CHAPTER FORTY TWO**Lyrien has never been so impatient to the point of insanity, he is enraged to the core, fear that he may already be too late clawing his insides, his tensed muscles threatening to explode. "It's you, you must know something, where did you take Rene?"Yara pales at Kai's accusation, faltering at Lyrien's ominous gaze that suddenly flashes at her. "Don't be absurd, you're close to him but don't charge me for something I didn't do!" She fires defensively, "You already threatened him before; you are jealous of his child. Is this why you hurt him?" Yara's face turns to ash when Lyrien approaches deliberately, his steps threatening. "Do you have something to do with this?!" Lyrien's voice booms, spreading an unnerving chill to everyone present. "No, I don't know anything about this. You k-know how that. . . I'd never go against you," Yara stammers in fear, but Lyrien is already beyond listening, anxiety thickening his senses as his cold words slash the air slowly
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE * * It is naturally impossible to dissolve a mate's bond. . . Javier is bluffing, Rene knows it. "I currently have this trial going on; if it's successful, Rene, even an omega can become stronger, surely not like an Alpha, but there will suddenly be an improvement. I'm thinking that this may also work with weakening your bond, so even if Lyrien gets hurt, you will be fine." A sick feeling twists in Rene's stomach, his mind racing with the implication of Javier's words. Those omegas trapped outside. . . "You're using them for trials? They are people, not animals! How can you do this?" Rene demands, his voice trembling from anger. Those young males are separated from their clans, and most of them even look underaged; they can be no more than fifteen or sixteen winters at most. Javier's unbothered expression doesn't change, "Most of our warriors are dead, If I'm going to defeat the Dahomes, I need to build up an army quickly. . . " Javier halts, seeing Ren
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR**Rene stands frozen, a prolonged silence stretching between them. Right this moment, as he gazes at Kyra, his heart is pounding so hard in his chest, threatening to shatter his ribs as Eren's words replay in his mind. "What happened? Not happy to see me?" Rene's eyes narrow as Kyra approaches even closer, covering up the distance between them, her eyes brims with hurt as though she has done nothing wrong, and Rene snaps. "I know everything now, you deceived me. You murdered my mother," The raw emotions tear through him, making his voice crack.A deep part of him wants to cling to the hope that Kyra is innocent. . . That Eren had only lied to him and that all Kyra's kindness had not been fake. Kyra sighs, a look of relief brushing her expression, "So, you know it now? I guess I don't have to pretend to like you anymore; it has been so difficult, you know. . ."The stabbing pang of betrayal and anger sears through Rene's heart. It's true.All of Eren and So
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE * * The distant feminine scream snaps Rene's gaze open. His eyes land on the crusty ceilings; the cry just now sounds like Kyra's voice. His body is still tensed from the emotions he has been forced to suppress. Javier had locked him here inside the hut, and two Alphas are guarding the only exit from the room. The sound of wood unlocking whips Rene's head towards the door. Javier enters, and two servants walk behind him carrying trays of food. Rene's gut clenches with hunger, but at the same time, he refuses to touch anything; his queasy stomach will not allow it. He also doesn't wish to receive any kindness rendered by Javier. Javier sighs when Rene shows no reaction to the meal; he quietly waves the servants off and crouches down to sit on the space beside Rene on the mattress. He ignores the resentful glare that Rene is shooting in his direction, "I'm sorry about your mother," Rene doesn't respond or even acknowledge that Javier has spoken. Javier
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX**Adrenaline propels Rene into the woods, his heart pounding wildly, nearly tripping over the sea of bodies lying dead on the ground. The air in the forest is pungent with the smell of blood and death. The rough edges of tree branches scrape Rene's body, adding to his wounds. He trips over a few fallen trees, yet he doesn't stop; each step is filled with desperation. The sound the horses are closer, he needs to get to them quicker. . . To tell them to save Lyrien before it's too late. He crashes hard against an unforeseen object, and a burst of air explodes from his lungs, leaving him gasping as his gaze lifts to see the warrior gazing down at him. Horden. Both males stare at each other with rapidly growing tension until Horden steps forward, forest leaves crunching beneath his booted leg. Rene's heart coils with apprehension when Horden's fist tightens around his weapon, an Axe. . . "I think this is quite a familiar scene; Your brother also tried to escape
CHAPTER ONE**It's so cold.The ground is moist and stinky; the boy sitting on the ground of the small old storage room has whip scars all over his body, and the rags he wore are torn in several areas from the brutality of the flogging he has just received. His weak body crumbles from both hunger and pain, even more haunting is the knowledge that they will soon be back.They will make him suffer more, and his frail body may not be able to take it this time. As though jinxing himself to another round of punishment, the wooden door suddenly flies open and Rene cowers backward, his frantic eyes are wide with plea when several towering figures looms above him like a frightening shadow. "Has our little thief learned his lesson yet?" Hugo, the head of the kitchen servant sneers, crouching down to meet Rene's panicked gaze with a malicious smile. Rene does not respond; his lips tighten of their own accord; even if he begs, they will still hurt him anyway, perhaps even more. He won't g
