Chapter 16: Chapter 14 – The Hunt for the Phantom Omega
The kingdom was in turmoil.
No one knew why the king had suddenly ordered an extensive search. Soldiers stormed villages, questioning merchants, travelers, and even nobles. Servants whispered behind closed doors, spreading wild rumors.
"A runaway concubine?" Some speculated.
"An assassin who dared to escape His Majesty's grasp?" Others shuddered at the thought.
But the truth was far more dangerous.
The king was searching for someone.
The river had become a sacred place in his mind, the only place where he had glimpsed something—or someone—he could not forget. Every night, he rode there, standing at the water's edge with his sharp golden gaze scanning the darkness. Waiting.
But his beauty never returned.
His patience had finally worn thin.
And when the king was restless, the entire kingdom felt it.
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A Kingdom in Chaos
The palace was tense, the air thick with unspoken fear. Ministers whispered among themselves, confused about their ruler's erratic behavior.
The general knelt before the throne, wary of the storm brewing in the king's eyes.
"Your Majesty, our men have scouted all nearby villages, yet there is no trace of—"
"Useless." The king's voice was sharp, cutting through the hall like a blade.
The general swallowed hard. "Perhaps if we knew what we were looking for—"
The king's fingers tapped against the armrest of his throne, his expression unreadable. "Find an omega with black hair and crimson eyes."
The general stiffened. There were no such omegas recorded in the kingdom's registry.
And why would an omega be alone by the river at night?
The realization struck him then—this was personal.
The rumors were true.
The king had found something he desired. And when the king desired something… he claimed it.
"Yes, Your Majesty. We will expand the search immediately."
But deep down, the general already knew.
No one could run forever.
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Caelum's Dread
Hidden away in his chambers, Caelum could hear the whispers of the palace servants.
"The king is looking for someone…"
"His soldiers are turning the kingdom upside down."
"Whoever it is… they must have angered him terribly."
Caelum gripped his robes tightly, heart pounding in his chest.
He knew.
He knew it was him.
And if the king ever found out who he truly was…
There would be no escape.