophelia said, stressing each word. “Right. Now.”
Her expression darkened, her voice dropping to a glacial temperature. But Stella still couldn’t bring herself to take Ophelia seriously with the sweet scent of fresh lavender wafting around them. Much as she wanted to tease her further, Stella held back. Ophelia harbored romantic feelings for her, and it was a normal reaction for omegas to become territorial over their partner, even when their relationship was strictly political.
“Anyway…I believe I owe you an apology, at the very least,” Stella said, trying to ease the tension. “I was only being courteous with others out of courtesy, but since we’re engaged, it’s important that I set clear boundaries.”
“Great that my words finally got through that thick skull of yours.” Ophelia shot back, crossing her arms.
Still bristling with frustration, Ophelia readily took the bait, and the conversation turned to Stella instead. What followed was a sweet, heartwarming moment that lasted until the carriage reached the estate.
By now, her life had settled into a routine.
Today was just like any other day at the Academy. After returning to the estate, Stella had some spare time alone in her room before dinner. Her daily ritual was flipping through her notebook, a reminder to stick to the plan.
She had nothing to worry about, not yet. Still, staring at these blank pages left her heart uneasy.
These were the pages where she recorded any changes that had not occurred in her past life. She needed to make sure she didn’t miss a single clue or detail in this timeline.
Everything had to be perfect. Failure was not an option.
She was relieved to find that no trouble had followed her meeting with Blake. Stella admitted to herself that she had been over the moon during the first two weeks after transferring to advanced diplomacy class, especially since she could see Blake regularly. But once that fleeting joy passed, a seed of fear began to take root within her.
As weeks went by, that seed grew alongside her anxiety.
“…”
Stella had lost count of how many times she reread the notes about Blake’s future, each line a reminder of her sister’s possible demise. In two years, Marquis Hugh planned to poison the entire Albrecht family to wipe them out. Fortunately, they would survive, receiving the antidote in time from Viscount Lemaire.
“If it weren’t for Ophelia and Viscount’s intervention,” Stella murmured. “Then Blake’s life might be…"
The sudden image of her sister’s lifeless body shook her to her core. No matter how she tried to forget it, the growing fear in Stella’s heart refused to fade. Blake was one of the people closest to her.
As time passed, Stella finally grasped the true weight of her decision. Even if she pushed herself to seize every opportunity in her path, could she guarantee the best possible ending for everyone?
Could she, alone, truly do all of this and bear responsibility for whatever happened to those she loved?
Her lips pressed together with anxiety. The lives of others rested in her own hands. Every decision she made, every action she took, would ultimately change the course of the story and the fates of those around her, for better or worse.
When she glanced at her hands, they were…trembling. This dread would resurface whenever she questioned her own resolve.
Just as she was about to sink deeper into the darkness of her thoughts, a knock on the door caught her attention.
“Stella, come with me to the library.” Ophelia’s voice cut through the silence. “I would like to spend my spare time before dinner studying.”
“…!”
Ophelia’s voice cut through and magically pulled her back from the brink. Gathering her remaining strength to lift her heavy body, Stella opened the door and came face to face with an irritated omega.
“You took too long,” Ophelia said, her eyes narrowing. “My legs are getting tired from waiting for you.”
“…Sorry,” Stella said, a smile breaking across her face. “Shall we get going?”
A single inhale of the gentle floral scent was able to lift Stella’s spirits. The unbearable weight on her shoulders eased, bringing a comfort she couldn’t quite put into words. She gazed at the woman before her, the same person who had single-handedly orchestrated a grand plan to overthrow her own family, while also protecting Stella against all odds. Stella couldn’t begin to fathom the resolve Ophelia must possess to endure all of this without losing a part of her sanity. How strong a heart she must have to withstand such prolonged loneliness without crumbling?
If she never gave up despite her circumstances, then how could I? Stella thought.
With a soft smile, Stella looked at Ophelia in deep admiration. The alpha then realized she still had much to learn, and she hadn’t expected the omega to be the one to teach her courage and perseverance. Stella had committed to this path the moment she rewound time, and the only way left was to keep moving forward, protecting those she cherished with every ounce of strength she could muster.
“Usually at this hour, you prefer to be left alone,” Stella said. “What’s different today?”
“Since when do I need a reason to tell you what to do?” Ophelia shot back.
Ophelia’s retort was cold, yet Stella was surprised by how invigorating she found it. Within seconds, she felt herself returning to her usual, confident self.
“You just want me with you the whole time, don’t you?” Stella said, shrugging playfully.
“Don't be so full of yourself,” Ophelia said, her brows knitting together as she cast her a sharp, sidelong glare. “You’re merely my possession, and it’s a pet’s duty to accompany its owner. Since when do you think you have an option?”
Instead of feeling intimidated, Stella grinned from ear to ear as a cozy warmth settled in her chest.
“At least I have a choice to tease my jealous fiancée,” Stella said, nearly chuckling.
Ophelia could swear she felt a vein pulsing at her temple before she stomped on the playful alpha’s foot. She didn’t need Stella to remind her of that embarrassing moment in the carriage. Stella jerked at the sudden, sharp pain, pulling her foot back.
“That hurts…” Stella grumbled through gritted teeth, shaking her foot to ease the throbbing pain. “What if you accidentally break my foot?”
Ophelia knew full well that she hadn’t stomped hard enough to cause any real damage and that the cheeky alpha was only exaggerating to tease her.
“Serves you right for not knowing your place,” Ophelia muttered, walking ahead of her.
Stella watched the fuming omega march forward and followed closely behind. With the sweet floral fragrance lingering between them, she couldn’t stop beaming. Ophelia’s pheromones brought her a new sense of comfort, as though the omega were quietly offering her solace.
…Thinking it over once more, Stella realized she wasn’t alone as alone as she had believed.