CHAPTER TWO**The parade of the criminal around the Akleri Clan has been going on for three days; many think that this is a ruse to lure his men out of hiding. "Savage!""Kill him!"Rene and Soral push their way through the chants and jubilation of the excited crowd; the whole street is packed with people who have gathered yet again to watch the disgraceful display of the captured barbarian. The servants have been given a holiday for the first time because of this special celebration, and Soral had managed to persuade a partially healed Rene to view the scenery with him; an opportunity to leave the castle does not come by so easily for slaves like them. "Brute!""Burn him!""He killed our sons and husbands!""Hang him!"Rene watches his brothers, Eren and Aston, lead the other warriors of the Akleri tribe towards the castle. Everyone else watches them in awe and pride, and Rene feels an unwilling pang of jealousy and sadness twist in his chest. No one will ever be proud of him t
CHAPTER THREE**It has been several days since the warriors returned triumphantly. Tonight, the chief of the Akleri is hosting a grand feast to celebrate his sons, Eren and Aston, on their victory. The moon is full outside, and the sound of laughter and merriment can be heard throughout the castle and the entire village. Rene paces nervously. Everyone is so busy, and there couldn't be a better opportunity. This tiny room where his mother lies smells strongly like sickness and stale herbs.Rene has already gathered their belongings, which only consist of a few rags they wear as clothes. "Mother, there's no time left!" "No, I won't leave. We will get caught, and you will be hurt again," Vera's eyes glitter with tears as she stares at Rene, who is still limping from the bruises he has suffered from the other servants. Rene sighs exasperatedly, he has been trying to convince his mother that this isn't a scheme that will land them punishment. It's real, they are going to escape."
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX**Adrenaline propels Rene into the woods, his heart pounding wildly, nearly tripping over the sea of bodies lying dead on the ground. The air in the forest is pungent with the smell of blood and death. The rough edges of tree branches scrape Rene's body, adding to his wounds. He trips over a few fallen trees, yet he doesn't stop; each step is filled with desperation. The sound the horses are closer, he needs to get to them quicker. . . To tell them to save Lyrien before it's too late. He crashes hard against an unforeseen object, and a burst of air explodes from his lungs, leaving him gasping as his gaze lifts to see the warrior gazing down at him. Horden. Both males stare at each other with rapidly growing tension until Horden steps forward, forest leaves crunching beneath his booted leg. Rene's heart coils with apprehension when Horden's fist tightens around his weapon, an Axe. . . "I think this is quite a familiar scene; Your brother also tried to escape
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE * * The distant feminine scream snaps Rene's gaze open. His eyes land on the crusty ceilings; the cry just now sounds like Kyra's voice. His body is still tensed from the emotions he has been forced to suppress. Javier had locked him here inside the hut, and two Alphas are guarding the only exit from the room. The sound of wood unlocking whips Rene's head towards the door. Javier enters, and two servants walk behind him carrying trays of food. Rene's gut clenches with hunger, but at the same time, he refuses to touch anything; his queasy stomach will not allow it. He also doesn't wish to receive any kindness rendered by Javier. Javier sighs when Rene shows no reaction to the meal; he quietly waves the servants off and crouches down to sit on the space beside Rene on the mattress. He ignores the resentful glare that Rene is shooting in his direction, "I'm sorry about your mother," Rene doesn't respond or even acknowledge that Javier has spoken. Javier
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR**Rene stands frozen, a prolonged silence stretching between them. Right this moment, as he gazes at Kyra, his heart is pounding so hard in his chest, threatening to shatter his ribs as Eren's words replay in his mind. "What happened? Not happy to see me?" Rene's eyes narrow as Kyra approaches even closer, covering up the distance between them, her eyes brims with hurt as though she has done nothing wrong, and Rene snaps. "I know everything now, you deceived me. You murdered my mother," The raw emotions tear through him, making his voice crack.A deep part of him wants to cling to the hope that Kyra is innocent. . . That Eren had only lied to him and that all Kyra's kindness had not been fake. Kyra sighs, a look of relief brushing her expression, "So, you know it now? I guess I don't have to pretend to like you anymore; it has been so difficult, you know. . ."The stabbing pang of betrayal and anger sears through Rene's heart. It's true.All of Eren and So
