Henry's POV
It was the middle of the night, but sleep refused to come. My mind was restless, haunted by the possibilities of what Theron might do.
Likewise, my brother, Voder, stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the moon as it bathed the world in a pale, eerie glow.
"You can't sleep either, brother?" I asked, breaking the silence.
Voder sighed in frustration. "I'm annoyed. No matter what I do, I can't get Alaric to warm up to me. I followed your advice—I even gave him flowers! You said Omega males appreciate affection."
"Hmm?" I frowned. "That should've worked... unless Alaric's mind just works differently?" I chuckled at the thought.
"Maybe? But I think the real issue is that he never takes me seriously. We bicker all the time, always trying to outdo each other. He probably thinks I'm messing with him, just playing games," Voder admitted.
"Yeah, you've got a point, brother," I mused, and for a moment, we fell into silence. Then a thought struck me. "Wait... how exactly are you giving him these flowers?" I asked suspiciously.
"I shove them in his face until he takes them," Voder answered matter-of-factly, as if that was the most obvious thing in the world.
I stared at him in utter disbelief before gripping my face in exasperation. "That's why he doesn't take you seriously!" I burst out laughing. "No wonder Alaric isn't responding! You're an Alpha—you have no idea how to be romantic! You're way too aggressive!"
"Stop laughing at me! I know I suck at this!" Voder grumbled, clearly embarrassed. "Fine, since you're the expert, tell me—what's the right way to do it?"
I wiped away a stray tear from laughing. "You're supposed to offer the flowers to him, not force them on him. Let him take them on his own terms."
"...Oh?" Voder tilted his head in thought. "I thought I had to make sure he accepted them."
I sighed, shaking my head. "Try it my way next time, brother. It might just change how Alaric sees you." I paused, narrowing my eyes. "But why are you trying so hard to win him over?"
Voder took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving the moon. A small, almost shy smile tugged at his lips.
"I'll be honest with you, Henry... I've admired Alaric for a long time," he admitted, and my eyes widened in surprise.
I stepped closer to him. "Seriously? So, even when you thought he was an Alpha, that didn't stop you?"
Voder let out a dry chuckle. "It did stop me. But what could I do? He's different. Out of all the beings I've encountered, he's the only one who isn't afraid of me. Well, aside from you. He never cared that I was an Alpha Prince—never treated me with special caution. It was... refreshing. That's why I enjoyed teasing him so much. It was my only way to get his attention."
"I've noticed that, brother," I said with a knowing smile. "Whenever you're around Alaric, you lose that intimidating 'Alpha Prince' presence. You act... normal. Like a regular person."
"That's what I love about him," Voder admitted. "When I'm with Alaric, I don't have to be an Alpha Prince. I can just be me." He hesitated for a moment before chuckling. "Though I'll admit, when I first met him, I lost my mind a little. Even while he was pretending to be an Alpha, I couldn't get over how... stunning he was. He didn't look like any Alpha I'd ever seen. I couldn't understand why his face was so damn beautiful. It was maddening. But now that I know he's actually an Omega, at least I know I'm not crazy."
I smirked. "So, if Alaric had actually been an Alpha, would you still have feelings for him?"
Voder sighed. "Maybe. But I wouldn't have pursued it. Two Alphas can't be together—it would be a constant battle of dominance. It wouldn't work. The relationship would be chaotic, a never-ending power struggle. One of us would have to submit, and neither of us would be willing to."
I crossed my arms, a mischievous grin forming on my lips. "You know, from what I've learned about Omega males, they're actually more powerful than Alphas. They can make Alphas obey them."
Voder shrugged, unfazed. "That's fine by me. As long as it's Alaric, I don't mind kneeling before him. If it proves to him that I'm willing to serve him, so be it."
At his words, a flicker of hope sparked in my chest—hope that eased my fears about Theron and his twisted ambitions.
Because if Theron ever found out that Alaric was an Omega male, he wouldn't just desire him—he would claim him. He would use Alaric's power for his own selfish gains.
That couldn't happen.
I turned to Voder, my voice serious. "Brother, you need to understand the full extent of what an Omega male is capable of—their power, the way they affect Alphas."
And so, I told him everything. I laid it all out—how Omega males functioned, how their presence could influence even the strongest Alphas, and just how much power Alaric unknowingly wielded.
