ARIA
We walked in silence for a long time. I kept my eyes ahead, my arms crossed tightly over my chest as Maren led me away from the omega’s hut, away from the gathering, away from the mess she had thrown me into.
Finally, she spoke.
"That was quite the show back there."
I scoffed, adjusting the tunic draped over my shoulders. "Glad you enjoyed it."
She hummed. "I’ve seen worse."
"Comforting."
Another silence.
"You must be wondering why I helped you."
I turned my head slightly, narrowing my eyes. "You mean aside from scaring the s**t out of everyone?"
Maren’s lips quivered, but there was no humor in her eyes. "Aside from that, yes."
I hesitated before asking, "Are you… not an omega?"
Her pace didn’t change. "No."
My frown deepened. "Then what the hell a
