The Dark Side of Fate

Drafting

~Josephine~

I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about going to Mountain at first, until my father informed us that one of us would be assisting Justin in investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding Mike Maguire. I had briefly met the man during a visit to Lady Stephanie and her husband in Grizlo, but I hadn’t paid much attention to him. Apart from his daughter’s close relationship with Liam, he was just an ordinary person to me. However, upon discovering that he had committed Familicide and disappeared, I wouldn’t be honest if I said I wasn’t intrigued.

A few months had passed since our graduation, and we hadn’t encountered any significant challenges. I was certain that this opportunity would be enjoyable. Moreover, I eagerly anticipated working alongside Justin on this case. He was a fun and cool person to be around. Unlike others, he didn’t become uncomfortable in my presence, which made our interactions much smoother. He displayed a protective nature, akin to that of a brother, despite us not being related. I hoped they would choose me to assist Justin in the investigation in Grizlo, as working with him promised to be an enjoyable experience.

During the dinner held at Albert’s mansion, I couldn’t help but notice Liam’s discomfort as he continuously glanced in my direction. I was aware that the situation involving Sophia had affected him, but I never anticipated it would make him lose control the way he did. Throughout the meal, he seemed almost entranced, drifting off during conversations with Luis and stealing occasional glances at me. It was as if he didn’t want me to interact with his cousin. Regardless of Justin’s relation to him, I believed I had the right to engage with anyone. I hadn’t done anything to warrant his behaviour, making it completely unwarranted.

Interestingly enough, Liam even forgot that we had graduated until Luis reminded him, despite being supposedly close family friends. It made me question whether the Volkovs truly believed the world revolved around them. I couldn’t help but wonder what challenges lay ahead when Liam ascended to the throne. While Sebastien, Noah, and Ethan might not face any issues since their father is Liam’s uncle, and they are technically his cousins, I doubted that I would be warmly embraced within that circle, particularly as the one he had labelled as the “weirdo.”

After dinner, I made an attempt to talk to Liam about the mission. I knew he was the one who had caught the King’s interest in the matter. It was evident that Sophia played a significant role, and although I found it biased, I understood her importance as the crown prince’s friend.

To my surprise, I discovered that Liam and Sophia weren’t dating yet. I had nothing against Sophia personally, but their potential romantic pairing didn’t quite feel right to me. In my opinion, Liam and Sophia were better off as friends, but who was I to judge?

“It still isn’t,” Onyx, my wolf, remarked within my thoughts. She had been acting strangely since we entered the dining room, and even she couldn’t explain why.

I settled onto the couch, observing everyone’s laughter and enjoyment. Marvin and Miles were engaged in conversation with the Corrigan sisters, while Elaine seemed engrossed in her discussion with Oliver. Luis, on the other hand, was talking to Harper and Lilly, and I suspected Eleanor Sidorov was the topic of conversation. My brother had an infatuation with her. Just because our parents were close didn’t mean we had to be together, but it seemed like fate might have different plans in store.

Charlotte, as usual, was chatting with her sisters, while Justin kept them company. I should have been part of that circle, but I couldn’t shake off the tingling sensation that lingered after Liam’s hand briefly touched mine as we made our way to the living room. Moreover, he had asked me a peculiar question about dill, which struck me as odd.

Despite Liam being eighteen, I was not yet of the same age, which meant there couldn’t be any mate pull between us. In fact, I highly doubted that the moon would ever connect us. We had absolutely nothing in common, and Liam’s intense focus on Sophia made it clear that they were destined to be mates in the future. Furthermore, I knew deep down that I wasn’t his type. I learned that in a rather harsh way, and it stung a bit because I used to have a crush on him.

To be honest, that crush hadn’t completely faded away. Liam was undeniably handsome, gentle, driven, and physically strong. However, he had never spared me a second glance. Elaine used to believe that sparks would fly between us, but it never materialised. As things grew more serious between Liam and Sophia, I chose to step back and let their relationship take its course.

Sitting on the couch, observing the lively atmosphere around me, I couldn’t help but chuckle at my past self and the near-miss from two years ago. It was a memory that brought a mixture of pain and relief.

I had been just fifteen years old at the time, foolishly contemplating asking Liam out. Looking back, it was an embarrassing and naive notion. It had only been two years, but it felt like a lifetime ago.

We were all gathered at the Volkov estate, and it was Elaine who had encouraged me to approach Liam and confess my feelings. Reflecting on it now, I realised how foolish I had been. Liam was in the company of Marvin, Oliver, and Miles that day, and I wanted to seize the opportunity to approach him and request a private conversation. Even though Sophia was present as well, I stubbornly believed that I could somehow compete for his attention.

my courage back then, and I attributed it to Onyx, my newfound companion,

I overheard Liam voicing his grievances about me. He had taken issue with my attitude, my choice of clothing, and even labeled me as arrogant. The sound of their laughter only intensified the

self-conscious about my eyes, which often appeared almost blind. Though they didn’t explicitly mention it, I had a sinking feeling that I had missed a significant portion of their conversation. I had never realised they saw me in such

point to trouble my mother about getting me contacts, feigning the excuse of poor eyesight. The optometrist saw through my ruse but kindly obliged, prescribing me contact lenses. Everyone assumed they were for medical purposes, but in reality, they were purely a fashion choice—a way to give people one less thing to gossip

my eyes stand out, and I could never bring myself to regret it. I refused to apologise for being intelligent or for coming across as unfriendly. Whether or not they were laughing about me, I didn’t bother to find out. I retreated into myself, focusing on my own journey,

were talking to Liam earlier. Why did he refuse to join us?” Jewels asked as she sat

the situation with Sophia and how Liam was struggling to cope. She nodded in

seen him that day; he was absolutely devastated. He’s convinced that she’s being held captive on some remote island. Hopefully, our investigation in Grizlo

she said, her curiosity evident in her gaze. I hoped she wasn’t trying to

his attention,”

it fascinating, and you really know how to rock it,” she

You look just as beautiful as Aunty Amelia,” she added, causing a slight blush to tint my cheeks. I never saw myself in that light, so her compliment was

the way, congratulations,” she said to me, and I nodded. Our

Jewels. So, what are your plans now?”

of starting a business and maybe finding Mr Right to settle down with,”

inquired, turning

my father’s ranks,” I responded, and she

royalty!” she

you,” I replied, reminding her of her own noble

your fated mate or meet someone along the way, settle down, and explore other possibilities,” she teased, and I

the questions I had about Mike. Since Liam wasn’t present, I figured I could approach Marvin, who was engrossed in a conversation with Layla. However, seeing their deep engagement, I realised it would be impolite to interrupt. I looked around, hoping to find someone else to talk to, but aside from Jewels, who seemed uninformed, there

had been summoned to the lounge, likely concerning the Grizlo assignment since it appeared that most of us would be involved

our activities and made our way to the lounge as a group. I followed behind, taking my place as the last person to arrive. Liam was already

began, his voice carrying authority. “The incident involving the man who committed Familicide,” he clarified, and