Krystal's POV
"What's her name again?"
Here comes the moment I've been waiting for.
I listened more attentively than ever, my eyes burning with determination. Whoever this person was, I have to help them.
"Krystal."
Krystal?
I repeated the name in my head, as if I'd never heard it before.
That... is my name.
My whole body felt weak, and my knees trembled, barely supporting my weight.
Th—they were talking about me?
The one being treated like a lump of meat, the one being discussed as a breeder... turns out to be me? By my own father?
I shook my head.
My heart... I glanced down at my chest.
It hurts.
Memories of how this man used to treat me flooded my mind. It made me struggle to believe that someone who once treated me so well was the same person who wouldn't hesitate to sell me off, just because I was an Omega.
Why?
Was I not good enough?
It felt like just yesterday when he'd take me everywhere he went and proudly introduced me.
"This is my second daughter, Krystal Weuf. She's the apple of my eye."
He'd introduce me to his friends, to his business partners, give me the best things his hand could land on, and always put me first. I was truly treated like a princess.
That time was heaven.
I still had my healing power then.
And my reputation across the pack was solid.
I was his favorite child.
Then an accident happened, one I couldn't remember clearly but after that, I just couldn't summon the green flame anymore.
He stopped taking me out.
He stopped giving me the best of things.
He stopped looking at me with a smile, and gone was the warmth I was used to.
He had told me, "I just don't want you to be bullied because your healing power has disappeared. Rest at home and take care of yourself."
And I believed him.
I believed he stopped showing me love because he wanted to protect me.
But the truth is...
I was only useful when I had my healing power.
But I became a pawn to be discarded when I lost it.
And absolutely useless to him once I turned out to be an Omega. So useless, he didn't even hesitate to want me to become a breeder.
Was this truly my father?
Was this truly the man I looked up to?!
Naively, I thought that despite his dislike toward Omegas, he would always treat me well. But his love...? Was this it?
My heart welled up with hatred and grief.
'I don't deserve this.'
'It's not my fault that I was born an Omega. It was no one's fault! Why do I have to have no damn choice and be treated less human?!'
"That's a nice name she's got. Can I bring her with me now, or will you send her to me after the Moon Festival?"
"You can bring her with you. I'll send someone to call her here for you... But Alpha Russell, when should I expect the gift you promised me?"
"Hahaha, let me see her first. Pictures can be deceiving. If she's as beautiful as she appears, I'll definitely help your pack."
My eyes widened, and a gasp slipped past my lips. The more I listened, the more I felt my heart broke into several pieces. I couldn't even breath. This... It hurts.
Exchanging his daughter for a gift?
Damn.
I gritted my teeth, my eyes clouded with both tears and hatred, and my lips quivered as I struggled not to make a sound.
How can he treat me like this?
And without a second thought, I ran.
My whole being felt weak, but I didn't want to end up with anyone he chose for me.
He knew I had a boyfriend of three years, and we had a strong relationship.
He knew it—yet he wouldn't hesitate to sell me off.
[What are you going to do now?] Echo's voice echoed in my mind.
"I—I…" I paused for a moment, but gradually, my gaze became clear.
I clenched my fists and turned around, taking another path.
I will find my boyfriend.
If he marries me, things will be different.
My father looks down on Omegas and believes our only use is as servants or breeders. And for his own benefit, he wants me to become the latter.
But if my boyfriend marries me, he won't be able to sell me off.
So I ran to the Pack's training ground.
The sun was already setting, casting long shadows across the vast field. The scent of sweat, steel, and wild earth filled the air, so familiar, it grounded me. My breath came in short bursts as I sprinted past the wild.
I needed to find him.
Darren — My boyfriend since I was fifteen. My prince charming. Always there for me.
Everyone changed, but never him.
He was the only one who didn't treat me like someone lowly. He said he loved me and always would.
"Krysmega?"
I turned abruptly, nearly colliding with someone, Max.
Darren's cousin. The only who started addressing me as Krysmega, saying it was a nice combination of what I am.
He caught my shoulders and held me by the waist, pulling me to his chest.
I steadied myself and tried to leave his embrace. "Let go."
But he only chuckled, leaning in so close I had to turn my face away. "What are you doing?!" I screamed.
This was it.
Everyone absolutely treats me like I'm some fucking object.
This bastard used to respectfully address me as My Lady, always walking behind Darren like a lackey. Yet here he was, holding me in his arm.
Ahhh, everyone really only loves you for what you can offer. There's nothing as unconditional love or respect. No advantage = No respect.
That realization hurt.
"Be my breeder."
I slapped his hand away with all the strength I could muster.
But he only cackled, throwing his head back, still holding me tightly.
I'd never felt this helpless.
This utterly scared.
"Let. Me. Go," I demanded, trying to stop my voice from trembling.
But he only held me tighter, leaving no space between our bodies.
I had never hated any moment more than this.
With a smug grin still plastered on his face, he leaned forward, so close, our noses were nearly touching.
My body trembled.
"You Omegas are always so feisty. It's adorable." He smacked his lips and grabbed my jaw.
"But you should still learn how to behave. Just because I want you doesn't mean I'll let any disrespect go unpunished."
His eyes stared into mine, as if challenging me to a fight.
I hate this kind of look, that condescension.
I've had enough of them.
I've really had enough!
But all my efforts were futile.
I couldn't break free.
I stomped on his foot, and he fucking spanked me!
Son of a b*tch.
I hate this.
I've never felt this helpless...
Until I heard that voice.
"What are you doing?"