Her Cold Revenge

The Beginning of an End

Aurora’s POV.

I walked through the forest, my shaky legs carrying me far away from Aria’s house and Lyra’s eyes. I needed some peace and quiet, a place to process the pain and grief that have decided to consume me.

Aria’s revelation about my parents rejection still stung, and I could not shake off the feeling of being unwanted—a rejected pup thrown away at birth.

As I turned a corner, I saw my normal resting and crying spot, a small place that I took my time to clear.

But this time around, there was someone else in my secret place.

I instantly recognized the scar on the back of the person’s neck. It was Akira, the cursed son of the alpha.

I approached him carefully, not wanting to disturb him or intrude on his privacy. But as I got closer, I saw the pain on his face. That pain felt familiar, like the one I feel on a daily basis.

"Akira?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

He lifted his head, his eyes red. "Aurora?"

"Akira, what's wrong?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.

He sighed and slumped his shoulders. "Just the usual things, Aurora. The curse, the pain, the discrimination, the hurt, the insults, the feeling of being unfit and rejected.”

I nodded, understanding how he felt. "I know how that feels. I just found out my own parents rejected me, and I feel like I'm nothing, just a rejected pup, rejected at birth."

Akira's eyes met mine, filled with unshed tears, yet there was love. "You are not nothing, Aurora. You are strong, capable, and deserving of love and respect. You are not rejected; don’t ever think that way.”

I smiled—a small smile that was not from the heart. "Thanks, Akira. That means a lot coming from you."

“You are welcome, Aurora.” Akira said this and turned his face to the other side.

"Akira, can I ask you something?" I said, unable to control my curiosity.

"Anything, Aurora," he replied, and he turned to face me.

"What's it like to be the son of the alpha? I mean, I know it comes with lots of good things and lots of privileges, but it also seems like a heavy burden. Is that why you are sad?”

Akira's expression turned sad. "It's... complicated. I've always felt like I'm living in my father's shadow, like I can never be good enough. And now, with the curse, it feels like I'm losing myself, like I'm not even worthy of being a wolf, not even worthy of being called an alpha’s son.”

I reached out, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "You are worthy, Akira. You are so much more than the curse or your father's expectations. You are kind, intelligent, and brave. I have seen you some times, when you do, and I must admit, you are good.”

Akira gave me a small smile, and he looked away, his sharp jawline proudly flaunted. "Thanks, Aurora. Just talking to you makes me feel better."

I smiled, feeling a sense of belonging for the first time in my life. "Thanks, Akira. You're a true friend. I can call you a friend, right?”

“Sure…” Akira said, his voice softer than usual.

Just then, a voice interrupted us, the tone dripping with malice and hate. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here. The rejected omega and the cursed prince comfort each other."

I turned to see Kaito, Akira's younger brother, sneering at us.

"Akira, you're wasting your time with this... thing," Kaito spat, his gaze darting to me. "She's nothing but a weak, rejected omega. You deserve better."

Akira narrowed his eyes, and his voice turned cold. "Kaito, leave us alone. Your insults won't work here."

Kaito scoffed. "Insults? I'm just stating the truth. You're a disgrace to the pack, Akira. And you, Aurora, you're not even worth talking about.”

I felt a wave of anger wash over me, but Akira's calm composure made me keep my peace. "Kaito, your words won't hurt us. We know our worth, and we won't let you bring us down."

Kaito sneered. “Your worth is to be my beta, running errands for me, and calling me your king.”

With that, he turned and left us alone.

Akira's eyes met mine. "Don't let him get to you, Aurora. His words are meaningless. He cannot get to you. don’t let him.”

I nodded, feeling grateful for him. "I won't. I have you, and that's all that matters."

"Akira, why does Kaito hate you so much?" I asked, my curiosity winning me again.

Akira's expression turned sad again. "It's because of the curse, Aurora. Kaito believes I'm weak and that I'm not fit to lead the pack. He thinks he's the rightful heir, and he'll stop at nothing to take my place. My father has already agreed, and now I am to step down.”

I frowned, anger rising within me. "He has no right to treat you like that. You're a wonderful person, Akira. You are the rightful heir; no one can take your place.”

Akira smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. “Thanks, Aurora. That means a lot, coming from you. You're an amazing person too, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

We sat in silence for a moment, a comfortable silence.

"Akira, can I ask you something?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Anything, Aurora," he replied, his voice low and gentle.

"Do you... do you think we could ever be more than friends?" I asked, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Well… I have this connection with you. We have been seeing each other for some time now. Though this is the first proper conversation we have ever had, all the previous times, it was about me saving you from bullies. And so far, I think we can keep going—that is, if you consent to it.” Akira said.

My heart skipped a beat as he said that. I have crushed on Akira since the first day I saw him. I even hoped to be his mate.

But will the prince accept an omega?