⸻
"Now do you understand what Alaric is capable of?" I asked. "Would you ever use his power to control others?"
Voder scoffed. "Why would I do that? All I want is for Alaric to trust me. I have no interest in exploiting his power for my own gain. Besides, let's be real—Alaric wouldn't listen to me even if I tried. You know how stubborn he is. He's more aggressive than most Alphas. If he wants something, he takes it."
"But what if another Alpha does try to take him? What if someone tries to use his power to become the most dominant being in existence?" I pressed.
Voder's expression darkened. "Then I'll stop them. Not that Alaric would ever let that happen. You know him, Henry—he never backs down. He wouldn't let anyone claim him. Hell, I can barely get close to him myself—what chance does anyone else have?" He let out a laugh.
I exhaled in relief, my anxiety finally easing. "I guess, in the end, it's all up to Alaric whether he allows himself to be claimed or not."
"Exactly," Voder agreed.
Now, all I could do was hope. Hope that Alaric would be strong enough to fight for himself—before someone tried to take away that choice forever.
...
...
...
Alaric's POV
The university garden was peaceful, the kind of place where you could momentarily forget the chaos of the outside world. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a golden glow over me and Kali as we ate lunch. As usual, I was the one who prepared our meals—because if I didn't, Kali would just eat whatever junk food she could get her hands on. And I couldn't have that.
"You know, Alaric, I will never get tired of your cooking," Kali sighed dreamily, taking another bite of her meal. Then she smirked. "Can't you just marry me already?"
"Not happening," I shot back, grinning.
"Oh, right. You've already got someone lined up," she teased.
I frowned. "And who would that be?"
"Who else?" Kali tilted her head toward something—no, someone—behind me. "The person power-walking in your direction while looking suspiciously like they're hiding something behind their back. I'm not saying those are flowers!"
I turned my head and groaned. "Ugh. Him again."
Voder.
Before I could react, he was already standing beside me, his gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that made my skin prickle.
I scowled at him, making a point to look disgusted.
"For you, Alaric," he said, revealing a bouquet of blue peonies.
I hesitated. I knew where he got those—the flower shop must've restocked again. Usually, he'd shove the flowers in my face without warning, like some weird floral assault. But this time... he just held them out, waiting.
Was this a trick? A setup?
I swallowed hard. Should I take them?
Apparently, my body decided for me, because before my brain could catch up, my hand had already snatched the bouquet from him.
Voder's lips curled into a smile—a real, genuine smile.
I quickly averted my eyes, feeling something strange stir in my chest.
To distract myself, I reached into my bag and pulled out an untouched packed lunch. Without thinking, I shoved it toward Voder.
He blinked in confusion. "W-What's this, Alaric?"
"Kali said I should give you food," I mumbled, not looking at him. "Since you give me flowers every day."
"Huh? Excuse me?" Kali sputtered. "I never said that!"
Before she could say anything else, I slapped my hand over her loud mouth. "Just go with it," I hissed, glaring at her.
Voder's eyes widened. "Wait. Seriously? This is for me?"
"Mm." I nodded. "I usually make this for Kali. Stir-fried veggies with meat."
I didn't mention the other things I put in there. If Kali found out, she'd never let me hear the end of it.
The truth was, I had been considering giving Voder food for a while now. He brought me flowers every single day. At this point, my house was starting to look like a flower shop. I even started planting them in the garden to keep them alive longer.
So, this was my way of... returning the favor?
"Eat something nutritious, Voder," I muttered. "Stop stuffing yourself with junk."
Voder took the lunchbox, gripping it tightly as if it were the most precious thing in the world. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, staring at the container like it held the secrets of the universe.
And just like that, he was gone.
"...Did he just forget we existed?" Kali asked, staring after him. "And what was that about, Alaric? Can you explain to me?"
I exhaled, turning back to my own meal. "Give and take. He gives me flowers, I give him food. Fair trade."
Kali narrowed her eyes. "Don't tell me you just surrendered your virginity to Voder."
I choked on my food. "WHAT?! SHUT UP!"
Kali cackled, knowing she had struck a nerve. I was red-faced, and she loved every second of it.
