The next day came, but the outing would not come off. Arlen caught a fever during the night. Julius' nose was filled with soft pheromones. Indeed, it was no ordinary fever, and if he stayed put, every alpha nearby would come knocking. "The suppressants didn't work. SSorry, does it hurt badly?" He used a cold towel on Arlen's skin. His Master could barely make out words. Arlen's breath was shallow yet faint, and it frightened him. Julius needed clarification. He could not leave Arlen in this state, yet whom would he call for help if not the Loughtys? Out of the storm came a saviour in the form of a princess. "Julius...Arlen?" Ari showed up at the door. She had been waiting for her cousin for hours and had to come around to find out what was eating his time. "Julius, are you burning fragrance again? It's pretty strong." Ari made a forced entry after knocking so many times. "Arlen!" She rushed to the bed in seconds, triggered by the youngster's whimpers. "What's wrong with him? Have

"It is my fault; I let him roam while guests were in the castle." Julius fell at Rufus' feet. This problem could merit being dismissed from Arlen's side, but he would not let his friend face this storm alone. Ari could not tear her eyes away from the youngest as fear eroded her thoughts. In Arlen's case, having contact with a Beaumont was taboo, not to talk of emotional attachments. "Did he see your face?" Rufus skipped to the next question. "Answer me!" He yelled when his cousin remained mute. "My Prince, the Beaumonts never saw Master Arlen's face." Julius shuffles on his knees to grab a leg, interfering with the alpha's interrogation. Rufus did not hesitate to kick him in the gut. "You do not speak unless you're told to! You foolishly encourage him to make life-threatening mistakes. Do you want my brother dead?!" He took it out on the servant. Arlen flinched, shaken by the harsh treatment. "Maybe I should lock you up in a cell or cut off your head this instant!" The sound of hi

The guards watched their surroundings closely and offered the Prince and his close servant water as they found a spot in the serene yet rocky landscape. Arlen wiped his mouth after quenching his thirst. "Master Arl- I mean, Julius," the new Arlen, had to get by in remembering his name and status. The old one was patient with him, saying that Julius would get it right once he was not around. "Have you decided which path to take?" Julius peered at the omega with concern. "I was thinking of seeing the misty borders of Ingram before we part. It's been so long I've forgotten how standing in that dark fog feels... but I might get off in the next town. Your men say it's not far from here." Arlen grinned. "So this is part of No-Man's-Land. It's not as scary as they say it is. It would have been nice to test Moon in these deserted lands." he pursed his lips playfully as he looked around. In his mind, he believed this forbidden place could be peaceful for someone like him. While they wander a

Reed found a better shelter and gathered food and water. Things did not go as planned, but heaven was on his side- leading him to see five of his men lost in the vast land. It was difficult leaving the Prince behind, but it proved fruitful. He had more people to help him protect the young Braddock. If this person stays alive, he can return home with his head high. But after the death of the Prince's special servant, the honour due him seemed to dwindle. "Your Highness, I brought fruits. Please manage them until I figure a way out." Reed went on his knees to present what he had found. For one man, it should be enough berries. Julius was in a sour mood. All the anger inside him mutated into something else after spending two hours alone with his thoughts and the unseen voices. "Sir..." "Take that thing away. Bring back my servant. Only then will I be satisfied," Julius said. Reed lowered his eyes remorsefully as he gathered the drive to repeat what he had stated earlier and more. "Th

Telling day from the night was close to impossible. Arlen and Luca made no count of the hours spent so far. But they had been buried underground with the beast for two days and two nights. Half the time was spent with both parties thinking the worst of each other in silence, while the other half focused on the omega spying on the alpha. Luca stayed put. He firmly believed the men outside would send for help. Arlen was not counting on it. Getting help meant him being captured again. Nevertheless, his chances of escaping this den seemed bleak without assistance. His quest for food jolts his mind to the small pouch hidden in his pocket. A smile lit up his face when he picked up Moon. Holding it brought a little comfort, yet it turns sour when he thinks back to the people who must be waiting for him...and Julius. He wondered if Julius was okay. 'He probably thinks I'm dead. *sigh* I must send him a letter if I get out of here. My Jules must be bawling his eyes out.' "There are nuts