Telling day from the night was close to impossible. Arlen and Luca made no count of the hours spent so far. But they had been buried underground with the beast for two days and two nights. Half the time was spent with both parties thinking the worst of each other in silence, while the other half focused on the omega spying on the alpha. Luca stayed put. He firmly believed the men outside would send for help. Arlen was not counting on it. Getting help meant him being captured again. Nevertheless, his chances of escaping this den seemed bleak without assistance. His quest for food jolts his mind to the small pouch hidden in his pocket. A smile lit up his face when he picked up Moon. Holding it brought a little comfort, yet it turns sour when he thinks back to the people who must be waiting for him...and Julius. He wondered if Julius was okay. 'He probably thinks I'm dead. *sigh* I must send him a letter if I get out of here. My Jules must be bawling his eyes out.' "There are nuts
"Cousin... Cousin!"Rufus eased his hand on a bow, lowering the weapon with the arrow pressed between two fingers. He was surrounded by the giant canopy of the forests, hunting for game in broad daylight. The catch he spotted disappeared with the wind, trampling the leaves on the dry ground. "Arlen?" Hearing his brother's voice did not make any sense. Arlen should be thousands of miles away- out of reach and sight. Rufus gazed into the distance, trying to look past the trees in his way, but all his eyes could see beyond the branches and the crooked path was the mountain view and the great river. "Cousin..." The voice resounded behind him, and he whirled around. "Arlen." Rufus drops the weapon, reaching the other in four wide leaps. Arlen wore the same outfit he had left in and looked fragile. Rufus held him carefully, afraid he might break the omega if he clung on too tight. "What are you doing here?" It was the right question. Arlen pouted. "I missed you. I miss Candor." "Im
Arlen wakes up about an hour later and panics when Luca is still knocked out. Also, there was a loud bang against the entrance of their hideout. He had no doubt it was the creature sniffing out Luca's injury. Animals such as these are like vultures; they can smell death. "Hey, Beaumont...Your Highness, wake up!" Arlen shook him several times, but he would not budge. "Hey, you can't die now; we must leave here. Damnit!" Arlen jumped back, angry and afraid. He paced the confined place, feeling tense. It is one thing to be alone and another to watch Luca die in this place. Giving someone spirit energy meant sharing a part of him. And so far, he only shared himself with Julius. But that was done with a lot of caution and practice. He is not like other mages and beastmen. Instead of transmitting light, he would be giving out darkness. It is not that he couldn't possess light- he was born with a core as red as the darkest ruby. "How do I help without polluting him? Think Arlen, think!"
First, there was darkness, something I've been used to all my life. It soothes me- it is the only home I know. But then came a blinding light followed by the thundering sound of rain, reverberating like a thousand drums being struck simultaneously. As the sound rescinded, the shrill chirps of birds followed. Then colour began to fill in like a spectrum of light. And when it was over, I saw myself. Well, a younger version of me... "Arlen, try again. You can do it." Her voice was as lively as I recalled it. I couldn't see her face, but I saw the boy she was talking to, an impatient little troublemaker who kept killing the lovely orchids in his mother's garden, burning them to a crisp with a single touch. Mother strived to teach me how to control my abilities- to save the things I wish to protect or preserve. I leaned against a wall and watched myself fail repeatedly, withering those flowers. I didn't mean to; it was just out of my control back then. The failure made me furious at
Clive waited till dawn. "Well, they didn't show up. Let's return home." He climbed up his steed and signalled his men to wrap up. He spent less time looking or waiting for Luca and the men he sent to find him. Just as he shook the reins on his horse, a loud cry came from behind. " They're coming! They are here!" Clive turned, his face contorted in a frown when he saw the soldier he instructed to look for Beaumont. "The barrier. The barrier is broken!" The second wailed as he kept sprinting. Clive's men became alarmed and took up their weapons. "What nonsense are you two spewing! Did sleeping in the forests turn you into a madman?" Clive held tightly to the reins, too annoyed to pay attention to his horse kicking its hoof into the ground to register an impending danger. Only when the men drew closer did he see the army of the dead chasing after them. "That's impossible." Clive's eyes could fall out of their sockets. His men immediately formed a circle around him, awaiting orders.
