A week later – In Ari’s room

Yn’s POV:

I slowly pushed open the door and stepped inside her room. The faint fragrance of jasmine filled the air, soft candlelight bouncing against the polished mirror in front of her.

There she was—Ari, dressed in her wedding attire, looking breathtakingly beautiful.

For a moment, I froze. My heart clenched, not from envy but from the overwhelming wave of emotions that came seeing my best friend like this—glowing, nervous, yet divine..

Her eyes were locked with her reflection in the mirror, so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t even notice me walking in..

I let my lips curl into a teasing smile as I walked closer, my steps slow and deliberate.

Yn:“Someone’s glowing today…” I whispered lightly, just loud enough for her to hear.

Her cheeks warmed immediately as she looked down shyly, the corners of her lips twitching.

I couldn’t resist anymore—I reached out, gently lifting her chin so her eyes would meet mine in the mirror.

Standing beside her, our reflections aligned..For a moment, it felt surreal—two best friends, standing at the edge of two very different fates.

“You look beautiful, Ari,” I said softly, my eyes glistening as I admired her. “Yoongi hyung won’t leave you tonight.” But Ari’s eyes widened, her face turning crimson as she gasped.

Ari: “Shut up, Yn! You’ve become shameless nowadays!”

Yn:I chuckled, shaking my head. “What’s shameless in that? And you’re calling me shameless? Unlike someone, I’m not pregnant yet…”

I teased, dragging the words just enough to fluster her more.Her face turned even redder.

Ari:“You—!” she stammered before burying her embarrassment with a sharp, “Shut up, Yn!”

Yn:I couldn’t help but laugh loudly..“Okay, okay… now stop blushing and wear the jewelry. My hyung is waiting for you.”

As I fixed the necklace around her neck, my hands steady despite the emotions in my chest, she suddenly looked at me through the mirror.

Ari:“Are you happy, Yn?” she asked softly, her voice carrying more weight than the question seemed to..

Yn:I blinked, then smiled warmly. “Of course, Ari. I’m happier than anyone else today. But you and Yoongi have to thank Jungkook… if he hadn’t spoken with His Majesty, this marriage never would have happened.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she processed my words, her expression shifting. Then, almost suspiciously

Ari:“Jungkook? You’re calling him by his name now? I think you both have become very close…”

Yn:My lips curved faintly as I tucked a loose strand of her hair away from the jewelry resting against her skin.

“At first, I thought he disliked it when I called him by his name… but he cleared my doubts himself..He said he doesn’t mind.

Still, I only call him that when we’re alone. In public, it would be disrespectful—after all, he is the Crown Prince and the future King of this dynasty.

But when it’s just us… I allow myself the comfort of his name.” but She studied me carefully, her eyes softening with concern.

Ari: “Are you really doing this willingly, Yn? I mean… you love him, and we both know he’s hated you since childhood…”

Yn:Her words pierced through me, but I swallowed down the ache and forced a small smile. “It’s not like I have a choice, Ari.

Don’t forget—I’m alive today only because I became his claim. If not, I would have died long ago in that forest. And… I do love him, Ari..

He is my Alpha. Whether we’re wedded nor mated, I gave myself to him willingly. I know we don’t have a future. He belongs to the Jeon dynasty, and one day, he will marry Princess Aera. I will remain his claim forever.” Silence fell.

Ari’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace, squeezing her as though she could shield her from the fate she had already accepted.

Ari:“I wish I could change everything,” she whispered against her shoulder.

Yn:I laughed softly, though my chest ached painfully inside. “We both know… it’s just a wish. Let it be.”Her arms tightened around me.

Ari: “Yes… but if only he—”

A sudden knock on the door broke the fragile moment.

“Time for your entry!” Ari’s mother’s voice called from outside.

Yn:Quickly, I blinked away the tears forming in my eyes and forced a smile. “Come on, let’s go…” I said, giving Ari’s hand a reassuring squeeze.

And then, it happened. Ari stepped out into the grand hall, her every step graceful and poised.

