Page 101 of Daughter of Garnet

Compulsory conscription. They won't be able to say no.

And this is why I cannot let my father find out about Zoe. An Omega of her power has no hope of a regular life. As much as my soul hurts at not having her, keeping her at arm's length is the right call.

"What will happen after the five years of community service?" The Prime Alpha from Krotha, Oren's province, leans on the table, propped on his elbows. He's got a look on his face that makes my skin crawl. "Will they be assigned to a pack?"

"If, at the end of the five years, they are still able to complete their Omega duties, they will be assigned to a pack at my discretion." My father folds his hands together and places them on the table. "There are so many packs seeking an Omega that the only fair thing to do would be to have them apply and assign them to a pack based on need and merit."

What he means is that he will gift Omegas to those who do what he wants as a reward.

My father turns his attention to the Arcanist. "Any theory on why we weren't Blessed with any Omegas this year?"

The holy man shakes his head. "No, Archon. The Gods have not spoken their reasons. We can only assume that there were none worthy. I recommend that the universities introduce a training curriculum to familiarize our citizens with the requirements of being an Omega. This will be limited to those who are determined to be the most likely to receive a Blessing. If citizens are trained into being what the Gods want to see in an Omega, I believe the Gods will be more likely to bestow the Blessing."

Every time I think we cannot stoop any lower, the people in this room prove just how untrue that is. Picking out people they believe to be worthy of a Blessing? Who is to decide that?

"Brilliant idea. Let's start that right now. We do not want to wait for another crop of graduations to go through the ceremony, waiting for Blessings that may not come." He stands from the table and begins to pace, hands clasped behind his back to keep his shoulders rigid.

I know whatever comes out of his mouth next will be bad. This is the same position he'd take when I was about to receive a particularly painful punishment.

"My final order of business, and the main reason I called this meeting today, was because of something my son said to me a few weeks ago. He stated that he thought there might be an Omega concealing their designation by pretending to be a Beta. It's an interesting possibility. I'd like to request a repeat ceremony. Arcanist, high priests, if you are so inclined, I believe we should travel to the Institute and have all Betas undergo the ceremony again."

Oh, fuck.

Zoe.

He'll find out what she is and either make her a community asset or, more likely, use her for political gain. I can't let that happen. She's my Omega. If she's discovered, I will claim her as my scent match. It is a sacred bond. No one will be able to take her from me, not even my father.

I'd still prefer he not know of her existence at all, but if she shifts, I'll claim her then and there.

Even if she fights me.

The high priest of Ilota's church, an ancient Alpha with white hair and pale eyes, scoffs. "The Gods do not make mistakes."

My father resents that her high priest is here. He believes that because she has withheld her Blessing, she has abandoned us and no longer needs her interests represented.

But now I know that is not the case. She's Blessed at least one person, and it has flown under the radar. How many more are out there? I can feel, in my soul, that it is in everyone's best interest that my father does not find out about any more Blessed by Ilota, if they exist.

"You misunderstand me, high priest Abraham. I am not implying the Gods make mistakes. I believe that people do, and some may be concealing their designations to avoid their duty to Kestia." He ceases his pacing and smiles magnanimously at the group around the table. "And maybe the Gods will deign to Bless some anew. We have to try, for the betterment of our society."

It's not long before the council agrees to gather the things for a repeat ceremony. They want to hold it tomorrow.

There is barely any time to warn Zoe.

As I try to leave, my father claps me on the shoulder, pride shining in his eyes.

"This is a great thing for our people. I'm glad you brought it to my attention. I couldn't have done this without your insight."

CHAPTER 48

Zoe

Something in the air at the academy has the hair on the back of my neck standing on end. I've tried to ask Ilota about it, but she's quiet. I know that her ability to talk to me is predicated on people believing her, but is my belief not enough?

Viv feels it, too.

"Something weird is going on, right?" she asks as we grab coffees from the third floor of the Hub. "It feels like there is a secret we're not in on."

I sip my latte and join her in one of the window nooks. "I feel the exact same thing. I've tried asking… my mother what is going on, but she's been silent."