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"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
Arlen's whole world was centred on a kiss. The attention he received from Luca was marked by love and lust, a game played with body and pheromones. "Pffft! For a second, I thought you were serious about having me as a snack.""I was not joking.""Haha! You're Luca. You can't even stand hearing the word 'sex'. Your ears redden, and you start to stutter.""..." Luca shut the omega up with his mouth, kissing so roughly the other fell short of air. "Luca...wait." Arlen put pressure on Luca's chest.In their natural world, there were standards. To win a mate, an alpha would exhibit traits and use his appealing features to enchant an omega of choice. Their eyes glowed like stars, and their bodies appeared larger- amongst other things. Arlen was mesmerized when Luca popped out a pair of pointy ears covered in fur. "Your splendour has long won my heart, your Highness. You don't have to morph to impress me.""I have to make you want me as much as I want you," Luca said.Arlen wriggled like
The royal family had many establishments in and across kingdoms, used during missions. However, Luca chose to settle in a different cottage up on a small hill. He preferred not to draw too much attention to himself. The private compound was run by an old family that took a liking to Roxanne's omega at once. When Luca instructed that the omega's room had to be close to his, the servants were astonished. Only Axel shared a room next to the Crown Prince when in travel. While his beastmen were served supper at the cottage, Luca took Arlen to the best eatery in town. Arlen's mouth watered at the delicious meals set up for him. It looked nothing like what they often ate at the Castle. "You said you liked spicy foods; eat up." Luca helped himself to something he was used to. Arlen sat there for a while, biting his spoon, not knowing where to start. Many morsels later... "Ahh, that was delicious." Arlen patted his stuffed tummy when they walked out of the place. "You know what would hav
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