Page 170 of Psycho Pack

I've never seen anything like it.

The pristine marble towers catch the light, gleaming like ice against the violet sky streaked with gold and orange. In the distance, I notice the bustle of markets coming to life, people moving with fluid grace through streets that look more like works of art than functional thoroughfares.

"It's beautiful," I breathe, unable to tear my eyes away from the view.

Plague hums in agreement, his chest vibrating against my back. "I'd almost forgotten," he murmurs. "I spent so long running from this place, I never stopped to appreciate its beauty."

I turn in his arms, looking up at him. There's a wistfulness in his eyes I've never seen before.

"Do you regret coming back?" I ask softly.

He's quiet for a long moment, considering. "No," he says finally. "I think... I think I needed to face this. To remember where I came from." His lips quirk in a small smile. "And to realize how much I've changed."

I lean up, pressing a gentle kiss to his jaw.

"We all have," I murmur.

His arm tightens around me, and I melt into his embrace. We stand there in comfortable silence, watching as the city below us comes to life. It's mesmerizing, seeing so many people going about their daily lives without fear. Without the constant threat of violence that hangs over every interaction in Reinmich.

"I want to show you the city," Plague says suddenly. "All of you. There's so much to see. So much I took for granted when I lived here."

I pull back slightly, searching his face. "Are you sure? I know being back here is... complicated for you."

"I'm sure," he says, nodding. "I want you to experience all the things I never appreciated." He pauses, a mischievous glint entering his eyes. "Besides, I think it's time we did some shopping. Get these alphas to look less like wild beasts, and send you on your first shopping spree. We'll need disguises for the Alpha's Alpha, anyway."

I can't help the excited flutter in my chest at the thought. I've never had new clothes before, let alone gone shopping. The idea of exploring this impossible city with my alphas, of experiencing something so wonderfullynormal... it's almost overwhelming.

"I'd like that," I say.

Behind us, I hear the rustle of sheets and a chorus of sleepy grumbles. The others are starting to wake up. Plague and I turn, watching with fond amusement as our alphas slowly come to life.

Whiskey is the first to sit up, his chestnut hair wild. He blinks blearily, squinting against the morning light. "What's goin' on?" he slurs. "We under attack?"

I can't help but laugh at that. "No attacks," I assure him. "Just a beautiful morning in Surhiira."

That seems to wake him up fully. He looks around, taking in our opulent surroundings with wide eyes before hauling himself out of bed and walking up to the window to join Plague and me.

"Holy fuckin' shit," he breathes. "What a sunrise."

"Language," Plague chides with a smirk.

Thane is next, rising with his usual strong, quiet grace. "You're up early," he remarks, his eyes softening as he looks me over. I probably look like a wreck with my hair all wild and untamed, but it's clear from the way he's looking at me, he doesn't agree.

I shrug, unable to keep the smile from my face. "Couldn't sleep. Too excited, I guess."

Valek stretches languidly, his feline grace in full bloom again now that he isn't so fucked up. "Excited for what, little omega?" he purrs. "Has the princess promised you some royal fun?"

"Shopping, actually," Plague says before I can respond. "I thought we could all use some new clothes. And there are some things I'd like Ivy to see."

That gets everyone's attention.

I guess none of us have ever really had the chance to just... buy things. To choose what we want to wear, what we want to surround ourselves with.

The next hour is a whirlwind of activity as we all get ready for the day. Attendants appear as if summoned by magic, helping us dress in silky white clothes that are far more comfortable than they look.

I can hardly believe my eyes as I take in our reflections in the ornate mirror. Gone are the battle-worn, bloodstained clothes we arrived in. In their place, we're all adorned in outfits that look like they belong in a fairy tale.

My dress is a masterpiece of flowing white silk that shimmers with every movement, catching the light like the surface of Surhiira's lake. After being with my pack, my curves have filled out a bit more, and this dress hugs each and every one of them. My wild auburn hair has been tamed into loose waves, adorned with tiny golden pins shaped like ibis feathers.

---