Reborn As An Omega: His Second Chance Mate

A Decade’s Promise

Kael

Konel and I rode through the forest, the steady clatter of hooves on the dirt path filling the silence between us. Shadow snorted impatiently, sensing the weariness in my frame.

We had just returned from yet another raid, and my armor was still smeared with dirt and blood. My sword, now sheathed, bore the weight of another victory, but it felt hollow.

Konel rode beside me on his gray horse, his expression unreadable. His helmet rested on the pommel of his saddle, and his dark hair clung to his damp forehead. Despite his silence, I could feel his disapproval simmering beneath the surface. I knew what was coming before he even opened his mouth.

“Kael,” Konel began, his voice heavy with exhaustion. “How long are you going to keep this up? It’s been eleven years.”

I tightened my grip on the reins, keeping my eyes fixed ahead. “I haven’t given up, and I won’t. Ariel told me she would return after a decade. I have to believe her.”

Konel sighed deeply, his frustration palpable. “Those were the words of a dying woman, do you seriously believe that? For all we know, she could be—“

“Careful, brother. You don’t want to wish you swallowed your words.”

Konel sighed, then continued softly. “A decade has come and gone. And what? You’ve scoured every village, razed every enemy stronghold, and yet you’ve found nothing. At some point, you have to let this go. For your sake, and for…. Your son’s.”

I turned to him, my jaw clenched. “I will never give up. Ariel made a promise. She said we would be together forever, and I intend to keep my end of that promise. If she’s out there, I’ll find her. Whatever it takes.”

“And what if she’s not?” Konel shot back, his tone sharper now. “What if she’s gone, Kael? The five kingdoms are crumbling. The people are restless. Your obsession is tearing everything apart.”

I reined Shadow to a stop, forcing Konel to do the same.“What’s the point of ruling a kingdom if I don’t have her by my side? Ariel was my queen long before I wore this crown. Without her, the throne is meaningless.”

Konel shook his head, exasperation etched into his features. “You’re blinded, brother. There are more pressing matters at hand. If you would just—”

“Enough,” I interrupted, urging Shadow forward again. “If you care so much about the kingdom, then you rule it. I’ll not abandon my search.”

We rode in silence the rest of the way, the tension between us thick as the forest surrounding us.

When we arrived, the priestess was waiting for me in the throne room. The breeze blew strands of her white hair across her face, her skin paler than ever.

Her white robes billowed as she approached.“Your Majesty,” she said, bowing deeply. “I bring news that may interest you.”

I stepped down from the dais, my heart pounding with anticipation. “What is it, priestess? Speak quickly.”

She straightened, her gaze meeting mine. “I have discovered the location of the witch who holds the key to your desire—and to your mate.”

My gaze sharpened. “My mate? Where?”

“The princess of the Dark Crimson pack,” she said. “The witch resides in the same territory. She is the one who can unlock your destiny.”

Konel, who had followed us into the room, scoffed. “Another wild chase? Kael, this is madness.”

I ignored him, turning back to the priestess. “We leave immediately. Prepare the soldiers.”

“You’re abandoning the kingdom again? We just got back, Kael, listen to reason!”

I met his glare with one of my own. “If the kingdom is so important to you, then stay behind and govern it. I have made my choice.”

“How are you sure it’s even Ariel?” He clamored.

“She would bear the mark.” I muttered lowly. Without waiting for a response, I strode out of the throne room.

The journey to the Dark Crimson pack was grueling, but my determination drove me forward. As we neared the border, memories of my last visit flooded my mind.

Two years ago, I had sought refuge in these woods after a brutal battle. Wounded and on the brink of death, I had stumbled upon a clearing where I heard the soft sound of a girl crying.

At first, I thought it was a trick of the mind, or worse, an enchantment, but the sound was too real, too human. Before I could investigate, I collapsed from exhaustion. When I woke, my wounds had been tended to, and the girl was gone. Her touch lingered, though, a strange pull I couldn’t explain.

Now, as we approached the pack’s gates, I wondered if she could be the same girl the priestess had spoken of, the Alpha’s daughter, my mate.

The guards at the gate stiffened as I dismounted and approached, my soldiers forming a line behind me.

“I need to speak with your Alpha,” I commanded.

One of the guards hesitated but eventually nodded, disappearing inside. I waited, my eyes scanning the familiar territory. It was just as I remembered.

When the gates opened, I was led inside. The castle was alive with activity, a celebration in full swing. The hall was decorated with crimson banners and golden lights, the scent of roasted meat and spiced wine filling the air. Laughter and music echoed off the stone walls, but all fell silent as I entered.

I didn’t care about the stares or whispers. My focus was on the Alpha, who rose from his seat at the head of the table.

“King Kael,” he said, his tone cautious. “To what do we owe this… unexpected visit?”

I didn’t waste time. “I have reason to believe your daughter is my mate.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd, but I didn’t flinch. The Alpha’s eyes narrowed, his posture stiffening. Before he could respond, one of my soldiers mind-linked me.

We’ve found the witch.

I nodded subtly, giving the order to secure her. Meanwhile, my attention remained on the Alpha. “So, where were we?”