Page 170 of Knot Your Fated M.U.S.E.

"I consider myself a good person," he begins, voice carrying notes of false benevolence. "I truly hate seeing alphas suffer unnecessarily, especially over such weak, pitiful omegas." His gaze fixes on me with unsettling intensity. "Though I'll admit, Patient 495, you've exceeded initial expectations."

The way he studies me carries weight of scientific observation, clinical assessment wrapped in predatory interest.

"I knew something was special about you from the beginning. Which is exactly why I've been curating you, ensuring you're properly prepared for the set of alphas I've kept in Ravenscroft's captivity these many years."

"Alphas?" Dante's question carries sharp disbelief. "You don't keep them hostage. It's against their rights."

Charles's laugh holds no warmth, only cruel amusement at such naivety.

"The fine line in this world of hierarchy and 'rules' is very thin when you really think about it." His fingers trace the pen's surface as he continues. "In this sinister reality, everything operates on exchange. People give and take. One must sacrifice to reach the next level of life."

His explanation carries weight of twisted philosophy, each word selected for maximum impact.

"Without sacrifice, you're left to suffer, never reaching the grand scheme's conclusion."

Those cold eyes find mine again, holding my gaze with triumphant malice.

"I have a set of alphas back at the asylum that you'd be perfect for. They're a bit rough...feral, I suppose, after so long in captivity."

Pride colors his tone as he continues.

"I do aim to feed them, keep up appearances, but all the lethal cage fights are really quite straining."

Cage fights?

The revelation hits like a physical blow. How many horrors occurred behind Ravenscroft's walls that even I never witnessed?

How many alphas suffered similar fate to omegas I'd watched disappear?

"Though you may break, given how... innocent you are." His gaze travels my body with possessive assessment that makes my skin crawl. "But I'm sure those desperate alphas can whip you into shape in that department. That's the purpose of your body anyway. To please and service."

Three deep growls erupt simultaneously, the sound so primal it makes me flinch. Atlas, Dante, and Kieran's fury fills the roomwith lethal promise, their protective rage manifesting in waves of alpha pheromones that would terrify any normal person.

It makes my instincts go wild, while my mind races along the fact they’ve become so protective of me, but what can we do? Vale’s life is at risk.

Charles just laughs, the sound carrying genuine amusement at their display.

"Awww, how cute." His smile holds nothing but mockery. "But there's nothing you three can do about it. You should have bonded with your omega while you had the chance."

Contempt drips from every word as he continues.

“Funny how alphas always want to be so soft and tender with omegas, all because of trauma bullshit." His head shakes in exaggerated disappointment. "Now look at your ends. Laughable."

I reach for the contract with steady hands that belie the trembling in my heart.

The terms lay bare in stark black and white –no hidden clauses, no deceptive language, just simple exchange.My return to Ravenscroft's walls for Vale's complete treatment and recovery, all expenses covered.

My eyes fix on the success rate statistics: 98% chance of full recovery and return to normal function.

The number burns into my mind like a hot brand, offering hope I dare not show on my face. This treatment could save him, could restore everything his condition has stolen.

The realization settles deep in my bones – this is the only way to protect Vale. To save him in a way that only I can manage, only I can provide. The pack will survive without me. They can find another omega, one without my damage, my complications, my history of violence and clinical conditioning.

Once Vale recovers, once he's back to full strength and health, they can move forward. Build a better future. Findhappiness again without a reminder of what Ravenscroft's influence cost them.

I'm just one stepping stone in their journey.

Temporary refuge that gave me a glimpse of what pack life could be, even if experience proved heartbreakingly brief.

---