Chapter 3

The silence in the room was brief as we discovered only a young omega standing in the doorway.

She frowned.

"Did…I interrupt something?"

Mira blinked first.

"Alice?"

"There you are!" Alice hurried inside, hands on her hips. "I've been looking everywhere for you. The head cook is furious. She said if you don't get back to the kitchen this instant, she'll have both our heads."

Mira and I exchanged a quick glance.

Relief flooded through me knowing she didn't hear us. 

"Oh..." Mira let out a breath. "Is that all?"

Alice looked between us, confused.

"What else would it be?"

"Nothing," Mira answered quickly. "We're coming."

Alice shrugged.

"Well, hurry up."

She disappeared down the corridor as quickly as she had come. The moment she was gone, Mira shut the door again.

"I nearly had a heart attack."

"You're not the only one." I muttered.

She looked at me for a long moment before speaking.

"Please, don't go."

I already knew what she meant.

"If Darius knows..." she continued, "...if anyone knows, they'll blame you for it."

"I know."

"So please, don't let it happen."

I picked up my wooden practice sword from the corner of the room.

"I have to go."

"Lucien…"

"I can't spend the rest of the day hiding Mira, I need to clear my head."

She sighed in defeat.

"Then promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise."

She didn't look convinced, so I offered her the smallest smile as she walked out and slammed the door. I remained still and quiet where I stood long after Mira had gone. My gaze drifted to my hands. They looked no different from anyone else's, yet I knew the truth.

If I wanted to, I could end all this. Darius, His friends, the humiliation, the constant reminder that I was nothing more than a weak omega. It would all disappear. I slowly clenched my fist and shook my head, trying to shake off the disturbing thoughts.

I could manage before stepping out into the corridor.

The good thing was nobody knew about it yet, but I knew I needed to find a way to figure out whether Darius knew or not.

The field was relatively empty when I got there because it wasn't training hours. I moved to a quiet corner and began training on my own. Though my movements were stiff at first because my mind was somewhere else, still I forced myself to focus.

I was about to round up when I heard footsteps and giggles approaching. I knew who it was immediately; Darius and his minions. They were headed towards me.

I tightened my grip slightly and every step they took made the atmosphere warmer. Their whispers and laughter grew louder until they were right behind me.

I exhaled calmly and quietly and I turned around, forcing myself to stay still and look unaffected, even though I already knew how it would end.

“Look who decided to train today,” Darius said mockingly, with a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“What do you want?” I retorted.

He chuckled and glanced at the others behind him, then he took a step closer.

His eyes dragged over me slowly, taking in my breathing, my stance and every little detail like he was searching for something to laugh at, then he scoffed.

“Training doesn't give omegas extra powers. I'm just here to remind you that you're just wasting your time.” He said, shaking his head.

“Who said I needed extra powers?” I asked bluntly.

“Maybe you don't or maybe you think it will make you more attractive, don't you?” Darius added teasingly and they all burst out laughing.

“You really thought throwing yourself at my brother would change anything?” voice dropping just enough to make it sting.

“That one kiss suddenly made you worth something? Face it,” Darius said, straightening.

I couldn't believe my ears.

Darius knew? How?

“Training won’t change anything, neither will it make you attractive enough for Arthur. You're just a weak omega, and that's all you'll ever be.”

My chest tightened and my throat burned. The laughter was louder this time. It wasn't just him, they all knew.

I wanted to ask him how he knew or defend myself at least but I didn't, I couldn't. I needed to leave the spot, so I turned and started to walk away.

I'd barely taken two steps when I felt a sharp sting. Something sharp pierced the side of my neck.

Pain spread instantly through my neck and my hand flew to the spot.

Something thin protruded from my skin and I yanked it free with trembling fingers—A tiny dart.

My vision blurred, my knees became weak and a bitter scent invaded my senses.

No...

Wolfsbane.

I staggered with a blurry vision and fell to the ground.

Everything went dark.