Married in the Shadow of My Best Friend

After being reborn, I had no time to adjust.

The moment I regained consciousness, I heard a low, ragged gasp coming from the master bedroom.

Then, a command—strained and desperate.

"Alice—"

His voice was thick with pain and barely restrained desire.

I knew that sound too well.

The dark magic inside Nicholas was spiraling out of control again.

In my past life, when I heard him call my name like that, I opened the door almost on instinct.

I knew what it meant. And I went in anyway.

I soothed his heat.

The memories flickered through my mind, but this time, I didn't hesitate.

I stood in the hallway. I didn't go to the master bedroom. Instead, I turned and picked up the intercom on the wall.

"Leah. The Alpha needs you. Come now."

After I hung up, I walked to the door of the master bedroom.

Inside, I heard something heavy slam into the bedpost. His breathing was erratic.

I didn't go any closer. I just spoke through the door.

"She'll be here in ten minutes."

For a moment, everything inside went still.

Then came another low, shuddering breath—like he was forcing something down.

I didn't wait for a response. I stepped back to the other side of the hall.

A few minutes later, the sharp click of Leah's heels echoed down the stone corridor.

She stopped in front of me, eyes sharp as they swept over me from head to toe.

When she saw I was fully dressed, with no sign of being marked, her tense shoulders relaxed just slightly.

Before she opened the door, she glanced at me. Her voice was smug.

"Go rest, Alice. I'll take it from here."

I turned and left without a word, heading back to my room in the west tower.

It wasn't until three in the morning that the sounds from the master bedroom finally died down.

I sat by the window, staring out at the moonlit forest beyond the castle.

In my past life, I loved Nicholas too much. Even knowing his heart belonged to Leah, I gave myself to him when he lost control. And I got pregnant.

This time, I won't make the same mistake.

I'm leaving. I'm done being a prisoner in this castle.

The next day at noon, the butler knocked on my door.

"Miss Alice, the Alpha is asking for you in the master bedroom."

The door was half-open when I arrived. Leah was sitting on the edge of the bed.

Nicholas stood by the window, his back to me.

Leah looked up, her expression casual—too casual.

"Alice, the Alpha mentioned you know healing."

As she spoke, her fingers lightly pressed against the side of her neck.

There was a faint red mark there, still fresh.

"I'm a little sore from last night. Can you take a look and tell me if it needs treatment?"

The room was silent.

Nicholas didn't turn around. He didn't stop her either.

I stepped closer, letting my gaze linger on her neck for only a second before I looked away.

It didn't need treatment. She knew that.

She just wanted to show off.

I answered calmly.

"No risk of infection. Just rest."

Leah blinked, caught off guard. Nicholas's brow furrowed slightly.

This wasn't how I used to act. The old me would've snapped at her by now.

I bowed politely, made an excuse, and left.

Half an hour later, I was sorting herbs in my room when the door opened.

Nicholas walked in without waiting for permission.

He'd changed into casual clothes. Those eyes I used to adore now looked at me with nothing but suspicion.