"But seriously, Alaric," she leaned in, her tone shifting, "why did you give him food? Does this mean you're softening up to him?"
I frowned, thinking. "I... I don't know. Lately, Voder hasn't been annoying me like he used to. He's been... nice. Weirdly nice. I guess I kinda miss our old arguments, but at the same time... I don't hate this. I like that he's being nice to me."
Kali gasped dramatically. "Ladies and gentlemen! Alaric is falling for Voder's irresistible charm!"
"Shut up!" I groaned, but then my voice dropped. "But if he keeps this up, Kali... I might end up getting used to it. I might start looking for him. I might start craving for him... and that scares me."
For once, Kali didn't tease me. Instead, she gave me a soft, knowing smile.
"You know, Alaric, if I had to entrust you to an Alpha male who'd love and protect you, I think Voder would be the one."
I raised an eyebrow. "Even though he sees me as an Alpha, too?"
Silence stretched between us.
Then, at the same time, realization hit us.
Kali's eyes widened. "Wait... what if... what if he knows you're an Omega?"
My stomach dropped. "...Oh."
"Oh? OH?! That's all you have to say?!" Kali whisper-yelled, gripping my arm. "Henry probably told him! And you know how close those brothers are! Ugh, that Henry!"
Panic settled in. "Wait! If Voder knows I'm an Omega, then my life is in danger!" I jumped to my feet, heart pounding.
Kali grabbed my wrist. "Calm down, Alaric."
"But—!"
"If Voder knows, have you ever felt threatened? Even once? Twice? Thrice?"
"...No."
"In fact, has he ever told anyone? Has he ever tried to hurt you? Has the Alpha King sent people after you?"
I shook my head. "...No."
"Exactly." Kali crossed her arms. "Which means Voder knows your secret—but he hasn't exposed you. Why? Because he's protecting you."
I swallowed. "So... he really does care about me?"
Kali grinned. "Looks like it. And now, only four of us know your secret."
A wave of guilt hit me. "I... I feel bad now, Kali."
"For what?"
"For treating him like crap," I admitted. "For pushing him away. For saying all those mean things."
Kali smirked. "Well, at least you gave him food. That's a start."
I ran a hand over my face, sighing deeply.
If Voder really did care about me... then what did that mean for us?
...
...
...
Voder's POV
"Henry! Henry!" I called out excitedly as I rushed into the university library. I found my younger brother buried under a mountain of books, as usual.
He looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? You look happy, brother. What's up? You seem... excited."
"I did it!" I practically beamed. "I followed your advice and gave him the flowers in a calm and respectful way! And look! He gave me this!"
I proudly held up the lunchbox Alaric had handed me.
Henry's eyes widened. "Whoa! A packed lunch? That's a big deal!"
"Does this mean... I'm finally getting through to him? He's never given me anything before." I asked, hopeful.
Henry nodded knowingly. "That's exactly what it means, big brother. When an Omega male starts reciprocating even the smallest gestures, it means you're winning his trust."
I let out a relieved sigh. "Finally! I was starting to think all my efforts were pointless."
I eagerly opened the lunchbox, curious to see what Alaric had packed for me. The moment I saw it, my jaw dropped. Henry, leaning in to peek, was just as stunned.
"Brother..." Henry whispered. "There's no doubt about it. Alaric thought about you while making this."
And how could he not?
Right there, on top of the rice, was my face—carefully crafted out of seaweed chips! The meal inside was arranged so neatly, with such delicate precision, it was clear he had put effort into it.
"You've got him now, brother!" Henry declared, picking up the lunchbox and taking a deep whiff. "Mm! Just the smell of it is mouthwatering!"
I chuckled. "Do you want to eat it?"
Henry shook his head with a smile. "No way. That's yours. You should eat it all."
I didn't need any more convincing. I picked up the utensils and took my first bite. The moment the food hit my tongue, my eyes widened.
This was... incredible.
It wasn't just good—it was better than anything I'd ever eaten before! Better than what our palace chefs made.
Henry grinned. "You know, I think Alaric just one-upped you. You give him flowers, but he gives you delicious food. Are you really gonna let him win like that?" he teased.
I laughed. "Shut up, Henry."
Still, I couldn't finish it all. I looked at Henry, then at the half-full lunchbox.
