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At dawn, the Beaumont brothers set off with their prisoner. It was the first Arlen had seen or entered an airship. Such inventions were best pioneered by the people of Damaris. Candor had its fleet, but Claude kept him away from such technology for his sake. Luca continued to harbour the omega in his bunker during their three days journey in the skies. Axel felt like a third wheel to the suspense that refused to fade. The omega had his eyes on the ground the entire time they sat together to eat, and Luca was constantly stealing glances at him. To an extent, Axel was amused because Luca did not realise he was being watched. Each time they made a stop, the prisoner became Luca's responsibility- glued to each other through and through. On the second day, Axel became invested. Luca had described the youngster as talkative, but Julius had not said much so far. Not to rebuke, rant, mock, or plead. "Julius." Arlen's heart clenched when a soothing voice called out a name he had borrowed
Luca walked Axel to his quarters. The events would have been different had his younger brother not intervened. "Your friend is safe now, so you can stop worrying." Axel freely welcomed his brother into his room to review the details. "He is not my friend," Luca's tone was lower than usual. Axel smiled, not wanting to make fun of the other in plain sight. "I'll be heading to bed then. Or is there any other issue you wish to share with me?" "No, I'll get out of your hair...Axel," Luca called out after reaching the door. "Thank you," he said. "Anything for you, dear brother." Axel had no regrets. For Luca, this was a deed he could never repay. A lot was said during the discussion with their father. Still, his brother convinced everyone else that Julius could become their pawn against the Braddocks. Although it seemed tricky at first, Luca came to terms with it. Now all they had to do was turn the omega into one of them by showing him the beautiful things about being a citizen of Dam
"Julius, have a seat." Axel pointed a spot beside his brother. Arlen was uneasy but said nothing after the greeting. "Im glad you came; we were just talking about you," said the second Prince. The omega did not find that amusing. "In two weeks, Princes, Princesses and elites from across Slora will troop in to continue their studies. My father has agreed to let you join a class." Axel went straight to the point. Arlen remained silent, his eyes fixed on Axel, pretending the Crown Prince was not beside him. Axel took matters into his hands when his brother continued to behave hostilely. "Julius, would you be kind enough to grind some ink for me? I prefer the old-fashioned way to modern pens and whatnot," he said. "Sure," Arlen folded his sleeves over his wrist and got to work. Luca's expression tightened, staring at the omega's hand. Axel smirked discreetly when his brother's plain face twitched into a visible frown. If Luca did not care, he should not be mad at a couple of cuts and
"Is that how to address a senior hunter?" Arlen was confused by the statement but still readied an apology. "Sorry, Sir, I didn't mean to upset you." He bowed as he tried to go around the alpha. "I've never seen you before. Who are you? Which house do you belong to?" Those questions landed so quickly Arlen did not know how to answer. "Beaumont's Grey Feather," Arlen said. "You're a Beaumont?" "No! I mean..." As Arlen stood there fumbling, a group of students passing by paid respect to the man beside him, addressing him as Prince James of Prescott. That was the first time Arlen met his sister's mate. "Pardon me, your Highness. I'm new here and didn't realize your status. I'm looking for Sphinx Hall, that's where my class is. It'd mean a lot if you could help." James did not fathom that the smile of the stranger could leave him in awe. He had come across many faces, yet this one was certainly not boring or average like his betrothed. James averts his eyes to break contact.
The training ground was two hundred and eighty yards long and two-thirty in width, enclosed by an egg-shaped roof a hundred feet high. A maximum of three classes could practice at a time, depending on the level of activity. When Luca gave them the order to demonstrate what they learnt the previous week with a short duel, both students hesitated. David had no interest in fighting anyone, and Arlen knew it. "Just follow my lead, attack, and I'll try to block you," Arlen whispered. "What! I can't do that." David's eyes widened. "Are you two going to take all day to fight?" Luca's voice was as stern as his Aunt's. "Just trust me on this." Arlen winked at his friend. And so David drew his sword. The fight had not begun, yet everyone knew who would lose. There was no confidence in Conri's grip on that weapon, and his footing was all wrong. Yet when he charged at the omega, there was a different result altogether. Arlen played defence, making it seem he was at the losing end. For a mom
(Flashback...) Grey Feather "Julius, are you prepared for the exam? I can't think straight." David dipped his feet into the pond in the garden, his head lifted toward the sky as he shielded his eyes from the sun. "I thought you'd never ask. Don't worry; I know just how to help." Arlen smirked deviously. "Hahh, Damaris is boring," he lay on the lawn. " Not the entire Damaris, just the Castle and Wayde Bourne. I can take you to town tomorrow if we finish on time." "Im not allowed to cross the Castle gates," Arlen sighed. "Why not? Julius, are you adopted? Roxanne Beaumont and his minion, the Crown Prince, are quite protective of you." "Luca? That one hates me for sure." "Well, that's not how I see it. Luca never interacts with anyone unless he is teaching. You're the first omega he talks to or sends on errands. I think he doesn't want anyone to...you know." David made obscene gestures with his hands. "Pffft! Haha. You're just delusional." Arlen threw a harmless fist his way...
