A week later, 1500 citizens from the three other kingdoms arrived in Noctis Vhaelor.
I stood by the window, watching them flood the streets as they were ushered in, their heads down, movements slow. I didn’t know why I was looking so closely. It wasn’t like I was going to recognize anyone. I’d grown up surrounded by Alphas, warriors, and councilmen. The ones sent here? Likely omegas, nameless and discarded by their own people.
Still, I couldn’t stop watching. Maybe some foolish part of me hoped to see a familiar face. A glimpse of home—whatever that meant now.
Behind me, Calix was still asleep.
Sharing a room with him was a nightmare dressed as luxury. The bed was massive, the sheets like velvet, and the view divine—but I was trapped. Caged in a golden chamber I couldn’t leave.
He sle
