Page 2 of Knot Gonna Lie (Syzygy Omegaverse #1)
CHAPTER TWO
ELARA
The gentle hum that perpetually radiated from The Center had always amazed me—a symphony of hushed conversations weaving through the air like silk threads, binding our community in whispered intimacies.
How could a station filled with such diverse souls create this harmonious tapestry of sound, this collective breath that seemed to pulse with the very heartbeat of sanctuary?
When I entered The Center for the first time twelve years ago, I was uneasy about the phenomena—but now, it was normal.
After being born and raised in a small Earth town where silence stretched like empty fields between neighbors, the light crowd flowing through the curved walkways felt overwhelming.
Color-coded doorways lined the walls like jewels set in polished stone, each one promising wonders I’d never imagined—but was something to get used to.
I’d never seen a historic mall, much less a shopping center, before my scent turned sweet and everything changed.
One moment I was at school taking a test, the next I was hugging my beta parents goodbye before boarding the vessel bound for Syzygy Station to start my new sheltered life as an omega. As soon as I stepped onto the hangar, Quinn became my assigned caretaker, then slowly, my dearest friend.
I hadn’t seen or heard from my family ever since—which was sadly typical of omegas and sometimes gammas.
My gaze caught on a doe-eyed young boy strolling in the opposite direction, his adult male gamma hovering protectively beside him, pointing out landmarks with gentle explanations. Today marked the beginning of his journey, and tomorrow would herald the start of the end of mine.
Such was the circle of life on Syzygy.
After dwelling on the station for so long, walking amongst other unmated omegas with their gamma caretakers brought an odd comfort.
Our community possessed a camaraderie born of shared purpose—we all knew why we were here, all navigating similar passages through carefully orchestrated lives.
Eventually, all unmated omegas would be paired off, leaving their gamma caretakers to decide what paths their own futures would take.
The acceptance of this pattern made it less melancholy, especially knowing things could be far worse—as they once were before Syzygy Station existed.
Only vetted betas and alphas were permitted aboard the station, which meant they had valid reasons for being here and operated under gamma enforcer supervision.
Most betas were station workers or merchants, providing services or selling goods for profit—not hoping to join an omega’s pack.
But it was the alphas who had always stirred my wariness.
Most piloted their own vessels, needing an omega to fulfill their crew’s requirements.
Others were politicians, high-ranking businessmen, or business owners hoping to strike deals with the station while walking away with an omega.
I’d witnessed plenty attempting to catch unmated omegas about to enter The Den, promising glamorous lifestyles filled with dream nests and passionate encounters.
While not against station law, such behavior was frowned upon.
Anyone resorting to such tactics seemed desperate—if they needed to poach unmated omegas outside The Den, it suggested they lacked confidence in other areas.
The Den was designed to provide us with a curated selection of thoroughly background-checked alphas ready for the opportunity to court me.
I was prepared to begin my own process and wasn’t desperate enough to compromise it for some impatient alpha wanting to bypass the system.
This was my chance to determine who I wanted to spend eternity with, not a reward for the first pleasant-smelling alpha who approached me.
Syzygy Station had truly become an omega haven.
We never feared kidnapping or forced bonding with our caretakers beside us and gamma enforcers throughout the corridors.
The ventilation system sent calming synthetic pheromones into the air, keeping omegas tranquil while preventing alphas from entering frenzied ruts.
This created neutral ground where everyone could coexist without fear.
Rather than shopkeepers calling to passersby like at planet-side outdoor markets, merchants here served customers from within their establishments. This kept noise levels manageable and prevented omegas from becoming overwhelmed. For them, being chosen for a spot in The Center was a great honor.
Omegas would always need clothes, jewelry, and other necessities.
There was no need for shopkeepers to constantly pursue sales through shouting—such behavior was beneath them.
We would always need their services. They existed to provide us with glamorous items for our time in The Den, where we displayed ourselves to potential alphas.
Once marked by their chosen alpha, omegas would need nesting supplies and beginning necessities for their new lives beyond the station.
Glancing around, I noticed we were entering the jewelry and accessories section, evidenced by the emerald door markings beneath illuminated signs.
I sighed, realizing Quinn would attempt to convince me to spend some of my saved allowance on jewelry.
She knew how much I preferred using credits for practical things like new wardrobes and nesting supplies, but she believed I shouldn’t worry about such matters and should focus on looking my absolute best.
My eyes locked on a blue-eyed omega with long brown hair exiting Sally’s Scarfs.
She offered me a small smile with a quick nod as we passed.
Her gamma leaned unusually close with their arm wrapped around her waist. Their short blond hair was flipped over and buzzed along the sides, and striking green eyes watched me as they inhaled deeply at the crown of her head.
As they passed, I glanced at Quinn, unsurprised to find her studying me intently.
“What’s the matter?”
“What happens when an unmated omega falls for their gamma?”
She jerked her head toward the pair that had passed us. “You mean those two?”
“Yes, the possessive way her gamma held her as they walked.”
Quinn’s shoulders slumped as she sighed deeply.
“Caretakers are always warned never to allow relationships to progress beyond assignment and care. The rule isn’t strictly enforced, but it carries truth.
There have been issues when pairs allow their relationship to deepen and the omega’s chosen alpha refuses to accept their gamma into the clan.
” She offered me a sad smile. “Sometimes, it can’t be helped, and both parties suffer. ”
“But I thought it’s always the omega’s choice.”
“It is, but if the alpha isn’t willing to accept the gamma within their clan, there’s nothing to be done. Would an omega want to risk dealing with constant conflict between their alpha and gamma?”
“I wouldn’t.” My breath hitched, unease wrapping around me at the mere thought. “No omega deserves having to choose between them.”
“They’ll face that decision when the time comes.” She glanced over her shoulder once more and shrugged. “Our ultimate goal is keeping our assignments happy and cared for…sometimes we forget our actions carry consequences.”
“You said the station allows you to select who you want to care for. Why did you believe you were the perfect match for me despite our age difference? You never told me.”
“We both came from beta families.” She nodded toward our destination, and I followed her lead.
“Both of us have different sub-genders than our families. Because of this, I always thought we shared similarities. The fact that I wasn’t attracted to you—even though you’re beautiful—was another factor.
You felt safe, and I believed you were my best choice.
Neither of us being attracted to each other was advantageous. ”
“By the way, how are you and Jenna?”
The faraway look in her eyes as her cheeks darkened and the radiant grin spread across her face revealed how deeply in love she was.
I was glad my friend could find time outside of caring for me to love someone else on the space station. It allowed us both independence and would ease the transition when the time came for me to leave.
“We’re doing well—or should I say she’s doing well.
Her assignment shows signs of restlessness, and he’s about to enter The Den soon, too.
Once both of you are successfully claimed and have left the station, it will allow Jenna and me to decide whether we want another assignment or should try being enforcers.
It would be wonderful to leave the station for a while.
I’d welcome the change as long as we’re assigned to watch omegas on a planet other than Earth. ”
“I hope I don’t have to return to Earth either.” I huffed, frowning at the negative emotions the mere thought of my home planet. “I’ve wanted to visit one of the newly established planets to discover what they have to offer. But I suppose I won’t have much choice in the end.”
“Becoming an enforcer might allow us to explore what’s out there too.
” She paused, scratching the back of her head as she dodged a pair of betas walking too close, engrossed in conversation.
“We might also remain on the station since other unmated omegas need caretakers, and I do enjoy my work. But now that your process has started, it’s becoming reality that you won’t need me much longer.
I’m going to miss caring for you after all these years. ”