"You're that soldier from Ingram?" "Conri..." Arlen's voice shut out like a cork was stuck in his throat. So much that his eyes watered. "Why didn't you tell me?" David did not sound pleased. On his way to the auditorium, he forgot to hand Arlen the snacks they bought, so he came back. But now he wasn't sure anymore. "It's okay. I won't tell anyone." "Yo...you're not angry?" "No. I am shocked and feel a little betrayed, but I can't blame you for hiding such a heavy secret. Is Julius even your real name?" That question hit too close to home, and Arlen felt it. A silent strand of tear slid down the left side of the omega's face. At that point in time, he should have told David who he was, but fear got the best of him. Arlen was overwhelmed when David walked up to him with knitted brows. "You don't have to answer that. I don't mind. You're not a bad person Jules. And even if you were, it has nothing to do with our pact, right?" "But...why?" Arlen did not understand how a person f
Arlen entered the classroom with a yawn. He had no sleep last night; he spent hours staring at the ceiling, smiling sheepishly while reliving Luca's confession in his head a million times. At some point, the omega doubted it even happened, and when he believed it, he screamed into a pillow. "Jules, are you alright?" David was sitting next to him, catching those dreamy looks. "Conri, I had the most wonderful dream last night." Arlen's grin was laughable. "Huh? I see. Is that why you look like a ghost? Your eyes are red." "What!" Arlen flinched. He felt up his face, thinking he had switched into dark mode. Before David could tell him it was simply pinkish due to lack of rest, the lecturer walked in. Arlen's heart skipped three beats when Luca set his books on the teacher's desk and addressed the class. ' Why didn't Madam Roxanne show up today?' Arlen gradually sank into his seat, trying so hard to hide the blush on his face. "My Aunt has left on an urgent trip. I'll be standing in f
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
Naturally, Rufus and the others followed the royal family closely after the celebrations with the people, but they couldn’t get too near due to the barricades of soldiers. Seeing this, Rufus suggested an alternative. “We need to separate my uncle from that imposter.” David: "But how do we do that? There are so many guards around that jerk. Did you notice he’s gotten taller since the last time we fought him? And his voice-“ "Focus, David!" Rufus snapped. Luca cut in, “Rufus, go after the King. Leave the imposter to me.” Rufus nodded at the logic. The King would recognize him easily. “In that case, go with David. Nathan and I will follow the King.” *** Zariah took Arlen under her wing after the main event, leading him to mingle with their subjects. Believing there was no danger, Caesar did not object. Arlen wore a solemn expression as the celebrations continued. Earlier, his speech had lightened the atmosphere, making the people feel important and remembered. They laughed and c
Arlen approached his father’s study. Caesar was obsessed with having his wife’s ghost roaming about, but when Arlen mentioned someone else as the source of his troubles, Caesar listened."Son, be honest with me. Why is that slave still alive?""He’s not a slave, Father. He’s my best friend, someone I consider a soulmate.""Well, what about your mate? Do you dote on this Julius more than them?""Not that kind of soulmate. Julius and I share a bond that even I can’t break- the kind that would make him do anything for me without hesitation.""Like trying to kill your uncle? Do you think he would’ve stopped there?""He wasn’t himself," Arlen said with a sunken voice."Then maybe you don’t know this Julius as well as you think you do.""You’re not listening to me. I exploited my best friend’s loyalty. I recklessly tainted his soul with demons. He tricked you because I made him that way.""And you still haven’t learned your lesson. You cannot put one man- a beta, above Ingram." Caesar shook
Arlen sat under the pavilion with Zariah, working on his speech for the upcoming festival."That’s terrible, toss it out. You can add this line to the last one... Come on, kid, didn’t you learn anything from me?" Zariah’s tone was firm."This isn’t like dealing with omegas, Aunt," Arlen sighed, already bored with his first duty as Prince."Of course it is! The people need to believe you're committed to your role. You’re an omega- hasn’t anyone ever said something that made you feel special?" It turned out Zariah’s nagging could be worse than Basma’s."How would I know? My mate... he barely says anything sweet. He’s the stiffest alpha you’ll ever meet.” “Worse than your father?” “Far worse!” Arlen stressed. “Half the time, he said I was trouble. On lucky days he expressed how much he wanted to keep me by his side." Arlen blurted, then paused, realizing he might never hear Luca say those words again. "But I can’t say that to my subjects."Arlen refused to reveal the identity of his ch
Reed could not accept reality. A new Arlen Braddock had replaced the one he knew. He was astonished that this was the servant his person nearly killed him for losing.As a high-ranking warrior, the men guarding Julius' cell allowed him to pass without questions.Reed's hands went around the metallic bars. "Is it true?" His usually gentle voice sounded scratchy. Sitting on the floor at the far end, Julius answered without looking at him, patiently drawing secret symbols. "I am not my master," he said."Then who are you?""It would be best if you were disgusted by me," Julius chuckled under his breath."I meant what I said. Even if you were not a noble, I'd still stand by you." Reed pulled on the bars, stating to whom his allegiance belonged. That did surprise Julius. He looked at the alpha, and a laugh burst out of him. "Hahahaha, did I bewitch you too much?"Reed unlocked the prison door and entered, his footsteps heavy and hasty. "Can you look into my soul and tell me what we had was
Julius tried the same trick on Arlen twice, using pheromones borrowed from his special pet, but it failed. Arlen's mind had grown stronger. "Master Arlen, I-" He gasped, peering around for the weapon he dropped. He gathered himself and quickly dashed for it, but Moon intentionally rolled away, making his attempt useless.'I'll distract him. Run, you fool!' Sephire screamed, right before leaving Zariah's body.“Sephire, don’t!” Julius watched in horror as his guardian opposed his maker.Sephire, unbothered by the consequences, did not hold back. Arlen caught her by the neck. "There is nowhere to run," he said, sinking his hand into her skin.Julius felt the impact of losing one of his demons. He slumped in a corner, trying to salvage his last strength. Even then, he could not take his eyes off Sephire. For once he got a better glimpse of the woman whispering into his ears. Her maniacally soothing voice was befitting of her frame. Despite the scales covering half of her face, Julius sa