Twilight of Shadows

Chapter 4: The Fractured Mirror

Jeonghan sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the pile of clothes Hyejin had left for him. Silks, laces, and soft fabrics in muted pastel tones—beautiful garments, meticulously tailored for an omega’s delicate frame. Dresses with cinched waists, flowing skirts, and high necklines. The sight made his stomach churn.

In this world, omegas were dressed like dolls, their femininity exaggerated and exploited to emphasize their “fragility.” Jeonghan despised it. He wasn’t fragile, nor was he some plaything for alphas to command. He wore the label of “omega” begrudgingly, more a curse than a fact of biology.

Still, his own clothes were dirty, and the shower in the adjoining bathroom beckoned him. After a moment of hesitation, he grabbed the least ornate dress from the pile—a simple ivory slip that hugged the body modestly—and headed to the bathroom.

The water was warm, soothing his tense muscles as it cascaded over him. For the first time since he’d arrived in this house, Jeonghan allowed himself to close his eyes and relax, if only for a moment. But even here, under the spray of water, he couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, controlled, and stripped of his autonomy.

When he emerged, he caught sight of himself in the mirror. The ivory dress clung to his form, highlighting his slender frame and soft curves. His collarbone jutted out delicately, and the silk skirt flared just enough to accentuate his hips. He hated it. Hated how the dress made him look every bit the omega society demanded he be.

But he wouldn’t let it break him.

---

Meanwhile...

Mingyu was in the training room, his body drenched in sweat as he pummeled the punching bag in front of him. Each blow was precise, fueled by the storm of emotions he couldn’t articulate. Jeonghan was a distraction—one he hadn’t anticipated and couldn’t afford.

He had brought the omega here to protect him from a fate worse than death, but now that Jeonghan was under his roof, Mingyu found himself questioning his motives. Was this really about business, or was it something more primal?

The memory of Jeonghan’s defiance at the auction lingered in his mind. That fire in his eyes, the way he refused to cower—it was a direct challenge to Mingyu’s authority, and it infuriated him. But it also intrigued him.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Mingyu decided it was time to check on his reluctant guest.

---

Back in Jeonghan’s room...

Jeonghan was pacing when the door opened, and Mingyu stepped in without knocking. The Alpha’s eyes swept over him, taking in the sight of the ivory dress clinging to Jeonghan’s damp skin. For a moment, his stoic mask slipped, his jaw tightening as something unreadable flickered in his gaze.

Jeonghan noticed. “Enjoying the view?” he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Mingyu ignored the jab, closing the door behind him. “You look... different,” he said, his tone flat.

Jeonghan crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing. “Let me guess—different as in ‘acceptable for an omega’? You alphas are all the same.”

Mingyu stepped closer, his towering frame casting a shadow over Jeonghan. “Watch your mouth,” he warned, though his voice lacked its usual venom.

Jeonghan didn’t back down. “What are you going to do? Hit me? Force me to submit? Go ahead. Show me what kind of Alpha you really are.”

Mingyu’s hands curled into fists at his sides, but he didn’t move. Instead, he leaned in, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “You think you know me, Jeonghan, but you don’t. If I wanted to hurt you, I could’ve left you at the auction. Remember that.”

Their faces were inches apart, the air between them charged with tension. Jeonghan’s breath hitched, but he held his ground. “And if I wanted to play the helpless omega, I would’ve begged for your mercy by now.”

Mingyu straightened, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Get some rest,” he said, his voice colder now. “Tomorrow, we talk.”

With that, he turned and left, the door slamming shut behind him.

---

Later that night...

Jeonghan lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Mingyu’s words echoed in his mind, and for the first time, he allowed himself to consider the possibility that there was more to the Alpha than his cold exterior. But that didn’t mean he trusted him.

Across the house, Mingyu sat in his office, nursing another glass of whiskey. He couldn’t shake the image of Jeonghan in that dress, his defiance burning brighter than ever.

For the first time in years, Kim Mingyu felt unsteady. And he hated it.