Elian's POV
*****
"L–Let go of me..." He managed to speak as Estella pulled at his ear.
But she showed no mercy, flinging him across the room until he fell arms first on the floor.
"Sluts like yourself deserve worse!" She sneered, her high heels clicking on the marble tiles as she stepped closer. "Goddess, why didn't you just die? Who the fuck do you think you are?"
Elian gritted his teeth, raising his head and turning around to face her.
Enough is enough.
[Ouu, yes! Although, if you want to fight her, I suggest you begin browsing for casket prices. I could do a quick search and—]
'Don't you know when to shut up?' Elian nearly spoke out loud but managed to hold himself back. 'I get it... She's stronger than I am. Faster than me. I'm just a mere omega.'
[Oh, but you have me.]
Elian chose to ignore that last remark and slowly got on his feet as Estella tilted her head at him with suspicion in her eyes.
"First off... I doubt you should invoke the goddess in your complaints. Trust me... She isn't pleased with what you or the others do to me." He said, breathing heavily.
Her eyes widened slightly. "Well... Looks like someone grew some balls—"
"Secondly, and most importantly. I'm no longer a servant here, Estella. Your brother might be my mate but that gives you no right to hit me or treat me like trash." Elian's voice was cold now as he glared at the overgrown mannequin.
Estella's jaw dropped so low that you'd think it was a gateway to another dimension.
Her breathing hitched and her body shook with rage. But Elian wasn't done.
"Finally, I know you sent that assassin." He said casually, clasping his hands together when the stinging pain from his face and ear slowly subsided. "Don't even try denying it. I might not have evidence but unlike what you may think of me... I'm not dumb."
Estella's expression darkened after he said all that. He remained alert, just in case she lunged at him or tried anything funny.
They were alone in his bedroom, and she stood in front of the door, which was closed. But not locked.
[You could escape if she makes an attack. Barely, but at least enough time for you to find Axel.]
Before Elian could respond to that, a silvery chuckle echoed from Estella who placed her right hand in front of her mouth.
Elian frowned, watching as she shook her head while staring at him with an unknown glint in her eyes.
Was he witnessing her descent into insanity?
[Oh, she's been insane, fruitcake. Or at the very least... Delusional.]
"Looks like the Omega has grown claws and forgotten his place." Estella finally stopped laughing, her voice becoming cold and venomous. "Do you need a reminder? Because I'll be glad to remind you any way possible."
She neither confirmed nor denied sending the assassin. Just conveniently glossing over the reveal.
Elian's jaw clenched as he shook his head. "I don't need you or anyone else to remind me of who I am. I've had my worth shoved down my throat for years, thanks. Your kind has made sure to remind me for as long as I can remember."
Estella scoffed, taking a step closer. "My 'kind' you say?"
But Elian didn't back down, his hands balling into fists as he looked her in the eyes. "Yes. Entitled elites who believe everything is about bloodlines and status. Who thinks being an Omega is a curse."
"Oh, but it is." She countered but he was twice as ready.
"You couldn't be more wrong, Estella. It's not. I mean, if you feel that way then cool. But I can't help but wonder why you people bother yourselves about who or what someone is when it doesn't affect you."
Estella's eyes twitched as her voice rose by an octave. "I don't care if you've been revoked of your servant duties. I will not stand here and have you lecturing me on—"
"Leave." Elian chimed, his voice devoid of emotion. "You don't have to listen to anything. I don't know why you came here this morning, nor do I care. But that's the door behind you..."
He gestured at the room door without blinking, watching with a calm expression when he saw Estella twitching her eyes like she was one step away from insanity.
However, despite his seemingly calm exterior, he felt like he was close to having a panic attack inside.
His muscles twitched with each flash of emotion in Estella's eyes. He was expecting her to make a move, any move.
But she didn't.
"You think Lucian will ever accept you?" She chuckled coldly, shaking her head with mock pity. "Dream on. And as for my brother, he might be confused now but I reckon he'll get back to his senses soon enough."
Elian blinked for a bit before he smiled sarcastically. "Unlike some people, I don't thrive off the attention of men. I've lived without a first kiss for eighteen years. I think I can do without their attention now."
His head swirled and he felt like a lump was stuck in his throat. But he meant every word.
Mate bond or not, he'll be damned before letting Lucian bring him down.
[You've made this system proud. Slightly.]
"What do you mean you've lived without a first kiss for eighteen years?" Estella asked with an arched eyebrow just then, her face reddening with agitation. "So, you've gotten the kiss now? From who?"
Uh oh... Looks like someone was going to drown in jealousy.
Elian parted his lips, but then held back from saying anything.
If she wanted to know, she could go ask Lucian.
When his silence drew out for several seconds, her eyes darkened as she raised her finger and pointed at him.
"You think you're so smart but—"
The door suddenly burst open before she could finish. A few maids walked in as Elian blinked with confusion.
"What the hell is going on? Why are you...?"
He paused when he saw the last person to walk in, her radiance seemingly lighting up the room.
Princess Aurora.
Gods, what's she doing here?