Kellet It was nightfall. The aura in King Rollo's camp was dreadful. Not only did his sons capture the men from Ingram without the primary target, but more bad news followed when Clive reported the sighting of fierce corpses coming from No-Man's-Land. It meant one thing- the barrier had been breached. The only reason they could deduce was that it came down due to Arlen Braddock's actions. If that beastman grew up there, he ought to have done it. And if it was so, that would make him as powerful as his parents. A threat indeed. Rollo sent word to the other kingdoms. There was another pressing issue- Luca Beaumont was never found. Not wanting to embark on another search, Clive said anything to get his father to declare Beaumont dead. But his younger brother, Nathan and the eldest, Jackin, opposed that assumption. "We can't just give up," Jackin said. "Send me, Father. If Luca Beaumont is alive, I will leave no stone unturned until he is found," Nathan petitioned. "I would like to
"Julius...Julius." Luca struggled to get the omega to wake up the next day. Arlen had gotten too relaxed in his spot and didn't budge until Beaumont tugged the rope on his wrist hard enough. The omega's scowl was short-lived when he stared at a fruit. He looked up at Luca, confused. "Eat this." Luca dropped a handful of ripe mangoes. Arlen took them, surprised the alpha went out of his way to get him food. "Where did you get these?" He asked after taking a bite. Luca had returned to his sitting place to tune his mind for the journey. "Wait, you left me here alone to find these?" Arlen raised his head sharply after his belly received some portions of the refreshing treat. He did not sound grateful. "I said feed me, not put my life in danger! I was tied up; what if a corpse or a demon barged into this place?" He threw the half-eaten fruit at Luca. In truth, it wasn't his safety he was worried about. Arlen didn't trust Luca to be safe by himself after landing in trouble so many times
Arlen began to enjoy this unpleasant adventure with the little freedom he received. Luca did not admit it but he was relieved from struggling with his travelling companion. However, that small closure stirred up the omega's talkative nature. 'Your highness, let's go left, I think I saw a pheasant... Luca, I need a change of clothes. Auch, my neck hurts... So what are u like when you're not grumpy and quiet... I bet all the ladies run from you once you show up... I think you'd like my master if you got to know him- he's the exact opposite of you. People can't wait to be around him most of the time. Hehe...your highness...Sir Beaumont...Lucaaaa,' this omega would not shut up until... 'Your...hmmm...mmmm!' Luca shut him up with a muffling tape. "Don't bother fighting, it will wear off on its own if you behave," Beaumont could finally hear himself speak. ** When they reached another deserted settlement, Luca calculated that this was the infamous Ode City. They should get to Cloverdale
Axel barged into his father’s tent as the troops waited for orders to march. “Father, perhaps you should reconsider this war. I spoke to Lady Maren… It seems Luca is already in Ingram.” Theoden adjusted his outer robe. “And she knows this because?” “Luca came to her. He was with Rufus Loughty and David. We can’t proceed without considering their safety.” “You’re mistaken. This gives us even more reason to take down Ingram.” “Father, I beg you, let’s approach this with caution. What if my brother was right and the real culprit wasn’t Arlen? If the other kingdoms lose their heirs, all of this will have been for nothing.” “I forbid you from mentioning this to Zavian. Claude’s son has always been a rebel at heart-it’s not my concern if he gets caught in the fire.” “And Luca? Are you going to doom him as well?” “Think of the people who have died because King Caesar and his son are still alive! Your brother has been brainwashed, Axel. Once that family is dead, we’ll finally be
"Master David, your brother must be very proud of you," Zariah said, clearly impressed by David's wittiness. David chuckled. "Haha, thank you, General, but my brother thinks I’m a wimp." Zariah smiled at the alpha. "Clearly, he’s blind. Stick close to me for the time being. You might learn something new." Her eyes lingered on David for a moment before shifting to the couple in the room. "Arlen," she began, "You will help the citizens hide and use the dead to steer those armies as planned, but not away from the main city. Instead, toward it, closer to Kraken Mountain. If we can get through to the kings, we can offer them the real criminal who burned down their towns to appease them." Arlen’s heart clenched. "What?" Zariah continued as if she hadn’t noticed his distress. "Your father is meeting with the council as we speak. He’s waiting for me to give the final word because he trusts me, as you should. This is my decision. While your ghouls draw the armies towards the coastal
Arlen had summoned only Zariah to his quarters, but she arrived accompanied by Rufus, David, and Nathan. "They wanted to help," Zariah shrugged casually. Arlen glanced at the people now gathered around his table, silently calculating how to keep them safe when the time came. "This is insane, Arlen. You'll be outnumbered," Zariah said, shaking her head. Arlen met her gaze steadily. "The aim is to save as many lives as possible. By the time the clans reach the main city, I’ll have hidden our people. I need two-thirds of our men to make sure my father and uncle are well protected." "And then what?" Zariah asked sharply. "You’re setting us up to fail here." "With all due respect, General, let him finish," Luca interjected, squeezing Arlen's hand. The quiet gesture conveyed his unwavering support. Even if Luca didn’t fully agree with Arlen’s methods, he had no intention of abandoning him. Zariah exhaled silently, her arms folded as she studied the pair. With a slight nod, she
