The next day, the sun was barely rising above the treeline when Queen Alia led Heiko and River to the far edge of the royal estate. The towering walls of the palace faded behind them as they followed her down a quiet path into a secluded training ground hidden in a forest clearing. It was large, circular, and surrounded by ancient trees, utterly shielded from prying eyes and wandering ears.
River’s steps were hesitant, her nerves clinging to her like a second skin.
The memory of Alia’s final words the previous night—“I have a strong suspicion that you’re not an omega at all”—haunted her every thought. She’d barely slept, her body restless, her mind spiraling.
Heiko had stayed close through the night, whispering words meant to soothe her, holding her tightly as if he could silence the s
