Page 20

"I can't always be around. Of course, alone. Or you can stay locked in here. It's your choice."

Lars was flabbergasted, unsure if Phoenix was just pulling his chain.

"What if I run?"

The Alpha's laugh boomed, causing Lars to blush with embarrassment. Phoenix finished strapping on his belt. He pulled out the de-shifter rod and tested it before slipping it into its holster. The crackle of purple electricity that momentarily spat from the end made Lars jump.

"If you run, then I'll find you. I'll find you no matter where you go. I willalwaysbe able to find your scent, Omega. But you won't run. You can't leave. We both know what you need, and I know that it's only gotten stronger." He drew on his coat and went for the door. "Go outside. Or don't. You can make that choice. But you won't always have such autonomy. But one thing—if you speak your true name to anyone... neither Griffin or I will be able to stop whatever may happen to you."

Then he was gone, the door slamming behind him.

Lars stood motionless for some time, his heart pounding. He was waiting for something to happen, for Phoenix come bursting back in. Nothing happened. He walked to the door and tested the handle. It was unlocked.

Inside the wardrobe were several outfits—nothing extravagant, but real clothing. And they all seemed to be soaked in Phoenix's scent; every piece he pulled smelled like it'd been in contact with the Alpha's body. Maybe that was his way of reminding Lars who he belonged to.

He changed out of the grey servant garb and put on some wool trousers, a red shirt made of a knit fabric, and the overcoat that Phoenix had placed over his shoulders. Then he went back to the door.

After some debating, he opened it. Would he be punished for this?

No, Phoenix had given him permission to leave. As unpredictable as he was, as horrible as he could be, Phoenix had never lied. Both brothers always kept their word, and always spoke plainly. He was worried that he would learn about a new, even more sadistic side to Phoenix, but the thought of taking back even just an iota of his freedom trumped the fear.

He stepped into the hallway. When he went downstairs, he passed by soldiers who paid him no attention. There was no one coming after him to stop him, no one watching him. He made his way through the lobby of the banquet hall, which was draped on both sides with Xyletian banners and flags, flying towards the double doors at the entrance. Soon he was past them too, the final barrier. He heard the sound and bustle of the street and the warm afternoon air on his face. He was outside.

He hurried through town, keeping his head down and hidden from the groups of passing soldiers. He would blend into the crowd and leave the town and be free. He could go far away, somewhere beyond the reach of the Empire. There were countries to the west across the ocean that hadn't been touched by the war. He could go there. The brothers wouldn't be able to find him.

A passing truck swerved and honked, narrowly avoiding Lars as he stepped out into the street. He stumbled back nearly fell over a vagrant wolf who was walking behind him, a sack of belongings tied around his back.

"Watch where the bloody hell you're going," the wolf snarled.

"I apologize," Lars said quickly, stepping back onto the safety of the sidewalk. He'd never walked a street on his own before. In fact, he'd never walked a street at all. The times he'd traveled around the capital had always been in a vehicle convoy, with an escort. The streets had always been so empty, and he'd never bothered to wonder why.

He tried to remember the way they'd entered the town, but he quickly realized that he was out of his depth. He didn't know how to navigate. So he walked straight, following the sparse traffic of people and wolves who were walking in the same direction.

An overwhelming feeling of curiosity came over him. These were the citizens of Ekdol,hispeople. He'd heard about them all his life and had never before met an Ekdolian of the common class before. He wanted to speak to them. Get to know the people who occupied so much of his heart and mind.

"Excuse me," he said to an older woman who was hefting a large trunk under one arm.

"Yes, I could use some help," she replied, sighing in relief. "By the hounds of Hell, I was beginning to wonder if anyone had any common courtesy to assist an old lady."

"Ah..."

She dropped the trunk on the ground. "You're a kind young man. Rare breed these days."

Lars hadn't actually intended to volunteer himself to carry her luggage, but he did so anyway. His eyes bugged out when he hoisted up the bag—the thing felt like it must've contained everything she owned.

"I'm just heading towards the checkpoint," she said. "If you can help me for as far as you're going in that direction, it's greatly appreciated."

"I'm going there, too," he said.

"Well, good."

"Do you know the way?"

She laughed. "Well, I sure hope so. It'd be terrible if I forgot how to get out of a town with one main road!"

"Are you leaving Estria?" he asked.

"Indeed I am. Might be opportunities for a young man like yourself—" She paused and sniffed. "Are you an Alpha, or a Beta? My senses have dulled and I can't so easily these days."