Page 13 of The Other Omega

I was still confused, and my head hurt, but I was too tired to keep fighting sleep. I let my eyes close and fell asleep in Mum’s arms.

Chapter 4

Lady Elowen

We reached Temeria shortly before dawn. Worry about whether my plan had worked, or whether someone had already discovered what I had done, kept me awake during the journey. I had been warned to prepare for any outcome, but I still hoped my family would never learn of my betrayal. I would rather they thought me dead. Knowing my parents, I believed that would be easier for them to bear than the truth.

Then again, whatever the wound, my family would heal in time. They were an exceptionally strong Pack; of that I had no doubt. Besides, my parents had two other daughters, and my sisters had each other. New matches would come soon enough, and with that, another opportunity to find happiness.

Come what may, I could not afford to dwell on them now. Too much lay ahead of me, and I gained nothing by thinking about how much I would miss them. I would have years for that later.

The view through the window almost took my breath away. Temeria spread beneath us, more magnificent than any painting I had seen of the Water Kingdom’s capital. I had never realised how much of it seemed to float. The city occupied a chain of islands linked by graceful bridges and narrow strips of land, with dark blue water stretching around it in every direction.

Under different circumstances, I would have been delighted. Mother had visited as a young woman and loved telling us about the floating gardens, the old palace and the little boats that carried people between the islands. I had always imagined arriving aboard one of our ships, staying in a suite overlooking the western harbour and spending weeks exploring. Instead, I was hidden aboard a small airship, arriving like a criminal.

We landed in an enclosed courtyard surrounded by buildings. As soon as the hatch opened, I saw six Alphas lined up outside. All wore plain dark clothing, with no crests or insignia to identify their Packs, Houses or even their kingdom of origin.

The largest approached and stopped at the foot of the hatch, inclining his head. “Welcome, my lady.”

I drew my cloak more tightly around myself and took his offered hand as I climbed down. “Thank you.”

He gave no name or introduction, and even the Alpha who had flown me all the way to Temeria left without so much as a farewell.

“My lady.” The Alpha beside me gestured towards a doorway in the courtyard wall.

“You may take me directly to my private quarters. I am in great need of rest.”

Grey stone walls rose three storeys around the courtyard, broken by narrow windows and the occasional iron balcony. No gardens, fountains, or decorative tiles. I had expected something rather different. This was supposed to be a secure residence where I could remain until it was safe to travel farther from Kharith. Naturally, I had imagined a discreet private estate along the coast.

This looked more like a lower residence.

“I was told she would meet me when I arrived.”

“She is expected.”

“Yes, to greet me, but never mind. We can discuss her absence when we meet.”

“As you wish, my lady.”

A guard unlocked the iron gate across the corridor, and I followed the Alpha through. We passed four more guarded doors, each unlocked to admit us and promptly locked behind us.

“Is all of this truly necessary?”

“For your safety, my lady.”

Until now, I had never travelled alone or taken much interest in my own security arrangements. I wished I had asked my fathers about them.

“May I ask your name?”

The Alpha glanced down at me. “Rourke.”

“Are you responsible for this residence?”

“No.”

“Who is?”

“You will meet him later.”