"Here," I said, handing it to him.
Henry blinked. "Huh? You still have half left."
"I want you to taste Alaric's cooking too. Go on, finish it."
His eyes widened. "Are you serious? No way am I passing this up!"
He dug in, and just like me, he froze after the first bite, his expression one of pure bliss. Then, without hesitation, he wolfed down the rest until not a single grain of rice was left.
"That was amazing! Alaric is incredible! Brother, he's perfect wife material! If I was an Alpha, I will be your rival for sure!" Henry laughed, then suddenly frowned.
I noticed the change immediately. "What's wrong?"
Henry hesitated before sighing. "It's just... Alphas like you don't believe in marriage, right? What if, after you finally win over Alaric, you just... leave him? Like all the other Alphas who abandon their Omegas after getting what they want? I'd feel awful for him."
I placed the empty lunchbox aside and met his gaze with unwavering seriousness.
"That won't happen," I said firmly. "Because Alaric is the first and only Omega I will ever love. There will be no one else—only him."
Henry smiled at that, his previous worries fading. "Then I can't wait to meet your future child, brother. My future
nephew. And I promise, I'll take care of him too. I'll give them all the love and attention you've given me—even though I'm just a Beta and not an Alpha like you."
I smirked and gave him a playful punch to the side.
"Getting all emotional on me, huh?" I teased.
Henry let out a small laugh, but I caught the way he subtly wiped away a tear.
"I mean it, brother. I'll protect your child. Besides, it's a guarantee that if you and Alaric have a kid, they'll be an Omega male."
At that, I froze.
An Omega male child.
I clenched my fists slightly.
If Alaric and I were to have a child... I could only hope the world they were born into would be kinder than the one Alaric lived in now.
Henry, sensing my unease, quickly changed the subject. "So, what would you name your kid?"
Before I could answer, another voice cut in.
"Champ."
We both snapped our heads toward the source.
There, standing with narrowed eyes and an all-too-familiar expression of suspicion, was Kali.
Henry paled. "K-Kali! You're here?"
She crossed her arms. "So my hunch was right! You told Voder about Alaric!"
Without hesitation, she grabbed Henry by the collar as if she was ready to punch him in the face.
"Hey, let go of my brother," I said, standing up.
Kali shifted her glare toward me.
I met her gaze head-on.
"I'll take responsibility if Henry broke his promise," I said calmly. "But believe me, Kali, I haven't told anyone about Alaric. My father knows nothing—because I know exactly what would happen if he did."
Slowly, she let go of Henry, though her scowl remained.
"Where's Alaric?" I asked, glancing around. "Isn't he with you?"
"No," she said, crossing her arms. "I came here alone—specifically to confront Henry. But since you're here, I might as well ask you something directly. Because Alaric sure as hell won't ask you himself, Alpha Prince."
I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Kali took a step closer, eyes blazing.
"Admit it. The only reason you're being 'nice' to Alaric is because you know he's an Omega male. A rare Omega male. And you just love the idea of having something so rare, don't you? Something to show off, something to own. What, are you planning to parade him around like some trophy? And once you've had your way with him, you'll just throw him away like the rest?" Her voice dripped with disgust.
She wasn't done.
"Well, I'm not buying it, Alpha Prince. And I don't care if you charge me with disrespect for talking to you like this—because this isn't about me. This is about Alaric!"
Henry opened his mouth, probably to try and calm her down, but I held up a hand.
"Let me handle this, Henry."
I took a deep breath, then locked eyes with Kali.
"Go ahead, explain yourself," Kali said, holding her head high with confidence.
"I've told Henry this before, but I'll say it again," I began, my voice steady as I looked Kali straight in the eyes. "I've had feelings for Alaric long before I ever knew he was an Omega male. That's why I used to tease him, why I always picked fights with him. It was the only way I could get close to him. We were both Alphas—I had no idea what went through his mind back then, so that was the only way I could interact with him. The only way I could make sure he spent time with me. Even if it was just for a moment, I wanted his attention on me."
Kali narrowed her eyes, not looking convinced. "Then why are you only being nice to him now? Why not before?" she demanded, as if trying to prove I was just playing with Alaric's emotions.
"Because now I don't have to hide my feelings behind pointless bickering anymore," I answered firmly. "Now, I can show him how I really feel in the way I know best."
