Page 59 of Omega Sanctuary

"Of course," Deja said. "Let me show you around."

We didn't want them to know he and Hashir were really going out to find the missing omegas, so his guardian status seemed like the easiest explanation.

We followed the Priestesses into the Temple. Deja gestured down a hallway, and the other women dispersed.

The Temple was a sprawling lay out of interconnected rooms leading into small garden areas. There was an entire wing devoted to classrooms where I would learn magic, etiquette, rituals, everything that came with being an omega.

I swallowed hard. We passed groups of mostly women from teenagers to the elderly. They gave us curious looks as they continued with their tasks.

There was a large shrine to our patron goddess Aramis, goddess of Love, and all her attending saints near the front of the buildings.

"There is a small village we sometimes go into for leisure trips or to get out into the world." Deja took us down a long hallway. The interior of the Temple was bright and airy, with urns of ferns and flowers and long hanging tapestries. "We also travel around the coast meeting lords and people of import."

I'd expected to feel trapped, but instead the interior was calming.

Deja gestured at a set of doors. "We like to spread the living spaces out, so the girls aren't piled up on each other. Since you two are adults, we've given you some more private rooms."

My cheeks heated. We were adults, which meant we were going to be having sex.

Deja stopped at the end of the hallway. "This will be your room, Zara."

She stepped aside so I could open the door. Taking Valens's hand, I went inside.

It was bigger than the house I shared with Nan. I stepped into a living room with a long couch, coffee table, and chairs. A place that invited people to sit and talk. There was a door off to the side, and I poked my head in. A bedroom with the largest bed I ever saw. I grinned at Valens and then followed a short hallway into a kitchen area.

"A kitchen." I grinned. Some of the tension in my chest loosened.

Valens gestured back to the living room. "There's a balcony too."

Two large double doors with long glass panels let early morning light into the space. I opened the door, and found a small balcony. We were high on the cliff, so the sea stretched in both directions as far as I could see.

"Everything okay?" Deja cocked her head. "Let us know what personal supplies you need."

"It's beautiful."

"Nova's room is just down the hall."

I grinned at Nova. "She might be tired of me after a long trip."

Nova gave me a faint smile. "I'll put up with you a while longer."

Nova's room was similar to mine. I'd assumed we would just have a bedroom, but it was more like a small apartment.

Valens stayed closed to me, maybe because he knew I was considering bolting. I loved the rooms, but it was feeling too real now.

Soon he would leave and I would have to stop pretending we were all on a trip together.

Deja smiled at me. "You've had a long journey. Why don't you two get settled in, say your goodbyes and we'll see you for dinner?"

"Thank you." My lips felt numb and my voice trembled.

Deja left, and Hashir slumped onto Nova's couch. "At least you two will be kept in comfort."

I sighed, and sat on the opposite couch. Valens sat next to me and I tucked myself against him.

"I wish you didn't have to leave."

He kissed my temple. "I can stay, darling."

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