Page 57 of Omega Sanctuary

Somewhere out there, women were afraid. Stolen from their homes for the gods only knew what.

"This is more important." I put my chin on his shoulder. "You have to find them."

"I don't want to leave you." Valens sighed.

"I'll be safe at the Sanctuary?" I asked.

"Yes." Valens grumbled.

"So you and Hashier will have to find them quickly." I kissed his cheek.

The mood turned morose once we cemented the plan. I cuddled next to Valens in our shared bedroll.

"I don't want to leave you," he said softly. "You'll be in heat soon."

"Can you visit?" I nestled into his chest.

"When I can. This will probably be a slower process than we hope."

It wasn't like they would just stumble over missing omegas in a few days. Not if the people were powerful enough to take them without being caught.

"I have a two-way glass," Valens said. "We will be able to speak with somewhat regularity."

It would have to be enough.

"Maybe it will be easier to find an alpha."

I made a face. "I was planning on using you as a screening process."

"I trust your judgment." He leaned closer to my ear. "Pick us out someone good."

I shivered. Drat him for turning me on when it was bedtime.

I rolled over and slept poorly.

In the morning, we rode closer and closer to the sea. The scent of the air changed to salt.

I had worried I wouldn't know when we arrived at the Sanctuary, but as we drew closer, I saw why no one bothered to describe it for me.

It was a massive white structure made of all sorts of interconnecting buildings. It looked like a temple, with tall columns and flowing gardens. It sat on the edge of a cliff, with the edge of the sea lapping at the shore.

It took my breath away. I leaned forward in my seat, watching as we approached.

The road dipped to the side until we flanked the sea, and crystal blue water rolled against the beach.

"Can I see, I want to..." I started to edge to the end of the wagon.

"Let me stop the horses," Valens said with a laugh.

I waited until the wagon was mostly stopped and then jumped out. The ground here was sandy and soft, and the giant blue sea sat in front of me. It was everything and nothing at once.

This is what it must be like to be in the presence of a god.

I ran as fast my legs could carry me. The low rush of the water called to me.

My boots dug into the sand oddly, but I ran until I reached the edge of the sea.

I took a deep breath in and let it out. The sky was the same shade, a crystal blueish green so beautiful it almost hurt.

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