Youth [MikhAiah] [Book #1]

10

—🦊—

Mikha read Juno's message in her room, her mind racing. She felt a familiar knot of anxiety twist in her stomach, one that she hadn't been able to shake since Aiah had first confided in her as Heather, her online persona. Aiah had once shared the story of Marc, her ex-boyfriend who had manipulated and belittled her, treating her like a means to an end rather than a person deserving of respect.

Those late-night confessions had left Mikha seething with a quiet fury, even back then. Now, with Marc resurfacing in Aiah's life, that fury ignited into a burning need to protect her.

She quickly forwarded Juno's message to her cousins—Colet, Gwen, and Jhoanna—hoping for some advice that would help her keep her cool.

—📱—

Mikha
Guys, urgent!
[Screenshot]

Colet
Tell Juno muna to tail her 'till she gets home safe.

Gwen
Agree, medyo gabi na rin.
Better safe than sorry.

Jho
But don't you guys think we should do more than just to follow her?
Hindi naman basta basta lang tayong tutunga-nga rito.

Colet
We can't risk any of us to go there, makikita pa tayo ng media.

Mikha
We're talking about saving a life here, Cole.

Colet
Mikha, we can't compromize ourselves to your parents.

Mikha
But I can, Cole.

—📱—

Mikha read their replies, her grip tightening around her phone. Her cousins were right; Aiah's safety was paramount. But the thought of Marc stalking Aiah, prowling around her like a predator, made Mikha's blood boil. Deep down in her, she knew Colet was right, risking the royal family's image is not worth the risk, specially with just a possibility—a commoner like Aiah. She couldn't just delegate this to Juno. She had to be there.

—📱—
Juno

Mikha
Follow her until she gets home, I'll be on my way.

—📱—

Night had fallen by the time Mikha slipped out of the castle, the shadows concealing her movements as she made her way to the garage. She grabbed her keys and rushed to her bike, the familiar comfort of its engine rumbling beneath her easing her nerves only slightly. She'd taken precautions—swapping her plates for a fake set, donning her leather jacket, cap and a facemask. The last thing she needed was a tabloid headline about the Prince on a late-night ride.