Kali hesitated, and for the first time, I saw her expression shift. The fire in her eyes dimmed, replaced by something more cautious—more worried.
"But... what if you're just trying to earn his trust?" she asked, her voice quieter now. "What if... after all of this, you turn him in to your father?"
I stepped forward, my gaze unwavering. "That will never happen. I swear it." My voice was resolute. "As an Alpha, I vow to protect Alaric, even though I know he can protect himself. I am not like other Alpha males who only seek Omegas for their own selfish gain. I am different, Kali. You know that. You all know that. When I say I'm serious, I mean it. And above all, I put responsibility first. My brother can vouch for that."
Henry nodded in silent agreement beside me.
Kali clenched her fists, her expression hardening. "But... what if you're forced to choose? Between becoming the Alpha King and ruling your people, or living a private life, leaving everything behind for Alaric? What then?"
I smiled slightly. "Why should I have to choose when I can do what is right?" I replied. "I will become Alpha King—to protect my family. Myself, Alaric, and the child we may one day have. But... if it comes down to it, if I have to leave everything behind for Alaric's sake, I will do it."
Kali lowered her head, inhaling deeply.
For a long moment, there was silence.
Then, when she looked up, her eyes were glossy with unshed tears.
"I'm just a Beta female. I don't have the strength to protect Alaric like you do," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly. "But I will do everything in my power to keep him safe."
Then, she straightened her shoulders, and with fierce determination, she declared, "That's why I'm putting my full trust in you, Voder! Protect Alaric no matter what! Never abandon him! If the world turns against him—if people try to hunt him down because of what he is—don't you dare leave his side!"
I smiled gently and reached out, placing my hand on her head.
"You have my word, Kali," I promised.
"Champ!" she suddenly blurted.
I blinked. "Huh? What do you mean?"
She sniffled, then let out a wobbly laugh. "That's the name Alaric and I decided on for your child. That's what he wants."
My chest tightened at her words. "Champ..." I repeated softly, letting the name roll off my tongue.
I turned to Henry, who was smiling back at me.
"I can't wait to meet Champ, brother," he said with a grin.
"Me too..." Kali admitted, hurriedly wiping away her tears.
A warm feeling spread in my chest as I smiled. "Yeah... I want to meet Champ too."
Then Kali suddenly sniffled, her face crumpling before she burst out, "So hurry up and make it happen already!"
Henry nearly choked on laughter as Kali dissolved into a mess of both tears and laughter at the same time.
I let out a chuckle. "That depends... if Alaric allows it."
"Oh, he has no choice!" Kali declared, puffing out her chest. "I'll make him agree!"
"And I will personally oversee the birthing process," Henry added, raising a hand dramatically. "I want to be the first one to witness an Omega male giving birth."
I let out another laugh. "Maybe talk to Alaric before making all these decisions. You know how his mind works. If he were here, he'd probably be screaming at you both... and maybe even punching you."
I glanced between Kali and Henry before placing my other hand atop Henry's head.
"You two will be the ones protecting and watching over our child if anything ever happens to me or Alaric," I said.
The moment those words left my mouth, Henry's face fell. His eyes widened, and suddenly, he looked furious.
"Don't say that!" he snapped, his voice shaking. "Nothing is going to happen to you or Alaric! Don't you dare think like that! Didn't you say you wanted to raise Champ together? Both of you?"
"T-That's right!" Kali suddenly agreed, wiping away her tears as she scowled at me. "For once, I actually agree with Henry! We'll protect and watch over Champ, but there's no way in hell we're going to let anything happen to either of you!"
"Don't be mad at me," I chuckled. "I just—"
"Just promise you'll live, Voder!" Kali interrupted fiercely.
I let out a deep breath and nodded.
"I promise," I said with absolute certainty. "I will live—for my family. For Alaric. For Champ."
Kali wiped at her eyes again, sniffing. "You'd better keep that promise, Voder!"
...
...
...
Alaric's POV
I heard everything...
Every word they said.
And now, I couldn't stop the tears streaming down my face—not from sadness, but from overwhelming joy.
I heard everything Voder said.
I felt the truth in his words, the sincerity in his voice.