The fabric of her wedding attire shimmered under the light, her aura so regal that for a second, everyone forgot to breathe.

Yoongi walked toward her, his face lit up with the kind of smile that only belonged to a man seeing his entire world in front of him.

He extended his hand slowly, and Ari, smiling back, placed hers in his without hesitation.

Together, they walked forward, every gaze in the hall following them—the relatives, the higher officials, the Royal family, even the common people gathered to witness the moment.

All eyes glowed with admiration, and all hearts softened at the sight.And me? I stood there, hidden among the crowd, my lips curved in a smile while my heart quietly bled inside.

Yn’s POV

I entered slowly behind Ari and her mother, my steps measured, almost hesitant, as though the air inside the grand hall weighed heavy on my chest.

The lights from the chandeliers cast golden hues across the room, making everything shimmer—every jewel, every embroidered fabric, every fleeting smile.

Ari didn’t stop..her eyes immediately searched for Yoona Maa, her mother, as though seeking her blessing once again.

But mine… mine shifted elsewhere..And then my gaze froze.

He stood tall and composed beside His Majesty, posture steady, expression unreadable, every inch the Crown Prince—Jeon Jungkook.

For a fleeting moment, his dark eyes locked with mine. It was brief—barely a heartbeat long—but it was enough to make my breath hitch in my throat..

I let a small smile appear on my lips, almost instinctively, before stepping closer to stand near him..

Close enough to breathe his familiar scent, yet far enough to maintain the posture that this hall demanded..But he didn’t move.

Didn’t glance again. He stood like a marble statue—calm, cold, collected—just as a future King should be..I swallowed the sting that rose inside me and forced my gaze to move.

Ari stood across from Yoongi now, her face glowing brighter than all the chandeliers in this hall combined. Happiness radiated from her, pure and unshaken.

My lips curved as tears pricked my eyes—my Ari was finally stepping into her forever.

The priest tied their garments together with a firm knot, signaling their union. Bells rang, music swelled, and the ceremony began.

His chants echoed through the high ceilings, ancient words filling every corner of the hall.

But to me, they weren’t just chants. They were promises. Support. Lifelong love.

As Ari and Yoongi repeated the priest’s words, hand in hand, my vision blurred.

Fifteen years flashed before me—meeting Ari when she was just a girl of seven, her laughter echoing in my ears, our countless sleepless nights sneaking out under the stars, our tears, our dreams, her first secret blush when she spoke of Yoongi…

And now, her wedding.My throat ached with emotion. How unreal this feels.

The priest’s voice finally rang loud “It is done!”

Cheers filled the room. Then, the priest added, “Now, call upon your closest ones for the final ritual.”

Ari leaned toward Yoongi, whispering something we couldn’t hear..His lips curved into a smile, and he nodded.Then Ari’s eyes searched for someone.

Ari:“Yn,” she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. “Can you… please do this for us?”

Ari:I blinked, stunned, and pointed at myself. “Me!?”

Yoongi’s eyes softened. “Please, Yn. Do this for us.”

Yn:I froze, but when Yoona Maa gave me a small nod of reassurance, and Ari’s mother added gently, “Go, child,” my legs finally obeyed.

Slowly, I walked toward the couple, every step deliberate, my heartbeat echoing in my ears.

The priest handed me a golden bowl, filled with milk and rose petals, its weight heavy in my hands.

My fingers trembled as I dipped their joined hands into the bowl, the cool liquid rippling around their skin.

Then, with a handful of rose petals, I lifted my hands and let them fall softly over Ari and Yoongi.

“May your life be filled with happiness…” I whispered, my voice thick with tears..Both Ari and Yoongi murmured

“thank you” softly, their eyes warm..My chest swelled with love, happiness, and something unnameable, almost breaking me..

I placed the bowl back carefully and stepped aside, returning to Yoona Maa’s side. She reached for my hand, squeezing it gently.

Yoona:“You did well, Yn,”

Yn: she whispered, caressing my fingers..I smiled faintly… until the whispers began.

“Isn’t she the Crown Prince’s claim?”

