Riel.

Riel.

My heart flew to my throat as I rushed to the window to see that Carlos actually jumped out. But before he could touch the ground, he… shifted? It was like he had completely transformed into an animal as soon as he dropped to the ground.

The exact animal I had seen in the picture earlier. He— or probably it— turned its head to look at me and all I could do was gape in shock. Then it took off, disappearing out of my sight.

“H-how… w-what the hell?” I asked in shock as I stumbled back, leaning against the wall in confusion. “How did he do that?”

“He's a Lycan. This is a pack of werewolves and he's our leader.” Elder Rowan replied and I turned to him in surprise.

“So…you're a werewolf too? You can transform like that?” I asked with wide eyes and he nodded. “But how is that possible? I thought only humans exist.”

He looked at me in surprise when I stopped talking, making me frown. “You're one of us too. You're an omega. Don't tell me you really have no idea.”

“He indeed has no idea.” Carlos was back now, wearing new clothes and when he walked up to my side, I shifted away warily. “Quit the explanation, let's go. There's no time.”

“After you, Lycan.” Elder Rowan replied respectfully as he bowed and I only looked at them while feeling wary. What did he mean by I was one of them?

I'm human. Always have been. Always will be.

Carlos walked upstairs, and I followed behind them while somehow planning to run if they tried to eat me or something.

We walked into what looked like a huge meeting hall, and that was when I noticed other elderly men sitting around a throne. The moment they saw Carlos, they stood up immediately, bowing in respect.

“Welcome back, Lycan Carlos.” They greeted and he simply hummed in response as he made his way to his throne. What a flex.

“I see you found the omega.” One of the elders said and Carlos' gaze fell on me while I stood there awkwardly as they scrutinized me with their gazes.

“Get the priestess here. The wedding needs to be done as soon as possible.” Carlos ordered and a guard standing by his throne bowed before he left.

“I had a question.” I spoke up before I could stop myself and the way they all glared at me made me realize I should have kept quiet. Only Rowan stared at me with a gentleness that felt familiar.

“Speak, child.” Rowan said and I swallowed nervously.

“Pardon my curiosity, but I only just found out that werewolves existed and that you all are… well…” I paused because I didn't want to call them—

“Animals?” Carlos interrupted my thoughts and I immediately shook my head, afraid of what he could do to me.

“I didn't mean it that way. But when you say it like that, yes.” I muttered and the elders scoffed, murmuring amongst themselves in displeasure. “What I'm trying to ask is why you think I'm one of you.”

They all exchanged surprised glances at each other, some scoffing while others whispered to each other, staring at me with a mocking expression.

I didn't need anyone to tell me that they didn't like me.

“Can someone please explain to him? He's a burden already and we aren't even married yet.” Carlos said and those words felt like a pang to my heart as I stared at him.

I wanted to remind him that he forced me here but Rowan got up instead.

“He should get ready for the ceremony. I'll fill him in on the details, Lycan. Please excuse us.” He said and other elders scoffed at him as he led me down the hallway.

All I wanted was an explanation, how dared he call me a burden?

“Don't mind our lord's harsh words. He's blunt at times.” He explained and I nodded, wondering why he was so nice to me. “In our pack, there are only alphas, betas and Lycans. Our lord is the last there is of the Lycan generation. And you are the last of the omegas.”

“But my parents are human.” I replied as he led me to a room. 

“They're probably not your parents. Or they've been hiding your identity. Omegas are rare. But male omegas? They're rarer. You're special, like a one-in-a-billion species.” He explained, opening the door and when I walked in, I gasped.

It was beautiful. Except it was dark just like the other places in this huge castle.

“Are the windows always closed?”

“As long as I remember.” He replied and then looked at me. “You should get dressed in white only. I'll be waiting out here for you. If you feel lonely, inform me, my son will be here to keep you company.”

“Thank you, Elder Rowan.” I said truthfully, feeling grateful that he didn't treat me like a burden. He finally left and without hesitation, I managed to drag the curtains open.

Light filtered into the room, enhancing the beauty and I gasped even more. When I glanced outside, there was a lavender branch that actually grew all the way to my window like it was waiting for me.

I pulled the window open and took a sprig of lavender, delighting in how good it smelled. Then I finally changed my clothes into the white outfit that had already been placed for me.

When I stared at the mirror, I looked like a prince. More like a princess but still, I looked great. I ran my fingers through my hair and then placed the lavender sprig into my pocket before walking out.

Should I consider running? What if I got bitten or attacked by a werewolf? The thought made me shudder.

When elder Rowan saw me, he had a satisfied smile on his face, looking at me like I was his son.

“Any more questions?” He asked as we made our way back to the meeting room where Carlos was.

“Will I be able to… transform like you do?” I asked and he laughed, shaking his head in amusement.

“It depends. Only the future can tell.” He replied and went silent when we appeared in front of Carlos. 

When he saw me, he looked like his breath had been taken away and it unconsciously made me feel flustered as he walked over to my side.

“The priestess is waiting for us.” He said and I had no choice but to nod because what could I do?

Instead of walking away, however, he took my hand in his, startling me, as he walked to only heaven knew. With how big this castle was, there was no way I wouldn't get lost.

We finally walked into what looked like a cave inside the castle and when the door behind me slammed shut, I flinched. 

Where the hell were we? What did I get myself into?

“Let's begin.” A voice said from behind me, earning a yelp from me as a figure brushed past me and I saw it was a woman.

She was dressed in beads and what looked like ancient clothing. But she looked as young as ever, her face radiant as she stared at me.

“You're the hope of our pack.” She said to me and I frowned. “It's a miracle my lord found you. You have been hidden so well…”

“I don't understand.” I muttered, letting go of Carlos' hand. “What hope? Why am I here? Why am I getting married to an… I mean, to a werewolf?”

“I'm not marrying you because I want to.” Carlos finally spoke, his voice cold and arms crossed over his chest. “Our marriage is nothing but a deal. Did you forget? This is done out of duty. Not love.”

“Why did you choose me then? Why not choose a lady? Someone more graceful and less of a burden?” I whispered and for a second, his gaze seemed to soften.

“Because you need to bear a child for the pack. The Lycan needs you to give him an heir.” The priestess said, and I froze. Then I laughed again.

Just today, I have heard so many absurd things but they weren't funny anymore.

“A child? An heir? I'm a man for crying out loud, how am I supposed to give birth to a child? Are you guys messing with me?” I asked in frustration, trying not to break down but she simply smiled at me.

“When they said you didn't know who you were, I thought it was a joke. You are an omega. Which means you have a uterus inside of you.” She walked up to me and touched my stomach, making me freeze. “In here.”

“That's impossible… I don't believe you…”

“Why do you think you're so feminine? Because you possess the features of all omegas. The ability to recreate life inside you. You can get pregnant and give birth, Riel.” She said and my blood ran cold.