Confusion was inevitable as the Crown Prince joined the lineup. The host's gaze shifted to the King's camp, awaiting the final signal. The King himself was taken aback. His sister took charge, granting the green light. Perhaps this would impart a crucial lesson to her brother about respecting boundaries.Arlen felt a sense of numbness. Out in the open were two individuals who meant the world to him. Deep down, Arlen was at ease knowing that his brother was fighting for him. He had enough faith in Rufus' skills to cheer him on.However, Arlen's sentiments regarding Luca's participation remained ambiguous. Even if Damaris' Crown Prince emerged victorious, the King would likely reject their union. Still, Arlen found solace in the fact that he wouldn't be surrendered to a complete stranger. So he kept his fingers crossed, praying. As per the regulations, each competitor was entitled to a single weapon. Accomplished hunters among them wielded cosmos-enlightened blades and axes of their own
Rufus leaned on a wall, propping up his injured leg. "Why isn't this healing?" he muttered to himself. Other competitors found spots to rest, and some stayed silent as they thought about what they had just survived.A few looked at Luca, thinking he might be cheating. But they didn't approach him, not yet. Luca stood across from Rufus, hearing him complain about the small hole in his thigh. "Don't touch it," Luca broke the silence, getting Rufus's attention. "Everything in the arena is designed to kill. That arrow has poison on it. A normal beastman would have died within seconds. Your core must be fighting the poison to keep you alive. That's why the wound won't heal."Suddenly, a commotion came from behind. One of the hunters had collapsed. "He's not breathing," another said. They positioned him and started pressing on his chest to revive him."He's dead," a hunter with silver hair said. Luca's mind shook when they mentioned the dead man had been hurt by a similar arrow. It was a s
"'Rufus!... I forbid you!' The voice echoed like an endless loop swinging in my head. My eyes felt heavy, and my body resembled a lifeless tree awaiting the axe for the furnace. I didn't want to fail, but I was drained- a spent arrow. The venom of the poison that had struck me raced through my veins, poking at my lungs and heart. My core remained scorching. When it turns cold, it will mark the end. I was dying; I could sense it.Was Arlen watching? Did he witness my fall, my weakness?'Rufus!'Why did his voice feel so close, as if he stood right next to me?'Are you seriously going to let Luca defeat you? I knew it! You'll always be second best.'Whoever said that needs to shut up because Arlen wouldn't dare whisper that behind my back, let alone say it to my face.'Yes, I said it. You're weak, and Luca is stronger than you. He'll take care of me when you die!''No, he won't!' I retorted. 'No one can care for Arlen like I do. I'm the only one who knows his true self. I am the sun a
The Next Day...The royal family sat in the garden for breakfast with their would-be in-laws. Everyone quietly picked at their food, trying to regain their appetite after yesterday's horrific and one-of-a-kind Hunter Games.Luca was chastised by his father for undermining his plans by entering the tournament. Roxanne remained unbothered and unapologetic for getting back at her brother for being petty.After they dabbed their lips and finished breakfast, the floor was open for discussions. Faye drew closer to Roxanne, asking about Arlen.Faye: "I can only imagine how devastated he must be after the tournament."Roxanne: "Not at all. Julius is quite grateful for Crown Prince Rufus' intervention."Faye: "That..."Roxanne: "They are together as we speak. Julius wished to keep him company, and I saw no reason to object.""Oh, okay," Faye wore a downcast look, her shoulders slumping as she averted her eyes.Roxanne: "One more thing, Lady Faye. I understand you have my son's interest at hear
"Brother...wait," Arlen dragged his feet and pinched at the fingers clasped around his wrist. Rufus was undeterred and kept tugging until a spirit flame burned his hand. "I don't want to leave tonight, " Arlen cried. "What?" "A few more days. That's all I ask for," Arlen pleaded. "Are you out of your mind? How can you be so stubborn, Arlen? Look, I met the King yesterday and there is something fishy going on. I could tell by the way he spoke." "Okay, but let me have this night, please," Arlen said. "This is not up for debate!" The alpha didn't want to listen. But Arlen was not ready to let go of Luca. "Yes, it is! If I wanted to leave Damaris, don't you think I would have done it a long time ago? I am not that weak, Rufus, and there is just something I have to take care of." "It's Luca again, isn't it? That moth will never love you, Arlen, can't you see?" "..." Arlen said nothing. He slowly backed away until he could run. The look on Rufus' face poked fear into his heart,
Ingram Julius finally revealed himself when the King of Candor played along. Caesar had hoped to keep his brother around for a few more days, but Claude refused, citing urgent matters in Candor. "I'd like my son to get engaged to Rollo's daughter; it'll be easier to visit when that happens." "Hmm... It's a shame my Arlen isn't a flower. Not to make you uncomfortable, Claude, but I would have paired him with your son, Rufus." This was the first time Claude had heard of this. He briefly glanced at Julius before replying. "I had no idea you felt this way." "Never mind that. My boy is a beta. He wouldn't be able to perform his duty as the bride," Caesar laughed. "Arlen is still young; you never know when his true gender may manifest," Claude said. "But Father, Rufus and I grew up as siblings. It would be awkward sharing my life with him," Julius cut in. "That's not an issue at all; it's not like you have the same parents. I know I wanted a hot-blooded alpha for a son, but your mo
Luca lodged in an old house in the middle of town. Staying at an inn was too risky; Arlen was in too much pain to be moved around for hours. For now, Luca changed into simpler clothes and took the risk of acquiring medicine to speed up Arlen's recovery.It all seemed like a dream. Unfortunately, Arlen was asleep half the time. Luca diligently tended to the omega's wounds and changed his clothes.Faye and Rufus arrived almost simultaneously. Luca had sought their help in advance when he decided to break Arlen out of prison. He couldn't do it alone. Faye had always supported their relationship, and Rufus was the only one he knew would defend an Ingram disciple."How is he? Your father's men are patrolling the streets, searching for both of you, and Axel has been grounded. Escaping tonight will be challenging," Faye said as she sat by the bed."We have to take that risk; tomorrow they may be swarming in greater numbers. You made the right call by coming to me. I was planning to visit hom
Ingram: Days EarlierJulius couldn't help but fume as he looked down at the barely breathing body on the ground. His demons grew on him, and he often found reason in their twisted council. He soon addressed them by their names: Eldrosk, Sephira, and Malachai. As always, they had guided Julius down a dark path. Baiting Claude into an inn, poisoning his men, yet failing to finish him off had become incredibly frustrating."He's a powerful beastman, and you're just a pretender. Just cut off his head with his own sword," Eldrosk was the loudest. "What? That's gruesome; I can't do that," Julius took a hesitant step back."Then at least stab him a few more times, you coward!" Sephire was often the brains. "You're not helping!" Julius ran his hands through his hair, pacing back and forth."You heard her. Your cowardice isn't helping either. Get a grip on yourself, Master Julius. You've come too far to risk losing everything now." Malachai was more of an imitator."I can't believe I let you
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