“How can she do this ritual?”

“A claim performing a blessing? How inappropriate…”

Their voices slithered through the crowd, harsh and cutting.

A few people beside me quickly shifted away, creating distance as though my very presence contaminated them.

Judging eyes pierced into me, each one like a dagger.

My throat burned. My lips trembled. But I kept silent, my face composed..Then, unexpectedly, warmth enclosed my hand..

I looked up instantly, expecting Yoona Maa..It was her. Her eyes filled with worry, she whispered, “Don’t listen to their words, Yn. You are an angel. You—”

Yn:I shook my head, cutting her off with a trembling smile. “I don’t take their words to heart, Maa. Don’t worry.”She smiled sadly, then whispered

“Go, child. Bring more rose petals for blessings—they’re running low here.”

Grateful for the excuse, I nodded quickly and slipped out, my heart heavy, my eyes stinging.

Yn pov:

The hall’s noise faded behind me as I walked through the dim corridor's.Each step echoed against the walls, mingling with the soft sound of my own quiet sobs..

Tears streamed down my cheeks before I realized, and I wiped them harshly with trembling fingers.

It wasn’t new—this treatment. Every claim was seen this way. A shadow. A stain. And today was no different. Yet, for some reason, their words cut deeper than ever..

Why? Why do I let this pain break me every time? I told myself I was going to fetch rose petals, but truthfully, I just needed to escape.

To breathe. To hide the fracture in my chest.I opened bride chamber door, slipping inside quickly. I was about to close it behind me

But— The door slammed shut with a thud.

My back hit the wall, and suddenly, I was caged. A solid chest pressed into mine, strong arms pinning me in place.My eyes widened.

“What—” But my words were cut off as lips crashed onto mine..The kiss was fierce, urgent, burning with desperation. My eyes widened in shock, a small whimper escaping as my hands instinctively pressed against his chest.

But he didn’t stop—his mouth moved over mine hungrily, as though starving..

Before I could react, he lifted me effortlessly, placing me a top the high table behind me.

My arms clung to his neck for balance, deepening the kiss unintentionally. His hands slid firmly across my back, pulling me closer, while his fingers teased at the delicate waist chain.

Breathless, I pushed against him weakly. “Wait—” I gasped, trying to speak. But he silenced me again, lips devouring mine with a rhythm that stole every word..And

I gave in. My lips moved against his, slower now, syncing with his rhythm..Minutes passed..

The kiss deepened, then softened. Finally, he pulled back, our foreheads pressed together, breaths mingling in the quiet. My trembling hand rested against his chest, feeling his racing heartbeat.

“Alpha…?” I whispered shakily. “Someone will—”

He didn’t let me finish. His lips brushed against my neck, pressing pressing hot kisses against my skin, making my body shiver.

His fingers moved again, tugging at the threads of my attire, untying them one by one..

“Jungkook—” I moaned faintly, my fingers tangling around his to stop him as he reached the last tie.

“No… not here. This is not our chamber…” Finally, he stopped and lifted my chin, forcing my teary eyes to meet his. His gaze was dark, intense, yet softer than I’d ever seen.

Jungkook:“You wanted a distraction badly, didn’t you?” His voice was low, husky. “I’m giving you one.”

Yn:My lips parted in surprise, but tears spilled before I could stop them.

With a sob, I threw my arms around him, burying my face into the curve of his neck.

“I’m strong,” I whispered brokenly. “I really am… but their words… they hurt so much, Alpha.” He said nothing—no coldness, no distance, no judgment.

Instead, his arms wrapped tightly around me, holding me as though he would shield me from every wound the world inflicted.

“I know I shouldn’t have done the ritual,” I continued through trembling lips. “But Ari asked… I couldn’t say no.

I tried to stay strong… but when they spoke…” My voice broke again, my chest shaking..Still, he said nothing.

He only held her tighter, his silence heavy yet comforting, his warmth an anchor pulling her back from the storm inside her.

Yn:And for the first time,I allowed myself to break…thinking his arms would not let me fall.