6

The Alpha King's Royal Healing Academy announced their recruitment next month.

In my past life, Sarah earned one of three coveted spots through Michael and Daniel's careful planning.

They let her practice healing on Daniel's old wounds, building her reputation.

And me?

I'd studied healing since age four, mastering ancient techniques for twelve years.

Then Daniel found me.

In the setting sun, he held me close and whispered:

"Could you step back from the competition? I don't want everyone seeing how talented you are."

"Share your healing gift just with me?"

I was such a fool then.

Actually believed he was being possessive and romantic.

So on competition day, I withdrew.

Instead, I spent hours in the healing chambers, demonstrating my techniques just for him.

While I worked, distant cheers echoed from the great hall.

Daniel heard them and smiled.

He was usually so quiet with me, his smiles soft and distant like morning mist.

I'd never seen him so openly happy.

Like an idiot, I asked: "Are you pleased?"

He paused before answering: "Very."

Back then, I thought he was happy because I healed only for him.

Much later, I learned the truth.

His joy came from Sarah's triumph in the competition.

His precious light had secured a brilliant future.

This time, I submitted my name for the trials.

But I didn't stop there.

I gathered every student interested in healing, teaching them the Moonbloom formula techniques.

I paid for private tutors, rare ingredients, ancient texts.

Compared to our group's advanced healing demonstrations, Sarah's basic silver wound treatment looked amateur.

She must have cried to Michael about it.

That evening, he intercepted me in the garden.

"Vivian."

My brother's face was stone.

"Withdraw from the competition."

I laughed: "What are you yapping about now?"

"This isn't a request."

Cold mockery flickered in his eyes.

"Face the consequences if you continue."

I stopped, meeting his icy stare:

"Brother, if your precious Sarah can't win against me after twelve years of training..."

"She truly is worthless."

Days before the healing trials, Daniel found me.

"Love."

"I was wrong before. But you've blocked our mate bond, won't let me near you."

"I don't understand what changed. Did you misunderstand something? Or..." his voice cracked, "find another mate?"

Pain laced his words:

"You promised I'd always be your only one."

Rage and bitter pain surged through me.

I had loved him truly for years.

When he said he didn't like me training for combat, preferring me to focus on healing, I suppressed my Alpha talents.

When he said Sarah was an abused Omega who needed understanding, I forgave her countless provocations.

I gave him my heart completely.

In return, they gave me twelve years of hatred and lies.

Suddenly, I couldn't pretend anymore.

I grabbed his shirt, slamming him against a tree.

He gasped in pain, but before he could speak, my hand cracked across his face.

I used my full Alpha strength.

His pale skin reddened instantly.

Leaning close, I snarled each word:

"I know you and Sarah knew each other long ago."

"You love her, don't you? Why play the devoted mate with me?"

"Using me while running to your precious Omega."

"No wonder your father beat you. Your mother seduced him from his true mate - like mother, like son."

"A weak Omega like you deserved every blow."

His eyes stormed with emotion, but he couldn't form words.

I laughed coldly, released him, and walked away.