For the first time, I allowed myself to imagine it—the day I would finally hold my child, Champ, in my arms. What would he look like? Would he have my eyes? Voder's hair?
Just the thought filled me with warmth.
But then...
"Looks like I wasn't the only one eavesdropping on that emotional conversation."
A voice, smooth as silk and sharp as a blade, cut through my thoughts.
I stiffened.
I turned my head slowly, heart pounding, and there—standing beside me in the dimly lit corner where I had been hiding—was Theron.
My breath caught in my throat.
"A-And what do you mean by that?" I asked, hastily wiping my tears.
Theron chuckled. "Come now, don't play dumb. We both heard them, didn't we?" he whispered.
He took a step closer. I instinctively stepped back.
But there was nowhere to run. My back hit the cold, solid wall.
Trapped.
Theron's eyes gleamed with something unreadable as he reached out and grazed his fingers against my cheek.
"So this is what a rare Omega looks like up close..." he murmured. His voice dipped lower. "An Omega male."
I inhaled sharply and slapped his hand away.
His lips curled into a smirk. "Feisty. I expected as much. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."
"What do you want from me?" I demanded, my voice steady despite the panic rising inside me.
Theron said nothing. But his gaze flickered downward—to my neck.
I realized it too late. My body reacted before my mind, and I slapped a hand over my neck, covering the vulnerable spot.
I gritted my teeth. "I won't let you take advantage of me. I refuse to belong to someone like you!"
Theron's smirk only widened. "Oh? So difficult to tame... No wonder Voder got to you before I could." His voice darkened. "That clever bastard."
I froze.
"What... do you mean?"
"Don't you see, Alaric?" Theron said, stepping even closer. "Everything Voder told you—"every word"—was a lie."
I flinched. "You're lying."
Theron tilted his head. "Am I?"
He leaned in, voice dangerously soft. "Tell me, Alaric... Do you even know what you really are?"
My brows furrowed. "What...?"
"Your ability as an Omega male," he continued. "The power hidden inside you."
I swallowed. "What are you talking about?"
Theron's eyes gleamed. "Omegas like you are far stronger than any Alpha. With just a thought, you could make us obey you. No commands. No movement. Just pure, undeniable control."
I stiffened. "That's impossible."
Theron exhaled through his nose, amused. "Is it? Or is that what Voder wants you to think?"
A cold shiver ran down my spine.
"Why hasn't he told you? Henry told me about this stuff so I believe he or Voder should have informed you as well?" Theron asked, voice dripping with false sympathy. "Why do you think he's keeping this from you? I'll tell you why, Alaric—it's because once you learn the truth, you'll realize you're more powerful than him. More powerful than any Alpha."
I clenched my fists, but I said nothing.
Theron leaned against the wall beside me, voice lowering to a whisper.
"He wants you weak, Alaric. He wants you to depend on him. That's why he's feeding you all these sweet little words, wrapping you in the illusion of love. Because he knows something about Omegas that you don't—you crave affection."
I inhaled sharply, my nails digging into my palms.
"And once you give yourself to him—once you surrender—he'll have everything." Theron's voice turned to ice. "Your loyalty. Your body. Your will."
"That's not true!" I snapped.
Theron only gave a pitying smile. "Isn't it?"
Silence stretched between us.
I couldn't breathe.
Could it be true?
No. Voder wouldn't—couldn't—be lying to me. Right?
But... what if he was?
What if everything—the flowers, the kindness, the promises—was all just a way to mold me into something he could control?
Theron's voice slithered into my mind once more.
"If you let me... I can help you."
I looked up at him.
"Help me?" I echoed warily.
Theron smiled, extending a hand. "Join me, Alaric. If you trust me, I will make sure no Alpha—not even Voder—can ever control you again. I will help you become what you were meant to be... An Omega King."
I froze.
"With my help," he continued, "you won't have to hide anymore. No Alpha King will hunt you down. Because you will be the one ruling. You will never have to be afraid again."
My lips parted slightly. "I could live normally...?"
Theron's smirk widened. "Not just normally. You will have the power to command everyone. Alpha, Beta... all of them."
I felt my heart pounding in my ears.
Theron took a step back, his gaze never leaving mine.
"Think about it, Alaric," he murmured. "I'll be nearby... watching."
