Disguised Before The Alpha Prince

Chp 20

DEMYAN

Of course they gave us one bed. One. Because that’s what “mates” would do, right?

I swallowed the lump in my throat as the old woman patted my back with a knowing smile and said, “You both rest. You’ll need your strength. Mated couples always do.”

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Pearl—if that’s really her name—thanked her with a soft voice and stepped into the room like it was completely normal. I stood there like a fool, trying to ignore the heat crawling up my neck.

She didn’t flinch. She didn’t hesitate. She just moved to the far edge of the bed and turned her back toward me.

I should’ve been relieved.

But instead, I was hit by her scent—again.

Not the way Perin used to smell after training or being in the woods. No, this was warmer, softer… the kind of scent that made my wolf stir in the pit of my chest, restless and possessive. It wrapped around me like a blanket I didn’t ask for but couldn’t take off. It was maddening.

I sat on the edge of the bed, keeping my distance. I could hear her breathing. It wasn’t even or calm—she was just as affected as I was.

But why? Why the hell did she smell like this?

No ordinary girl could smell this good unless.

No!,I growled under my breath and clenched my fists. She’s not my mate. I’d know. The bond would be clear. Obvious. Overwhelming. And yet…

I turned to glance at her silhouette in the dim light. Her hair fell across the pillow like strands of night, and her figure under the blanket was delicate—but the posture, the tension in her shoulders, even the way she held herself… it was Perin.

Every time she moved, she reminded me of him.

Which made no damn sense—unless Perin and Pearl were the same person.

I stared at the ceiling, fighting the urge to roll closer, to inhale her scent just one more time, to ask her outright, Who the hell are you really?

But I didn’t, because part of me already knew. And the other part, the dangerous part, the one I kept buried—was starting to hope she really was mine.

I kept to the edge of the bed. Still. Quiet. Breathing like I was made of stone.

But she wasn’t.

She shifted under the covers. First a slight movement, then a slow roll—closer to me. I held my breath.

Her hand brushed my arm. Light. Accidental.

At least, I told myself it was accidental.

But then she murmured something in her sleep. A name. A sound. I strained to listen.

“…Demyan…”

My chest tightened.

She was dreaming of me?

I turned my head, staring at her. Her face was peaceful, the lines of worry gone. She looked so different—so open. Not the stubborn, clever-eyed Perin I knew. But the same all the same.

And then… her hand slid again. This time against my chest. Just resting there. Her body curling closer as if drawn by instinct. I froze.

My wolf surged in my gut.

Mate.

No. No, this isn’t right. She’s not marked. I never scented the bond before. This can’t be real. And yet…My body betrayed me.

The warmth of her, the sound of her breathing, the gentle pressure of her hand—it pulled me in. I closed my eyes and let out the softest growl, low and guttural. I wanted to move away. I did. But instead I just laid there, muscles tight, heart pounding too fast.

I didn’t sleep.

Not really.

---_____

The sun filtered through the thin curtains like it had no mercy.

I blinked hard, only to realize we were still close—too close. Her head was resting on my chest now. Her hand curled near my ribs. She looked like she belonged there.

And my arm?

Wrapped around her waist like it had a mind of its own.

I jerked away, heart thudding. She stirred, blinking up at me with that same dazed look of confusion. Or maybe guilt.

Neither of us said anything.

I got up first, needing distance. Space. A cold bath.

But all I could think was:

If she’s not my mate, why does every part of me ache for her like she is?

And if she is…

Then who the hell have I been sleeping beside all this time?, She was slowly opening her eyes, I closed to eyes right pretending to sleep.

PEARL

It was dark, and I was running—through the forest, barefoot, the cold earth soft beneath my feet. Someone was calling me. A deep, familiar voice echoing through the trees.

“Pearl…”

I turned, and there he was—Demyan—his silver eyes glowing in the moonlight. He stepped toward me, his hand outstretched.

“I found you.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came. Instead, I reached for him—and warmth filled me. His fingers brushed mine, then slid to my cheek. His touch made my knees weak.

“Why did you hide from me?” he asked softly.

“I didn’t mean to,” I whispered. “I just wanted to stay close…”

“Then stay,” he murmured, his forehead resting against mine.

I felt a strange pull in my chest, like the world around us had stilled.

And then I said his name, without thinking. Just a breath.

“…Demyan…”

---

I stirred.

The dream was fading, but the name lingered on my lips, my eyes fluttered open. The world was real again—wooden ceiling, crackling fire, the soft rustle of sheets. And then I felt it.

His heartbeat.

Solid. Strong. Under my cheek.

My eyes widened.

I was resting against his chest, his arm wrapped around me protectively. My hand… was splayed across his side.

Oh moon goddess.

What had I done?

My body was warm all over, my face flushed. My instincts told me to stay right there, in his embrace. But my mind screamed move! before he woke up and realized everything.

I bit my lip, gently untangling myself from him. But even as I shifted away, I missed the warmth.

Why did it feel so safe there?

He was supposed to be my enemy. Or at least, someone who shouldn’t know my truth. And yet…

His scent—it wrapped around me like a comfort I didn’t know I craved.

I glanced at him, his face still turned slightly toward me. There was a calmness in his features I hadn’t seen before. A softness.

But if he knew…

If he knew I was Pearl. If he found out I was the same Perin who had slept beside him, laughed with him, lied to him.

Would he ever forgive me?, I rolled to the very edge of the bed, eyes wide open now. I couldn’t let this happen again.

Suddenly, I felt him shift behind me.

A breath. A low sigh.

And then—

“…Pearl?”

My heart nearly stopped. Did he hear me say his name in my sleep?

I forced myself to roll over slowly, feigning a yawn. “You’re awake,” I said gently.

He nodded, his eyes—those piercing, silvery eyes—fixed on me with unreadable emotion.

