mariamope2013の小説

Chapter 65 Aurora’s POV “You think you can just force me to marry you?” My voice cut through the quiet training field like a blade. “Is that how love works here?” I flicked my gaze toward Cassidy and Bella as I said it, as if to ask them for confirmation. Liam’s expression hardened, but his tone stayed soft. “Cassidy, Bella—leave us.” They hesitated for a second before exchanging a look and slipping out of the training grounds, their footsteps fading behind me. Now it was just him and me. He stepped closer, his eyes locking onto mine, unflinching. “You’re my mate,” he said quietly. “We’re bound to be together.” For one treacherous heartbeat, that sentence felt… peaceful. My wolf stirred at the sound of it, wanting to melt into him. But I shoved the feeling back down. “I’m not marrying you.” My voice rose, firm. “I just turned eighteen, Liam. You’re twenty-one. I’m barely figuring out who I am, living with my grandmother, learning about our world, its secrets, its rules.

Chapter 64 Aurora’s POV Cassidy moved with her usual precision, her wooden sword slicing through the air like it belonged in her hand. “Tighter grip,” she instructed, her eyes sharp on me. “And stop treating it like it’s about to slip away. Own it.” I tightened my hold, adjusted my stance, and swung. The wood connected with hers in a sharp crack, the vibration shooting through my arms. “Better,” Cassidy said, though her smirk hinted at more criticism. “But you’re still holding back.” I narrowed my eyes. “I am not.” “Yes, you are,” she pressed, stepping in closer, her blade teasing mine with little nudges. “You’re fighting like you’re scared of breaking something. You want to win? Then strike.” The fire rose in my chest at her provocation. I gritted my teeth and lifted my sword, ready to lunge— Then it hit me. A scent. Bold. Rich. Masculine. It wrapped around me, pulling me in like invisible threads. My wolf stirred instantly, a thrill racing through me. My knees almost gave w

Chapter 63 Aurora’s POV Cassidy and Bella were already on the training grounds, their bodies moving in perfect rhythm. Cassidy struck with sharp, fluid precision, her limbs slicing the air like blades. Bella met her blows with calm control, her counters smooth and powerful, elegance woven into every motion. Together, they moved like a deadly dance—balanced, graceful, and mesmerizing. I paused at the edge, my lips parting. For a moment, I could only stare. They noticed me then. “Oh—you’re early,” Bella said with an easy grin. Cassidy smirked. “We usually have to drag you out of bed.” I ignored the teasing, still caught by what I’d seen. “That was incredible. The two of you fight like warriors out of legend.” As I drew closer, something new washed over me. Bella’s scent was soft and sweet, like jasmine blooming at night, while Cassidy’s was sharper—bright and tangy, like ripe citrus. It struck me all at once, distinct and undeniable. “You smell… different,” I said before I coul

Chapter 62 Liam’s POV Morning came too quickly, but I didn’t waste it. I rose before dawn, took to the training grounds, and put my body through the usual drills. Blades, sparring, weight stones, and speed runs until the ground was dark with sweat. Afterward, I supervised the warriors’ morning routines—pack drills, scent tracking, formation runs, and the young wolves practicing their first shifts. Every muscle in me buzzed with restless purpose. By midmorning, I was back in the castle, heading straight for my father’s chambers. Enough waiting. Enough pretending. “I’m ready,” I said, the moment I was admitted inside. “I’ve trained. I’ve studied. I know the kingdom inside and out. It’s time I take my place as Alpha King.” My father looked up slowly, his gaze cool, sharp as a blade. “You think swinging a sword and barking orders makes you a king? You’re of age, yes. But age doesn’t make an Alpha. You’re not ready.” The words hit harder than any strike, and fury flared hot in my che

Chapter 61 Aurora’s POV I climbed onto the horse with ease this time, no clumsy tugging or slipping—it felt natural, like I had done it all my life. My body moved differently now, sharper, quicker. It almost felt like my mind was sharper too, every detail sinking in, every thought clearer. The night breeze kissed my face as we rode, carrying the scents of pine, smoke, and bread from far-off kitchens. Even in the darkness, nothing hid from me—I could see every flicker of movement, every shadow. And it felt… good. Alive. Leaving the omega territory behind, I passed through the wide gates of the kingdom. The guards were still at their posts despite the late hour, alert and watchful. Inside the walls, I noticed a few people still busy—young warriors practicing their shifts in the courtyard, their half-formed growls echoing under the moonlight, while others carried bundles of fresh meat from the hunt to the kitchens. A pair of elders sat by a fire, weaving charms of bone and string, th

Chapter 60 Aurora’s POV The elder who told the story leaned forward, her lined face glowing in the firelight. “You’ve come to the right place, child,” she said. “Strength is not only muscle or claws. Our gift, as omegas, is to bring out what lies hidden. To remind wolves of who they are when they’ve forgotten—or when they’re too afraid to see it themselves.” A murmur of agreement passed around the circle. The adults’ eyes softened, the children watched with wide-eyed wonder, and Oliver clapped his hands together with boyish enthusiasm. “Tonight,” the elder continued, “we will help you call your wolf.” My breath caught. “You… can do that?” She smiled knowingly. “Not for ourselves—we don’t need to. But for others? Yes. That is what we are meant to do.” They shifted closer around me, the circle tightening. The fire blazed higher, fed with herbs someone tossed into the flames, and the air filled with a sharp, earthy scent. The adults began to hum low, steady notes that thr