And with that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows.
I stood frozen in place, his words ringing in my head.
"A world where I don't have to hide... where I can be free... where Theron will help me..."
I swallowed hard.
"But... what if he's right?"
What if Voder's love... was nothing more than a carefully spun lie?
...
...
...
Theron's POV
I knew it.
I knew he would take the bait.
It was only a matter of time before Alaric came crawling to me, desperate for answers, desperate for the truth only I was willing to give him.
I didn't need force. I didn't need deception.
With just a few well-placed words, I had already started to unravel his trust in Voder.
All it took was a seed of doubt.
"Brother, you look rather pleased with yourself," came the smooth voice of my younger sibling, Crest, as he approached. "What are you thinking so deeply about?"
I turned to him with a smirk. "My inevitable victory."
Crest blinked. "Victory in what?"
"In claiming the throne of Alpha King."
His brows furrowed. "Has Voder stepped down?"
I chuckled. "No, but there's a far better reason than that."
Crest grinned, unwavering in his blind loyalty. "Whatever it is, you have my support." Then, his expression shifted. "By the way, our father—Cairos—is looking for you."
"For what?"
"He wants you to appear before the Council. He didn't give details, but he said to come immediately." Crest gestured for me to follow. "Come, I'll go with you to see him."
...
The chamber was vast, its towering walls lined with banners of the ruling family. At its center stood ten figures—the Council, the most powerful governing body of our world.
And at the head of them stood our father, Cairos.
"Ah! My son has arrived," Cairos, my father, said, motioning for me to stand beside him.
Crest, as always, remained a step behind me—silent, almost like my shadow.
It had always been this way.
Between the two of us, I was the favored one. Our father's priority.
Because unlike Crest, I was born from an Omega of the highest quality. Crest, on the other hand... his mother was nothing special. Just an ordinary Omega.
That was why our father placed all his hopes on me.
And today, I would not let him down.
"Councilman Jude," father addressed one of the ten, "as you are all aware, my son Theron has proven himself a master of law and politics. A crucial skill for any Alpha King. Not only that, but he holds equal standing in territory to our current Alpha Prince."
Jude nodded. "Indeed, Cairos. Theron has displayed an impressive level of political intelligence. His knowledge and participation in our assemblies have been nothing short of exemplary."
Cairos smirked. "Then, does that mean my son can officially be considered as a candidate for Alpha King? Our bloodline is not so different from Olympus and Voder's, after all."
A pause. Then, Councilman Jude spoke.
"I'm afraid not."
Silence fell.
Father's smirk twitched.
Jude continued, "While Theron is indeed a strong candidate, the Council has already reached a unanimous decision. Voder will inherit the throne. After all, he is the rightful heir to Olympus' lineage. This has been made clear from the very beginning, has it not?"
Father's expression darkened. "And you refuse to reconsider?"
"There is no need," Jude stated firmly. "Voder has proven himself. The Council's decision is final." He straightened his robes. "If there are no further questions, we shall take our leave."
And just like that, the ten Council members turned and exited the chamber.
The moment they were gone, my father's fury exploded.
With a deafening crack, his fist slammed into the stone wall, leaving a deep fracture in its wake.
"Damn them!" he roared.
Crest flinched and leaned toward me. "Brother... speak to him. If you don't, he's going to take his anger out on me again," he whispered.
I sighed. As much as I enjoyed watching Crest squirm, I needed our father's rage to be directed elsewhere.
I stepped forward.
"Father," I said smoothly. "Do not let this setback discourage you. We will have what we desire."
My father's breathing was heavy, his hands still clenched into fists. "Voder and Olympus... they are the obstacles to our rise! As long as their lineage survives, they will continue to rule over this world!" His eyes burned with hatred. "I am done serving Olympus like some subordinate! I am his equal! We are equals! Our bloodlines are the same! I should have had the chance! You should have had the chance!"
"According to the law," I said, watching him carefully, "as long as an heir remains, their line will continue unbroken."
Father stilled.
Slowly, his lips curled into a dangerous smile.
"Tell me, Theron," he murmured, stepping closer. "If Olympus were to die... who would inherit the throne?"
I didn't hesitate. "His son."
"And if Voder were to perish as well?"