“I woke up in the middle of the night,” he said slowly, “and you were… closer.”

I blinked. “You were cold,” I said quickly. “You had a fever. I—I was just making sure you were warm.”

He didn’t reply.

Instead, he watched me.

“I had a strange dream,” he murmured.

“Oh?”

He tilted his head. “In it… someone called my name. A woman’s voice.”

I looked away. “Dreams are strange like that.”

There was a long pause before he asked, “You’ve been taking care of me since we came to this village, right?”

I nodded.

“You’re gentle,” he said. “Kind. But the way you speak, the way you hesitate when you lie—it’s familiar.”

My breath caught.

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “You remind me of someone.”

“Someone you care about?” I asked, trying to keep my voice light.

He didn’t answer.

Instead, he said, “Pearl… do you know a boy named Perin?”

The world stopped.

I couldn’t look at him.

I kept my hands steady in my lap. “No… I don’t,” I lied.

His gaze pierced me like an arrow. But after a long moment, he looked away.

“Maybe I’m imagining things,” he said. But I could feel the tension in the air. He was watching me. Waiting. The truth was circling him—and I didn’t know how much longer I could keep it hidden.

Just when the silence between us had started to settle—comfortable, almost sacred—a sharp knock echoed through the wooden door.

Demyan tensed beside me. I quickly stood up, brushing down my skirt and steadying my voice.

“Yes?” I called out.

“It’s Mara, from the village,” came a woman’s voice. “May we come in? The elders asked us to check on the mated couple staying here.”

My breath caught. Mated couple. I glanced at Demyan. He didn’t move, but I saw the way his jaw tightened. The confusion flickered in his eyes, along with something else—restraint.

“Just a moment,” I said quickly, forcing calm into my voice. I turned to Demyan, panic blooming in my chest. “You need to lie down. They think we’re mates, remember?”

He raised an eyebrow at me. “You mean pretend we’re mates.”

“Yes. Please,” I whispered, tugging the blanket up over his chest and brushing his hair gently across his forehead. “Just… trust me.”

He looked at me, unreadable for a moment, and then gave a single nod.

I opened the door a crack. Two women stood outside, carrying a small basket of fresh herbs and steamed buns.

“We just wanted to make sure everything is well,” Mara said with a warm smile. “The festival starts tonight, and the mated couples are expected to light a candle in front of the moon shrine together.”

I forced a smile. “He’s still recovering, but we’re managing. Thank you for your kindness.”

The other woman, older and sharper-eyed, peered over my shoulder. “He looks strong for someone who was poisoned. You must be quite the healer.”

Before I could answer, Demyan spoke behind me—his voice hoarse but steady.

“I wouldn’t be alive without her.”

The two women blinked, clearly surprised. A knowing smile passed between them.

“She must be your true mate then,” Mara said. “You can feel the pull, can’t you?”

I stiffened.

“Even without the mark,” the older woman added with a nod, “the bond still shows.”

Demyan met my eyes from the bed, saying nothing. But I could feel it—the way those words lingered in the air, heavy and dangerous.

They left shortly after, bidding us good rest and reminding us of the candle-lighting ceremony.

I closed the door and leaned against it, my heart racing. I didn’t dare look at him.

“They think we’re... fated,” I whispered.

Demyan’s voice was quiet, but clear. “Are they wrong?”

I froze.

This time, I couldn’t answer.

Because I didn’t know what scared me more—the lie I was living, or how much of it might be true.

I stood frozen for what felt like forever after the women left. Demyan didn’t say another word, and I didn’t ask for one. My chest was tight. Are they wrong? His voice still echoed in my ears.

Before I could gather my thoughts, another knock came—this time softer, accompanied by giggles and hushed voices.

“Lady Pearl?” It was Mara again, and two younger girls stood behind her. “We’ve brought something for you. The festival starts soon, and all mated women dress in the village colors to honor the moon goddess.”

I blinked, unsure how to respond, but they didn’t wait. They stepped inside, their arms full of folded silk, ribbons, and a carved wooden box.

“You’ll look beautiful,” one of them grinned, already pulling out a deep violet gown embroidered with silver threads. “This color represents protection and new beginnings.”

“I—” I glanced back at Demyan, who was still lying on the bed, watching quietly. “I don’t usually dress up…”

“Nonsense,” the older woman said gently. “Tonight, the moon blesses all unions. Even those still blooming.”

My breath caught, but I let them lead me behind a curtain. They worked quickly and skillfully, removing the plain clothes I had borrowed and replacing them with the flowing dress. The fabric was soft and weightless, yet it clung to my shape in a way that made me ache with nervousness.

“You have such long, lovely hair,” one of them said, brushing it out gently. “Why do you keep it tied up all the time?”

I smiled faintly. Because I was pretending to be someone else.

They left it loose, curling at the ends, pinning just one side back with a small silver clip shaped like a crescent moon. When they were done, I hardly recognized the girl in the mirror. I looked… like someone’s mate.

My heart pounded as they led me out again. Demyan had sat up, leaning on one elbow, his eyes locked on me the moment I stepped into view.

He didn’t speak. He didn’t need to.

Something in his gaze changed—softened, sharpened, deepened all at once. I felt it in the center of my chest, like a string pulling taut.

“She’s ready,” Mara said with satisfaction. “Now go together to the shrine. Light the candle and offer your wish. The moon goddess watches over all bonded hearts tonight.”

They left, closing the door behind them with gentle finality.

I stood there, suddenly shy under his gaze. “I-I didn’t have a choice. They insisted.”

He stood, a little unsteady, but his expression never wavered. “You look…”

He trailed off.

“I look what?” I asked quietly, heart thudding.

“Familiar,” he said.

And I knew he wasn’t talking about just my face.