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!... 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

"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,

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

To Arlen, keeping Kraken close was the medicine he needed most. He fed the creature and tended to its snapping nature in exchange for substantial amounts of resentful energy.However, his mood remained glum. Arlen was so disturbed that not even Ari's delicious food could put a smile on his face. For days, he locked himself up, lost in his thoughts. This bothered his siblings tremendously.Upon his return, Rufus did not hide anything from his mother and his sister about what had transpired in Damaris, not even about Luca's role in Arlen's escape. Ari felt sorry for Arlen. Her cousin would be forced to give up the alpha he loved for the second time."Do not allow the Crown Prince of Damaris anywhere near your brother. I forbid it!" Basma warned Ari and Rufus. Rufus pursed his mouth, nodding quietly. It's not like he would have allowed it in the first place.Indeed, Luca showed up a couple of days later. He tried to reason with his father before making his final decision, but Roxanne sto