The Hidden Gem

Chapter 4: Riffles of Fate

Aurora finally reached the pack house after a long run through the woods. Without resting, she immediately helped the omegas prepare dinner, working her hands to distract her mind. Yet no matter how hard she tried, her thoughts kept drifting back to Luke—the mysterious stranger who had helped her so kindly. His warm gaze, the safety she felt near him, the way her heart fluttered—it confused her. She didn’t know what was wrong, but she craved his presence in a way she had never experienced before.

Suddenly, the screech of tires outside yanked her from her daydreams. Madeline was home.

Madeline stormed into the house, her heels clicking sharply against the wooden floor. The moment she spotted Aurora in the dining area, she marched toward her, fury radiating from every step. Without warning, she slapped Aurora hard across the cheek.

“You son of a b***h! How dare you humiliate me in front of your lover?” Madeline shrieked, her voice echoing through the house.

Aurora blinked in shock, her cheek burning. “But I didn’t do anything to humiliate you,” she stammered, confused. “Luke is not my lover. He was just helping me pick up my books.”

Madeline scoffed, tossing her hair. “Don’t lie! You made me look like the villain while you played the innocent saint.” She paused, sneering as she looked Aurora up and down. “Then again, no man would ever pick someone like you.”

Mocking laughter followed as Madeline turned to leave. But halfway to the stairs, a realization seemed to strike her. She froze, her body stiffening.

“Wait…” she whispered, thinking back to Luke’s face, the dominant aura he exuded, the way other wolves cowered around him. Recognition hit her like a slap.

The Prince.

Madeline gasped, clutching her mouth in horror. “Oh my Goddess. Please no,” she whimpered, her face draining of color. Without another word, she bolted up the stairs, screaming, “No! No, no, no!”

Aurora watched her sister’s strange reaction with puzzled eyes but decided to ignore it. Whatever tantrum Madeline was throwing, she didn’t want to get involved. She went back to her chores quietly, finishing her tasks before retreating to her room to do her homework. That night, Aurora skipped supper and fell into her bed..the floor exhausted, letting sleep take her swiftly.

Meanwhile, in her room, Madeline was still spiraling.

She knew now, without a doubt, that the man she had disrespected—the man Aurora dared speak to—was none other than Prince Luke Heartfilia, the future King of their Kingdom.

“Oh, Goddess help me!” Madeline wailed into her pillow. “I have to fix this. I have to make him see I'm not some evil witch!”

Hatred toward Aurora flared inside her. In her mind, it was all Aurora’s fault for attracting his attention in the first place. A malicious smile curled on her lips. “You’ll pay for this, sister,” she whispered into the darkness.

The next morning, Aurora was preparing for school when her bedroom door slammed open.

Madeline barged in, throwing a stack of books directly at her.

“Have you forgotten you’re my assistant, you useless mutt?” she barked.

Aurora calmly picked up the books from the floor. “I haven’t forgotten. I was just about to come get them.”

“Well, you also forgot my homework!” Madeline hissed, her hands planted on her hips. “Do it. Now. Or do you want Mom to hear about your little 'mistake'?”

Aurora sighed but said nothing. She sat down at her desk and began working on Madeline’s assignment.

When she finally finished, she went downstairs only to be greeted by Dorothy, one of the elder omegas and Aurora’s longtime nanny.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Dorothy smiled warmly. “Madeline left early today, and your parents are at a council meeting. Something about the Prince’s coronation preparations.”

Aurora smiled back, grateful for Dorothy’s rare kindness. “Thank you, Dorothy.”

“The table is set. Eat your breakfast before you go,” Dorothy said, ushering her to the kitchen.

As Aurora ate quietly, her mind wandered to happier times—before tragedy struck their family. Dorothy had always been there for her, even when her parents turned cold and distant. She was a small light in an otherwise dark life.

Finishing her meal, Aurora slung her bag over her shoulder and made her way toward the University.

“It’s such a beautiful morning,” Mystic said playfully in her mind. “Why don’t we run, Aurora? Stretch our legs!”

Aurora chuckled softly. “I wish. But I promised to behave. We’ll have our moment soon, Mystic. Just a little longer.”

“You’re too good sometimes,” Mystic grumbled.

Aurora smiled and kept walking, enjoying the fresh breeze on her face.

When she arrived at the University gates, she noticed a crowd gathering around the announcement board, a parchment paper posted. Curious, she stepped closer to read the new notice:

Royal Announcement: In preparation for the Coronation of His Royal Highness, the Future Alpha King of the Crescent Moon Kingdom, University classes are temporarily suspended for two weeks. The Palace is also seeking temporary volunteers (omegas or wolves of any rank willing to serve) due to the high volume of guests expected for this historic event.

All cooperation is greatly appreciated. —Royal Council

Aurora’s heart skipped.

“Mystic! Look! The Prince’s name is Luke too! I almost forgot about it. Just like the Luke we met yesterday. Isn’t that funny?”

Mystic’s voice rang with excitement. “Coincidence? Maybe. But I bet he’s devilishly handsome like our Luke! Maybe even more!”

Aurora giggled quietly to herself. “Well, now I’m even more curious what the real Prince looks like and very funny because you claimed Luke being ours”

Classes suspended, she decided to head home. But just as she turned, Mystic chimed in again mischievously:

“Why don’t we sneak off? Let’s go to the waterfall. It’s been ages since we ran free.”

Aurora hesitated. The temptation was strong—but fear of her parents finding out won over.

“Not today, Mystic,” she whispered. “Soon. I promise.”

Mystic sighed dramatically but respected her choice. Aurora walked home, unaware that fate was already moving, weaving their destinies closer and closer.