The Omega Dragon

Chapter 6

As Kealan imposed his decision upon me to rid ourselves of the symbol of that passionate night shared with Alpha Colyn, Beta Raudan, I found myself tethered to the unborn baby in my womb. Unwilling to part with this tangible connection, I lay in my room, contemplating Kealan's wrath upon discovering my pregnancy. The memory of his anger etched a sharp pang in my stomach, inducing a sensation akin to imminent nausea.

Standing up, I felt an overwhelming dizziness and nausea, prompting me to question, "What's wrong with me?" The cold, marbled floor beneath my feet added to my disorientation as I sluggishly made my way to the bathroom. The door creaked open, and the disheveled state of my thoughts mirrored my physical discomfort.

In the bathroom, I rushed towards the toilet, vomiting as a torrent of emotions and physical distress overwhelmed me. The hot, acidic liquid, tainted with the remnants of last night's dinner, irritated my throat, intensifying my discomfort with each heave.

Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing a middle-aged woman holding clothes in her hands. "The lord said you should get ready and come downstairs; there are people waiting to see you," she informed me, placing the clothes on the bed before offering a small bow and exiting the room.

As I pondered who could be waiting downstairs, a surge of resentment towards this dragon realm ignited within me. Initially content to escape the confines of the White River, a growing fire of hatred now consumed me. I couldn't reconcile belonging to a realm where the lord callously regarded the sanctity of an innocent baby's life with such indifference.

After my bath, I took my time moisturizing my skin before slipping into the stunning red dress the woman had brought earlier. It fit like a dream, making me wonder when they secretly took my measurements. I couldn't help but feel like royalty in it.

Opening my door, I headed to the hall where my expected guests were gathered. My heart pounded in my chest, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of anxiety about what awaited me. Every step I took felt like a heavy burden, and I tried my best to calm the nervous jitters building up inside.

In the vast mansion, I found myself a bit lost, searching for the elusive hallway. Amid my quest, someone accidentally bumped into me, causing me to take a small step back. "I am sorry," I quickly apologized, looking up to see Valia with a cold, menacing look on her face. She examined me from head to toe, radiating hostility that made me squirm under her intense gaze.

Her piercing glare lingered, creating an uncomfortable silence. “I am sorry,” I repeated, my attempt to diffuse the tension hanging in the air.

Summoning courage, I ventured to ask, "Anything wrong?" My voice betrayed a nervous undertone as I anxiously awaited her response. In an unexpected turn, she delivered a forceful slap that sent my neck recoiling, the impact reverberating through my senses. My hand instinctively reached to cradle my right cheek, where Valia's slap had landed with unmistakable intensity. Gently caressing the stinging skin, I raised my head to meet Valia's gaze, only to be met with a visage of undisguised disgust.

"How dare you bump into me like that? Are you blind? Can't you see?" Valia's accusatory voice echoed through the corridor, emphasizing her displeasure. Tears welled up in my eyes as the burning sensation on my cheek intensified, prompting a teary response. Valia's mistreatment was unfortunately nothing new, an ongoing narrative since the blooming ceremony. Her harsh demeanor, a consistent presence in my life, didn't necessarily surprise me, but a lingering curiosity persisted about what transgressions had warranted such disdain.

"I didn't see you coming," I uttered, my voice carrying a hoarseness as I fought to restrain the tears threatening to spill. Valia's sneer cut through the air like a bitter wind. "Just because Lord Kealan brought you to the dragon's realm doesn't mean you are one of us, okay? Saving a peasant like you was all due to his kind heart, nothing more. So, don't even think about feeling special to him, because you are nothing more than a little piece of trash." Her demeaning words struck my heart with a force that felt like a sharp knife had just carved a piece out of me.

I grappled with the truth I had sensed but never fully acknowledged – that Kealan's actions were driven by kindness, not affection. The notion of him harboring romantic feelings for a weak omega like me crumbled, leaving behind a harsh reality. Valia, reveling in her verbal assault, seemed to relish the pain she inflicted.

As Valia prepared to unleash more hurtful words, I couldn't bear to listen any longer. Suppressing the welling tears, I took a deep breath, mustering whatever strength remained. Walking past Valia, I left her momentarily stunned, her mouth slightly agape as she watched me depart.

"I have been summoned by Kealan," I declared, interrupting any further verbal assault. A frustrated sigh from Valia followed my words. Sniffing back tears, I walked through the unfamiliar surroundings, following instincts that led me to a grand red door adorned with little marbles.

As I stood before the imposing red door, doubts and uncertainties clouded my mind. "Could this be the hall?" I questioned myself, my gaze fixated on the door that held the promise of answers. A heavy sigh escaped my lips, signaling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Bracing myself, I pushed at the door, and to my surprise, it swung wide open, revealing a scene that both intrigued and unnerved me.

The hall was filled with a multitude of people, their collective gaze fixated on me. The intensity of their stares felt like a tangible force, making me briefly consider retreating and closing the door, escaping the scrutiny that enveloped me. However, my eyes sought out Kealan among the sea of faces, offering a small oasis of relief in the midst of the overwhelming attention.

Seated together at a long dinner table adorned with an array of delectable dishes, they turned their focus from the culinary delights to the unexpected guest who stood in the doorway. Attempting to mask my unease, I extended a polite greeting, holding the edge of my dress and adopting a slight squat.

Suddenly, a man rose from the dinner table, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. He pointed an accusatory finger in my direction, declaring me an impostor. A collective gasp echoed through the hall as all eyes remained fixed on me. Before I could comprehend the accusation, the man unleashed a fiery projectile from his mouth, directed straight at me.

In a split second, my instincts kicked in, and my wolf-like figure manifested. I gracefully dodged the impending fireball, my dress billowing as I sidestepped the attack. The fireball collided with the door, leaving a charred mark as evidence of the narrowly avoided disaster.

The abrupt turn of events left me in shock, heart pounding as if attempting to escape my chest. Clutching my chest to quell the rapid beats, I grappled with the surreal reality unfolding before me. The man, seemingly undeterred, prepared for another attack. Just as panic threatened to consume me, Kealan's commanding voice echoed through the hall, booming with authority as he intervened with a stern command. "Stop, Arthur!" The force of his words reverberated, bringing a sudden stillness to the chaotic scene and offering a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of this dragon realm.

Arthur’s fiery display abruptly halted as he turned to Kealan, bowing with a gesture of submission. “Apologies, my lord,” he uttered, his words resonating with contrition. As he resumed his seat, a tension lingered, palpable in the air, revealing his unwavering focus on me. His body language exuded an intensity that hinted at a brewing storm, waiting for Kealan’s directive to unleash its fury upon me.

The attention shifted to an elderly figure, his grey hair a testament to the passage of time, and yellowish eyes reflecting a wisdom acquired over the years. He spoke with a measured tone, addressing Kealan directly. “Who is she, my lord?” The question hung in the air, and all eyes gravitated toward Kealan, awaiting an explanation.

“My queen,” Kealan declared with an authoritative resonance that echoed through the hall. Gasps erupted from the assembly, and I felt a wave of shock wash over me. The unexpected revelation left me bewildered, my eyes darting between Kealan and Arthur, whose expression wavered between disappointment and curiosity at the proclamation of my unexpected title.