Omega Ascension System[BL]

He’d really underestimated the power of the mate bond to draw two people together. Or in this case... Four? "The growth we’ve all gone through within a few days is impressive to say the least." Axel finally stopped laughing, placing a hand on Elian’s shoulder. "But that’s understandable after everything we’ve been through. Together. Trust me, there are times I’ve felt like dropping the Alpha Prince in a ditch." Elian let his lips crack into a smile, using the back of his left hand to wipe off lingering snort from his nose. Axel noticed that and spoke with an even softer voice. "Lucian will be fine. And I have a feeling a brush with death might be just what he’ll need to start treating you like the gem that you are." Elian’s face heated up with a violent blush. Gem. That’s a new one. "And if he doesn’t do that, well..." Axel shrugged with a sly smirk. "We can always make arrangements for that ditch I mentioned." Elian giggled, shaking his head as Axel withdrew his hand. The Beta sighed, glancing around the hallway before setting his eyes on the infirmary door. "I need to go check on Lucian before I leave. I already reported what happened to the Alpha king." Axel revealed. Elian raised his brows. "Oh. How... How did he take the news?" Axel twisted his lips for a bit before answering. "As you can imagine... Not too well. But I assured him that the Rogue king had him taken care of. And that you..." He playfully poked Elian’s nose, causing the latter to blush yet again. "... Are here to keep him company," Axel added, smiling broadly. "I trust you to do that while I head on to Arcadia." Elian froze, his chest aching weirdly when he heard that last part. ... Heading to Arcadia? "W–Why?" Elian asked, his brows furrowing. Axel scratched the back of his neck, his chest heaving. "It was supposed to be me and Lucian’s next stop in these peace talks. And since Lord Kyren seems adamant on going on with the war, our only hope might be convincing Arcadia to withdraw or come to a fair compromise."

For some reason, the more Axel spoke the more Elian felt like the whole arrangement was... Wrong. He wasn’t familiar with Arcadia but the mere fact that they started this conflict told him all he needed to know. The ferocious way with which their witches attacked Gravethorn city was still fresh in his mind. And then there was one more fact that sent a bolt of dread through Elian... "Axel, wait." He spoke just when the Beta was about to turn toward the infirmary door. "Going to Arcadia... Doesn’t feel right. Kyren and I have reasons to believe those people might be working with the Dark Hand." Axel paused, blinking at him slowly. But then he shook his head. "Elian... The same can be said about Lunaria. The Dark Hand’s corruption is spreading deeper than anyone imagined. Trying to discuss peace might be the only way to make sure this doesn’t blow up beyond what it already is." Elian heard all those words. He really did. But he didn’t want to accept Axel leaving when it felt like he had just got here. Without warning, he grabbed the Beta’s right wrist with both hands, tugging at him anxiously. "Please, Axel. I... I don’t want anything to happen to you, either." He croaked involuntarily. There was this sudden wave of helplessness that made him sick to the bones. "Elian," Axel whispered, brushing his fingers through his hair. "You have nothing to worry about. I’m more than capable of handling myself." Elian bit his bottom lip but he couldn’t argue. He knew Axel’s mind was made up. . So instead of trying to push further, he spread out his arms, wrapping the Beta in an embrace. Axel froze, taken by surprise at first, but he soon returned the hug, patting Elian’s back. [Aw... Y’all are going to make this poor system cry. Too bad I don’t have tear ducts. Or normal emotions.] Elian held himself from rolling his eyes at the system’s words as he and Axel finally withdrew from the embrace. The Beta smiled warmly, bringing both hands to Elian’s face. The latter didn’t fight it, his knees wobbling as Axel pulled him into a kiss. Elian’s eyes fluttered shut as he let himself feel all the emotions. Eventually, when Axel pulled away from the kiss, he brought his lips close to Elian’s ear and whispered. "You’re everything I’ve been waiting for, Elian. And I..." Elian’s heart skipped a beat, his pulse quickening.

Was he— "I love you." Axel let it roll out like it was the sweetest thing ever. And maybe it was. "I hope to see you soon." The Beta cleared his throat, letting his hand linger on his shoulder one last time. "And you don’t have to say anything yet. I understand." Elian’s heart was still doing gymnastics in his chest but he kept his eyes on Axel’s face. There was a short silence between them before Axel finally turned toward the infirmary door. "Take care, Elian." And then he walked, leaving Elian standing there and blinking like an idiot. [Welp... You kids are fast. Going from "I have a crush on him!" to the Beta confessing love? Within less than a week?] Elian could barely hear the system as his mind reeled. Axel was the first mate to tell him he loved him. And when he heard those words, for the first time, Elian deeply pondered a question he’s been avoiding all this time. Did he love all his mates?