Marian and Kellen explained everything to the Duke, Luren's true background, and the
painful truth they had kept hidden for so long.
"Queen Ariala never wanted Luren to be known as an omega," Marian confessed, her voice heavy with guilt. "She feared it would endanger his life."
"I made him drink the suppressant since he was a teenager," Marian added quietly. "It
dulled his scent and prevented him from going into heat. It was the only way to
keep him safe."
In Seravelle, omegas were rare and they did'nt care. But in Velgarith and
Lunathia, they were treated very differently, they considered sex slave Velgarith was a cruel Kingdom.
Craige listened silently, his gaze steady. After a long pause, he finally spoke.
"I understand," he said with calm authority. "I won't hold anyone accountable for
this. I know your actions were never meant to harm us, or the Kingdom of Seravelle."
Then, he turned his gaze toward Luren.
"You are Luren Kaile Elarion," the Duke said, voice firm yet gentle.
Luren's breath caught in his throat. His heart clenched. That name, his name, spoken
for the first time, made his chest feel warm and unfamiliar. It was like being
seen for the first time.
"Well, it seems everything has been resolved," the Duke declared, leaning back. "You may take Luren home. I've confirmed he's not a threat to us."
Clara squealed with joy and hugged Luren tightly. Kal rushed in, laughing, wrapping
his arms around them both.
"You can finally go home," Clara whispered, tears in her eyes.
Luren stood frozen for a moment, overwhelmed. Home. A word he hadn't dared dream of for so long.
And now, it was real.
"Uhhmm…about that…" Kellen hesitated, his voice low and uncertain.
Everyone turned to him, eyes full of anticipation, waiting for what he would say.
Kellen too a deep breath, then slowly knelt in front of the Duke.
"Dad?!" Clara gasped, utterly shocked by the gesture.
"Duke Craige…" Kellen began, his tone heavy with urgency, "I would like to request
that you protect Luren. The King of Velgarith already knows of his existence.
According to our people inside Velgarith, they are actively searching for the
last surviving blood of Elarion… and they know he's an omega."
A stunned silence filled the room, everyone frozen by the weight of his words.
Craige's expression tightened. "I don't know if I can accommodate your request," he
replied with measured calm. "He's an omega… and I'm an alpha. If we stay in
close proximity, we could trigger each other's instincts."
"I brought plenty of suppressant medicine," Marian interjected quickly, her voice firm,
almost prepared for this moment as if they had already decided on this plan
without the Duke's full consent.
The Duke sighed, pressing his fingers against his temple in frustration, deep in
thought.
"I don't think this is a good idea…" Keith muttered under his breath. He had been
silently observing from the side.
"I can protect myself, Uncle," Luren said, stepping forward. His voice was steady, but
a flicker of defiance lit his green eyes.
"I'll protect Luren too, and the rest of the mercenaries," Clara declared boldly,
puffing her chest with pride.
Keith scoffed, then snapped at her, "You think your little mercenary group can stand
against the war-hungry forces of Velgarith?"
Clara's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched as she glared at him. "We may be few, but we
don't run from monsters like them."
The two stared each other down, tension crackling between them like lightning ready to strike.
""I know this may sound shameless," Kellen broke the tense silence, "but the late Duke
Marshall left a letter for you."
Craige's eyes widened in surprise.
He had no idea his uncle had written anything like that.
Kellen reached into his coat and carefully handed over an envelope sealed with the
emblem of the late duke.
Craige stared at the seal for a moment, his fingers trembling slightly as he broke it
open. He unfolded the paper and began to read.
---
Letter from Duke Marshall
Kellen,
It saddens me deeply to hear what happened to my dear friend, King Daren Vele
Elarion. I was stationed at the border, fighting off barbarian forces, far from the capital when I received your letter. I've made arrangements for your safe stay here in Seravelle. I've also spoken with my sister, the Queen.
I pray you are safe, and that King Daren's son will grow up far from danger.
Do not hesitate to ask for help in the future. I will soon pass down my title to my
nephew, Craige Evron Seravelle. If you ever need his aid, show him this letter.
I have enclosed another one meant for him.
—Marshall
---
Craige unfolded the second letter with growing unease.
---
Letter to Craige:
To my
favorite nephew (don't tell your brothers),
Please help Luren Kaile Elarion. Treat him as you would your own younger brother. You
may not remember, but you were there when he was born in Elarion. you even promised to protect him.
The bond between Elarion and Seravelle runs deep. Though we were unable to offer open support due to the pressure from nobles and Velgarith, your father quietly sent
aid to them during the war. Tragically, it wasn't enough. Elarion has fallen at the hands of Velgarith.
Luren is one of the last pieces of that legacy. Guard him well.
From your favorite uncle,
—Marshall
How shameless when he is my only Uncle.
Craige smile while folding the letter.