Omega Ascension System[BL]

But he only tilted his head, offering Axel a sideways smirk. "I wouldn’t say that. I’m thrilled at the chance to risk my life in two hostile territories while Father sits here, polishing his crown for the public broadcast." Axel chuckled softly, but his eyes remained watchful. "You don’t hide your contempt well, Alpha Prince. If you plan to survive in the Dark Lands, you may want to learn restraint. Kyren doesn’t tolerate insolence." The name alone made Lucian’s stomach knot. Kyren. The rogue King and Elian’s... what? Lover? Consort? Puppet? Lucian’s jaw tightened. "You let me worry about Kyren." "On the contrary," Axel said smoothly, "if he tears out your throat before negotiations even begin, it becomes my problem as well. Don’t forget—we’re being sent as a pair." Lucian stopped walking. For a moment, he simply stared at Axel, searching for cracks in that carefully measured mask. The Beta’s gaze was steady, unblinking, annoyingly sincere. "I don’t need a leash," Lucian murmured, stepping closer so Axel could feel the heat of his words. "And I certainly don’t need you." Something flickered in Axel’s eyes—amusement, maybe even pity. . Then he inclined his head, his golden eyes glinting. "You’ll forgive me if I don’t take your word for it, Alpha Prince. Our history suggests otherwise." Lucian’s teeth ground together, but before he could retort, Axel bowed slightly and turned down the adjoining corridor. "I’ll have preparations started for our departure. Try not to make any more enemies before we leave." The Beta’s footsteps faded, leaving Lucian simmering in the empty hall. He lingered there for a moment, forcing his breath into rhythm. Then he moved, striding toward his private quarters on the same floor. The heavy door shut behind him with a satisfying thunk. Finally, silence. Lucian leaned against the desk by the window, staring out at the sunset shining its golden red light on the courtyards of the palace. His father’s words replayed in his mind like an echo he couldn’t banish. To protect the family name, a king must be willing to do anything. Protect. What a laugh. Arian didn’t protect—he controlled, manipulated, sacrificed. Always in the name of the empire, never in the name of blood. Lucian’s fists curled.

He had secrets that could split the throne in half, secrets about his father’s dealings with the Dark Hand, with the shadows crawling beneath the continent’s politics. And yet, he was the one being sent away like a lamb to slaughter. No. He wouldn’t be the lamb. His gaze drifted to a silver band on his wrist—a discreet communicator only he and a handful of allies used. For a long moment, he considered activating it and sending word to one of his informants in the Dark Lands whom he’d sent there months before Elian became his mate. But he hesitated. Timing was everything. Instead, he closed his eyes, and an image came unbidden: blonde white hair, soft lips, a gaze that had once been shy and full of wonder. Elian. Lucian’s chest ached with a blend of longing and fury. His father thought this mission would silence him? That being near Elian again would pacify him? Fool. It only fueled the storm burning hotter in his veins. This envoy trip would not be his downfall. It would be the beginning of his rise. . . The long-awaited hour for his father’s speech soon arrived. His old man was making the speech in front of the towering golden palace, the moon already peeking through the clouds and the night sky above. The royal family stood on a makeshift stage, Arian standing behind the podium with a floating holographic screen in front of him. Lucian’s mother stood behind him while Lucian himself and Aurora stood behind them. "You and Dad talk things out yet?" Aurora leaned closer to Lucian and whispered but he sniggered, shaking his head. "Let’s not get carried away, sister." He remarked, subconsciously glancing at the silver communication band on his wrist. Again... Timing was everything.

He’d see if he would be able to send word to his informant in the Dark Lands later tonight. "Alright, sir. You’re live across the continent." Axel clapped his hands once below the stage, giving the Alpha King a thumbs up. "In three... two... one." The Alpha King immediately straightened his posture, emanating with an intimidating aura as he began, his voice booming. "Greetings, people of Lunaria and indeed all of Evaros. I make this broadcast in light of recent developments in the ongoing conflict between Arcadia and the Dark Lands..." Hmph, there he goes. About to make himself a good guy in all this. Lucian stared at his father with disdain, tapping his fingers on his arm folded in front of his chest. "Arcadia’s attack on Gravethorn was... unexpected. Especially after the peace talks that Lunaria has been trying to make between both sides." The Alpha king continued, his voice even selling the solemn act. "But as sovereign of Lunaria, I’d like to—" Just then, Lucian caught sight of a flash of blue light from a corner of the courtyard and squinted. But then his eyes widened when he saw what it was. Crap! "Everyone duck!" he yelled out at the same moment that the laser beam made impact.