Everyone is afraid of death.

She looked like him.

I followed her, my eyes scanning the mansion. It was nothing like Frederick’s other home. That place had been cold and dark, filled with shadows. But this… this place was different. The walls were covered with red curtains and golden frames holding old portraits. The air smelled of herbs, not smoke. It felt ancient, royal.

“I will be fine… you don’t have to worry about me,” I assured Nora and Lolita for what felt like the hundredth time. Just like the triplets, they couldn’t hide their concern over my plan.

I forced my shoulders straight, lifting my chin. “I came,” I answered simply, letting my voice carry strength even though my heart hammered.

“That’s because,” she said, her voice smooth and friendly, “I am his sister.”

“Olivia,” she interrupted.

My lips curved in a small, cold smile. “Maybe I am.”

I frowned. He was wrong. I wasn’t afraid of death—I was afraid of closing my eyes permanently and not being able to see the triplets forever… not being able to feel the warmth of their hands on my body… not being able to hear their voices. That was what I was afraid of, not death.

Frederick’s sister smiled again. “I know you… you are my future sister-in-law,” she said proudly, looking so excited at the thought of it.

Nora stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me, holding on tightly as though she didn’t want to let go. “Be careful,” she whispered in my ear before reluctantly pulling away. Lolita came next, hugging me briefly before we parted. I forced another soft smile for them both, closing my eyes as I drew in a long, steadying breath.

A sister? I never knew he had siblings.

I swallowed, forcing myself to nod and take a hesitant step forward. “Hi… my name is…”

“I’m here…” I whispered, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. “…because I don’t want to die.”

One more deep breath, and I focused on Frederick’s image, channeling my teleportation ability to guide me straight to him. In the blink of an eye, the world shifted.

His laughter stopped. His head tilted slightly, his expression shifting into curiosity now. “You’ve made the right choice. I like that.” His fingers drummed once more against the desk before stilling. “But I don’t trust you.”

The woman paused a few steps away, her gaze sweeping over me carefully, almost as if she was measuring me. A faint smile curved her lips–not cruel, but not soft either.

His eyes followed every step, lustfully staring at me. “My guess was correct,” he said after a pause. “I knew you would come…” His gaze lingered on me, a victorious smirk appearing on his face. “Everyone is afraid of death.”

I kept my expression perfectly blank.

I turned slowly, my wolf restless inside me. Where am I?

That made him laugh–low, rich, but annoying. “Really, Olivia. I thought you loved your mates.”

His lips curved into a slow, devilish smile, and I wished I could wipe that off his annoying face. “Good answer,” he murmured, leaning back in his chair. But then his gaze sharpened. “If you’re not pretending…” His tone grew lower, darker, filled with command. “…then prove it.”

I kept my face calm, but my thoughts raced.

“We can do this,” I whispered to my wolf. She stirred inside me, her strength brushing against mine, urging me on.

My wolf whispered inside me: “Maybe his vessel is here. Somewhere close.”

He leaned forward, his voice dropping lower, heavy with suspicion. “Tell me, Olivia… are you here because you’re ready to be mine? Or are you here to pretend?”

I wanted to rebuke her, telling her it was in her wildest dreams, but I held back my words. After all, I had to keep up my plan.

My breath caught at his question. My wolf bristled. His suspicious eyes bored into mine as though he could see right through my lies.

His eyes dragged over me, lingering at every curve of my body. “Stand up,” he ordered softly. “And undress.”

The sharp cheekbones. The proud jawline. Even the cold tilt of her eyes.

I swallowed hard. “How?”

My wolf snarled inside me. But I needed to keep up the act. If I wanted answers, I had to play this game. So, slowly, I crossed the room and lowered myself into the chair.

At first, I didn’t move… I was having cold feet. But she turned, giving me a friendly look. “Come. Frederick doesn’t like to be kept waiting!”

“Just be careful, okay,” Lolita pleaded, her voice trembling.

My lips parted in shock. “You… you look like Lord Frederick.”

My fist curled at my side, and I swallowed hard, composing myself.

“Olivia,” he said, his voice husky and deep. His lips curved into a slow smile. “I was beginning to think you’d never come.”

We stopped in front of a tall wooden door. Strange carvings twisted across it like living vines. His sister laid her hand on the wood and gave me a smile. “He’s inside. Try not to upset him. He seems not to be in a good mood.”

With my eyes closed, I sucked in a deep breath and thought of Lord Frederick. Now that I was about to do it, I felt nervous. He wasn’t just another man–he was dangerous, unpredictable, and I couldn’t afford for this plan to fail. If it did, everything would collapse around me.

Inside, Lord Frederick sat behind a wide desk. His pale fingers tapped the wood lazily, but his eyes–sharp and glowing–were already on me.

Before I could take another step, soft footsteps echoed from the far side of the room. A woman appeared. She moved with elegance, her steps soundless across the polished floor. Her skin was pale, her eyes a deep crimson that shimmered like firelight. Her long hair, black as night, fell down her back in smooth waves. But what struck me most was her face.

Olivia’s POV

I gave her a warm smile and nodded. “Yes… I will.”

I glanced around the vast mansion looking for any sign of Frederick. “Where is Frederick?” I asked, returning my gaze back to her.

My brow furrowed. How did she know? I could swear I had never seen her before.

“This… isn’t Lord Frederick’s home,” I murmured. His other home had been bleak, cold, suffocated by shadows and dark decor. But this place… it was warmer, grander, almost regal in its age.

The door swung open on its own.

When I opened my eyes again, I was standing in a vast living room. My brows drew together instantly.

I clenched my fists beneath the desk, my nails biting into my palms. “And yet you are here.”

Frederick’s smile widened, but it didn’t reach his eyes. It was obviously fake. He gestured lazily to the chair across from him. “Sit.”

“He’s here,” she replied. “Likely in his study. I’ll take you to him.” Without waiting for me to agree, she turned and began to walk.