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I stepped deeper into the room, my bare feet sinking into a plush rug that felt like walking on clouds.

A beautiful four-poster bed dominated one wall, draped with soft white linens and an abundance of pillows in varying shades of cream and pale blue.

Near the windows sat a writing desk with an elegant chair, its surface empty and waiting.

Bookshelves lined another wall—not filled with approved texts, but completely empty, ready for whatever I chose to fill them with.

"There's more," Christopher said softly, opening a door to reveal a spacious bathroom with a clawfoot tub that looked deep enough to sink into completely. Another door led to a walk-in closet where my suitcases waited, looking small and insignificant in the generous space.

I turned in a slow circle, taking in every detail. A comfortable reading chair sat by the window with a small side table perfect for a cup of tea. Fresh flowers—white roses and pale pink peonies—adorned the dresser, their sweet fragrance mixing with the clean scent of the room.

"There's one more thing," Julian said quietly from the doorway. He stepped into the room carrying a black case I hadn't noticed before. "You mentioned you'd expressed interest in learning violin."

My breath caught in my throat as he set the case on the bed and opened it, revealing a beautiful instrument nestled in burgundy velvet. The wood gleamed honey-gold in the afternoon light, and I could see the quality in every curve and line.

"You bought me a violin?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"We thought it would be a good house warming present.” Christopher spoke quickly as if I was going to reject the present.

I stared at the instrument, tears blurring my vision before I could stop them.

No one had ever given me something simply because I wanted it.

Every gift I'd ever received had come with strings attached—jewelry that proclaimed my family's status, books that reinforced proper behavior, clothes that met my mother's exacting standards.

I reached out with trembling fingers, then stopped short of touching the instrument. "I don't know how to play," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I might damage it."

"Instruments are meant to be played," Julian said gently. "Even badly at first. And we've arranged for a teacher—she'll come twice a week if you'd like."

I stared at the violin, overwhelmed by the casual way they'd made one of my deepest wishes a reality. No negotiations, no conditions, no lectures about appropriate pursuits for an Omega. Just... here's something you wanted.

"I don't understand," I whispered, finally looking up to meet Julian's gaze. "Why would you do this? You barely know me."

Christopher stepped closer, his expression earnest. "Because you lit up when you talked about it. Because you should have the chance to discover what you love."

"Because everyone deserves to pursue what brings them joy," Julian finished softly. "Even if they've been told their entire life that their joy doesn't matter."

I couldn't hold back the tears anymore. They spilled down my cheeks as I finally—carefully—touched the violin's smooth surface. The wood felt warm beneath my fingertips, alive with possibility.

"Thank you," I managed, my voice breaking. "I don't know what else to say."

"You don't have to say anything," Christopher assured me, his gray eyes warm with understanding. "Just promise you'll try it. That's all we ask."

I nodded, unable to form words past the knot in my throat. This gift represented everything my parents had denied me—not just the violin itself, but the freedom to be imperfect, to learn, to make noise and mistakes and discover something new about myself.

"We'll leave you to settle in," Julian said, his voice gentle as he moved toward the door. "Take all the time you need to unpack, rest, explore your space. Lunch will be ready around one, but there's no pressure if you'd rather eat later."

Christopher lingered a moment longer, his hands clasped behind his back as if restraining himself from rearranging something.

"There are fresh towels in the bathroom, and I stocked the little refrigerator in the sitting area with water and some snacks.

Oh, and the temperature controls are by the door if you get too warm or cold. "

“There are also a good amount of nesting supplies in the closet if you need it.” Miles spoke up next, a small smile on his face.

"Thank you," I whispered again, still clutching the edge of the violin case. "All of you. This is... it's perfect."

Julian's smile was soft, understanding. "It's yours now, Lilianna. Every inch of it. No one will enter without your permission, no one will judge how you arrange it or organize it. This is your sanctuary."

With a final nod, he guided Christopher out, closing the double doors behind them. I listened to their footsteps receding down the hallway, then the soft murmur of their voices as they descended the stairs.

And suddenly, for perhaps the first time in my life, I was truly alone. Not monitored, not observed, not waiting for someone to critique my posture or expression. Just... alone with my thoughts and feelings in a space that belonged to me.

I moved to the bed and sat carefully beside the violin case, running my fingers along its edges.

The reality of my situation crashed over me in waves—I was here, in this beautiful room, with people who seemed to genuinely care about my happiness.

People who had given me a gift simply because I'd mentioned wanting it.

Moving on instinct, I kicked off my shoes and curled my legs beneath me, allowing myself the simple pleasure of sitting improperly on a bed—something my mother would have scolded me for instantly.

The violin gleamed in its case, a promise of discoveries to come.

I traced my fingers over the strings, not daring to pluck them yet, just feeling their taut resistance beneath my touch.

Today really had been the start of a new life…and I couldn’t wait to see what else was to come.