Page 98 of Omega Sanctuary

I smiled. Maybe I wasn't the only one craving cuddles.

I went back to the Sanctuary and slept better than I had in weeks.

Asano wasn’t an alpha, but being around him made me feel alive. That had to count for something.

After the last failed gala, Deja insisted I attend a local tea party. It was supposed to be a small venue, where artists of the community came to talk. I'd gotten out of going before since my etiquette lessons were still basic, but since the galas weren't getting me anywhere this seemed to be the compromise.

I traveled with Nova and wished Asano or Nikki could have come with us.

Nova nudged my shoulder. "How you holding up?"

I sighed. "Tired of being tired and sore."

"It will come." Nova pated my hand. "They're in a rush because of this business with the omegas, and your magic, but it will happen."

I made a face, and Nova laughed.

"You're sure there's nothing going on between you and the prince?"

My face flushed. "I want him more than I want dessert, but you see how he is."

Nova bit her lip. "He's the Crown Prince. Theoretically, his omega would live on Ember Island with him and be queen."

"Definitely don't want to be queen." I shuddered.

"I know, but even if that was a possibility, you're going to go work in a Shrine?"

I rubbed my chest. "My entire life just flashed before my eyes."

"Consider what you want your future to look like," Nova said. "It will be easier to fight for that."

"I don't even know what being a Shrine Priestess would look like."

"Maybe we could arrange a visit?" Nova suggested. "Excuse to travel?"

It was a good idea. I would have to ask Aalina later.

We arrived at the gardens. I'd spent the previous afternoon strolling through the streets with Asano, and it wasn't as compelling without him making jokes at my side.

We entered the building. It was pretty at least, with large glass windows letting in natural light. Our priestess escort led us down a long hallway and opened a wrought iron door.

A small room spread out before us, small tables dotting the space which was broken up by potted plants. It was serene and relaxing, save for the alphas in the room. There was enough energy crashing around to hit me like a cold wind, and I wished for Nikki's soothing influence.

"Time for the gauntlet," Nova said and put on a bright smile.

People sat in small groups, laughter lifting over the soft music.

"Good afternoon, everyone." Nova lifted her hands. "This is Zara, and it's her first time here in the Gardens."

The small crowd murmured their welcome.

"Here is the new omega!" A man stepped forward, lightly clapping. Despite the crush of alphas in the room, his energy stood out, a single flame in the dark.

I braced myself, my breath catching in my throat.

He was gorgeous, lean and tall like a panther. His inky black hair curled gently against his stark white collar, with dots of gray at the temples. I'd seen white collars against dark coats before, but his shirt was open at the throat, like he was some sort of pirate here on a pleasure trip to the coast.

He grinned, and heat rushed through me. It wasn't hard to fake my smile anymore.

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