I exhaled through my nose. "Then the Council would be forced to choose based on merit. Given that Henry is a Beta, he is not eligible to rule. That would mean the next strongest candidate is..."
Father's grin widened.
"You," he whispered.
Crest paled. "Wait..." He took a step back. "You're not actually planning to—"
"Good, you can think," Father said with amusement. "I thought you were just as dumb as I had imagined."
"Thank you, Father!" Crest beamed, entirely missing the insult.
I merely sighed. Poor Crest. He would never realize our father's words were meant to mock him.
Because at the end of the day, only one of us mattered.
And that was me.
"But Father, this plan of yours is flawed." My voice remained calm, unwavering. "If the Council discovers that you—or anyone from our family—was responsible for the deaths of the King and the Prince, we will lose our place as candidates. It's a reckless move."
Father merely chuckled, his lips curling into a sinister grin.
"Don't worry, Theron," he said smoothly. "No one will ever know who eliminated them." His voice was laced with chilling amusement. "And I have no intention of staining your hands with blood. All I ask is that you wait... until they choose you."
I exhaled, shaking my head. "There is a better way for us to take the throne."
Father's eyes narrowed. "Oh?"
I smiled. Slowly. Confidently.
Then, I spoke.
"There exists a being—one powerful enough to bring down the Alpha King, the Alpha Prince, and any Alpha who dares to oppose us. A force so strong, it could crush the entire hierarchy as we know it." I took a step closer. "And the best part? I can control it."
Father frowned. "What are you talking about?"
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice just enough to draw them in.
"An Omega male."
Father and Crest froze.
Crest's eyes widened in disbelief. "An Omega male? But... they're just myths! They don't actually exist!"
"That's what I thought too," I murmured, my smirk widening. "Until I came face-to-face with one."
Father narrowed his gaze. "And what exactly can an Omega male do?"
"They are far stronger than us Alphas," I explained, my voice smooth and deliberate. "They possess a power that can bend us to their will—without even lifting a finger. If an Omega male truly wished it, he could annihilate the Alpha King."
Father's expression darkened. "And how do you expect to rule if this Omega is more powerful than any Alpha?"
I chuckled.
"Simple," I said. "Once I have fully gained his trust—once I have made him believe that he belongs to me—he will obey my every command, as any Omega does to the Alpha they are bound to." I let my words sink in. "He will be mine. He will be my weapon. And with him under my control... I will take the throne."
Crest furrowed his brows. "Who... who is this Omega male, brother?"
I smirked.
"He's already among us," I whispered. "Hiding in plain sight... masquerading as an Alpha male."
Father's eyes sharpened. "Who is it, Theron?"
I turned to them, my smirk never faltering.
"Alaric."
Crest scoffed, stunned. "Him? That so-called Alpha? The one who looks like a woman?"
"Yes," I confirmed.
Father's eyes gleamed. "If that is true... then Olympus must not have discovered it yet. Otherwise, he would have already had the boy hunted down."
"Which is precisely why we must keep it that way," I said. "If the Alpha King learns of Alaric's true nature, our plan will be ruined. We must hide him until I have secured his complete trust. And when the time comes—when he is mine—we strike."
Father laughed darkly, stepping forward and gripping my shoulder. "Brilliant. Genius. This is why you are my son, Theron. This is why you will surpass them all. Crest, you should be like your older brother! He knows what needs to be done!"
"I always look up to him, Father." Crest replied.
I grinned.
This was it.
The beginning of the rebellion.
Slowly—methodically—I would climb my way to the throne.
Soon, I would be the one ruling this world. My bloodline would reign supreme.
I would become Alpha King.
And my words... would become law.
...
And you, Alaric...
I will use you to eliminate the Alpha King and Voder.
And when the blood has been spilled, when their lifeless bodies fall at your hands, the world will not see you as a savior.
No.
They will see you as a murderer.
A dangerous, uncontrollable monster.
A being so lethal, so unstable, that the only solution will be to lock you away—to ensure that no one else ever falls victim to your existence.
And in that moment, when you are shackled, alone, and hated by all...
I will rise.
I will be the hero. The savior. The only one who can restore order.
And when the dust settles, when the fear and chaos subside...
They will look to me—Theron, the rightful Alpha King.
End of Chapter 33