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE * * It is naturally impossible to dissolve a mate's bond. . . Javier is bluffing, Rene knows it. "I currently have this trial going on; if it's successful, Rene, even an omega can become stronger, surely not like an Alpha, but there will suddenly be an improvement. I'm thinking that this may also work with weakening your bond, so even if Lyrien gets hurt, you will be fine." A sick feeling twists in Rene's stomach, his mind racing with the implication of Javier's words. Those omegas trapped outside. . . "You're using them for trials? They are people, not animals! How can you do this?" Rene demands, his voice trembling from anger. Those young males are separated from their clans, and most of them even look underaged; they can be no more than fifteen or sixteen winters at most. Javier's unbothered expression doesn't change, "Most of our warriors are dead, If I'm going to defeat the Dahomes, I need to build up an army quickly. . . " Javier halts, seeing Ren
CHAPTER FORTY TWO**Lyrien has never been so impatient to the point of insanity, he is enraged to the core, fear that he may already be too late clawing his insides, his tensed muscles threatening to explode. "It's you, you must know something, where did you take Rene?"Yara pales at Kai's accusation, faltering at Lyrien's ominous gaze that suddenly flashes at her. "Don't be absurd, you're close to him but don't charge me for something I didn't do!" She fires defensively, "You already threatened him before; you are jealous of his child. Is this why you hurt him?" Yara's face turns to ash when Lyrien approaches deliberately, his steps threatening. "Do you have something to do with this?!" Lyrien's voice booms, spreading an unnerving chill to everyone present. "No, I don't know anything about this. You k-know how that. . . I'd never go against you," Yara stammers in fear, but Lyrien is already beyond listening, anxiety thickening his senses as his cold words slash the air slowly
CHAPTER FORTY ONE**Lyrien feels something isn't right the moment he rode into his village. A full, desolate feeling suffocates his chest and a clawing sensation of loss that he cannot describe. A terrible feeling pools in his stomach. Lyrien rushes inside the hut that his mate is meant to be resting in."Rene!" He growls out the name, but there is no use; the emptiness of the room greets his gaze. His mate isn't there. Rene is gone!Lyrien whips around, fury reflecting in his eyes. He disobeyed him!His little mate ran off as soon as he left!Lyrien feels a dreadful gut clenching sensation, Just how long has Rene been planning this escape?Since the beginning?He has been a fool to let his guard down and trust Rene!Lyrien's narrow gaze ignites like heated coal, shrouding with suspicion as he spots the fur coat on the floor of their hut.His lips twist in realization when he sees the shattered cup. . . The basin of water that has been knocked off. All signs of a struggle. The
CHAPTER FORTY**TWO AND HALF MONTHS LATERThe scent of cracking wood burning and roasted meat sizzles in the air. The night is loud with laughter and roars of warriors as they drink deeply from their thick animal hide containing ale and wine.The task of rebuilding the ruins of the land that once belonged to the Akleri has been completed. "Smaller clans are being wiped out, and more omegas are reported to be missing; the killings paused when you went to investigate, and now that you are back, the cult seems to have found their courage again. . . " Lyrien pauses when he notices that his cousin doesn't seem to be paying attention. "You seem to find something over there more interesting, cousin,” Lyrien comments, noticing Haesir's deep scowl, an amused smirk plays along his lips as he follows Haesir's gaze. It doesn't take long for Lyrien to find what Haesir is focusing on so intently and what has him so tense. Lyrien's eyes crinkle with a smile when he locates his own mate too, th
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE * * Rene convulses from Lyrien's threats. . . Promise, his ear barely registering the sound of belt unbuckling until he feels Lyrien's heavy meat nestling against his entrance, an inch of it slipping inside. He knows better than to fight Lyrien when he wants something—not that he will care anyway—but in this case, something is different. Rene doesn’t feel the usual pain when Lyrien's cock slowly pushes into him against his will. He does enter without asking, yes, but he is almost being . . . gentle. The sharp burn of Lyrien's usually rough treatment is absent today and instead of pain, Rene feels a different sensation, a full sensation that tingles his sensitive spot with pleasure when Lyrien buries his entire length. "When I take you, you will look at me,” Lyrien commands huskily. He exhales roughly when Rene's hazel eyes lift to his obediently before slanting then downward to look at their joining. Lyrien cups Rene's throat, his thumb brushing over Ren
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT**"What exactly do you want from me?" Rene chokes out in despair, confusion in his glassy gaze as he stares warily at Lyrien's massive form which is giving off a sudden different aura that he cannot distinguish. Lyrien's piercing gaze consumes all of Rene, and at this moment, he feels no hate towards his omega, just a burning need that threatens to shatter him from within. Without warning, he hauls Rene into his strong arms and crushes him possessively to his chest. Rene gasps when Lyrien grabs a fistful of his golden strands and angles his head.Lyrien's gaze slants to Rene's lips which have swelled from clenching onto it too tightly, a low sound of need hisses from Lyrien just before he gave Rene a hungry kiss. A kiss that knocks both their breath away. Rene stiffens, his eyes wide in surprise. This isn't the first time that Lyrien has kissed him, yet it feels so. . . different. Lyrien pulls back and stares into Rene's eyes intently, and Rene feels his he