KelletTheoden sat among the circle of leaders, listening to their strategies for the upcoming war when the news arrived. Ingram's border was falling apart. The announcement shifted their battle plan entirely. Instead of laying siege to a fortified city, they would be strolling in with minimal resistance."I hear there are mortals within the walls. Do we evacuate them and deal with the undead?" someone asked.Theoden’s voice was firm. "No. Every man and creature within that place is no ally of ours. They are foes. We must wipe them out.""Are you certain about that?" Zavian interjected, raising a brow. "Wouldn’t it be wiser to focus on the main target - capture the nation as a whole, rather than burning it to the ground? Cut off the head, and the body will fall."Theoden’s gaze sharpened. "King Zavian, the first time we marched against Ingram, we underestimated its strength - its people. That misstep cost us dearly. And while we succeeded in bringing down Pandora, here we are again, c
"I didn’t do anything, Uncle. They left on their own," Arlen mumbled, pouting. Claude sighed heavily, the little one’s stubbornness wearing him thin. This wasn’t the first time Arlen had driven servants away - he had a habit of summoning ghouls to torment them. Just days ago, the previous batch of servants was found in a ditch full of rotting animals. Now, the castle staff lived in fear of the young prince, who acted as though every abandonment was their fault. Queen Basma was the only one capable of reining Arlen in. She had tried reasoning with him but her influence was fleeting; sooner or later, the next set of servants would meet unfortunate fates. One day, Claude returned home with a boy about a year older than Arlen. Julius had been rescued from a group of human traffickers. Julius was a broken soul. His body shrank away from the slightest touch. He spoke to no one and preferred hiding in corners to lying in a bed. It was clear he had endured unimaginable trauma. Claud
By the time Reed realized he had been used- again- it was too late. Julius gently set him on a shabby bed of hay, crouching beside him with an expression of childlike curiosity. "Are you feeling better?" he asked, patting Reed’s head."What happened? What time is it?" Reed groaned, pressing a hand to his throbbing temple. He tried to get up but found his legs numb and unwilling."Wait, don’t try to move. You're still recovering," Julius said, pressing him back down."How could I sleep so deeply? My men… the carriage…" Reed’s voice was dazed, his words scattered.Julius dismissed Reed’s fragmented concerns, believing him to be rambling. "It’s alright, Owen. This will be the last time I take your energy, I promise." He leaned in, brushing a gentle kiss across Reed’s lips.Reed’s brow furrowed as he pulled away. "What did you do, Julius?"Julius’ smile faded. "What are you implying?""What did you need my energy for?"Julius’ face hardened. "If you must know, I collapsed the fog at the b
"Did you miss me?" Arlen asked as Luca thrust into him for what felt like the hundredth time."Every hour, every minute… every second," Luca replied, voice thick with longing."Then kiss me harder. Show me the depth of your despair," Arlen cooed.Luca held Arlen close as if he could disappear at any moment. The memory felt lucid, almost unreal. It was harder for him not to bury himself deeper. It was in an alpha's nature to bite and knot his cherished omega, and Luca was nearly numb with excitement as Arlen wrapped around him like a vine, making desperate, teasing sounds that ignited every instinct within him."Arlen, if we keep going like this, I might fall into a rut.""That's not... fair," Arlen murmured between breaths.Luca lifted his gaze to meet Arlen’s. "Is this not to your liking?""No, that's not what I meant. I have to claim you, Luca.” Arlen averted his eyes, his voice dropping to a whisper. “What if you woke up and changed your mind?"With a steady rhythm, Luca pressed g
Arlen led David to the guest quarters, leaving him in the care of capable servants. He then continued along a different path, Luca close behind. Every now and then, Arlen glanced back with a smile, ensuring that Luca stayed close. As they neared a large compound, Luca presumed the inevitable meeting with his father-in-law was approaching. He braced himself. It was unlikely to be a pleasant encounter given their family history, but it had to happen. The structures of this place felt different from the cold, mechanical landscape of Damaris. The statues here were immense, fearsome, and far removed from the serene ones back home. Guards stood at every corner, their expressions stern and lacking any warmth. For Luca, walking side by side with ‘the’ Arlen Braddock still felt surreal, and yet his heart was overwhelmed with love. When they entered a large room, the doors shut behind them with a quiet snap. Luca turned at the sound, only to notice a faint blue hue glowing over the ex
For a moment, Arlen studied Luca’s face as if caught in a daydream, focusing on all the features he longed to touch- his eyes, ears, cheeks, lips. Luca, however, stood motionless, like an old tree rooted in place.But Arlen dropped to his knees. Luca clenched his fists as he struggled to find a way to redeem himself. The sight of Arlen touching his feet, as though a lowly servant, made Luca feel like the monster Rufus had always claimed he was. It was a sharp reminder of the blind hatred he’d harboured for over a decade before their paths had crossed. “I should’ve told you the truth. I tried, but…” Arlen’s voice was frail. Somehow he couldn’t shake the fear that Luca had come to end his life. His heart sank further when Luca hesitantly pulled his feet away. However, Luca had other other plans. Arlen watched, confused, as the alpha knelt, lowering himself until their eyes were level. His breath caught when Luca’s forehead dipped to touch the hem of his robe. “Forgive me, Your Highn