The world was always dark to Eden, but it had never felt so cold. His father had died two days ago, fallen in the line of duty, protecting the very king who had never truly seen him.
Eden sat in his chambers, his hands resting on the smooth, cool wood of his father's desk. His father's scent lingered faintly—wood, leather, the faintest trace of battle-scarred metal. The smell was comforting, grounding. But now, it was a reminder of the unshakable loss.
His mother had said nothing since the day his father was laid to rest. She remained in the corner of their small home within the palace, staring into space, the shadows under her eyes deepening with every passing hour. Eden had heard her cry once, soft, broken sobs that only someone who truly knew loss could make. He had tried to comfort her, but it was hard. He had no words, no strength to offer her.
His father's death had been a blow to the kingdom. The king, in his grief, had promised Eden's family that they would be cared for—safe. But Eden wasn't sure that was a comfort. He was an omega and an unimportant one at that. His blindness made him invisible to most of the court, but not to everyone.
A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," Eden called, his voice hoarse from the lack of sleep. He didn't need to see who it was to know. He could sense the energy in the room shift as the door creaked open.
Lady Alara, his mother's close friend, stepped into the room. "Eden," she said quietly, her voice gentle. "The King's men are here to escort you to the palace."
Eden's heart dropped. The King's men. There could only be one reason for their arrival. The King had already sent his condolences, but this was something else. Something darker.
"Why?" Eden asked, though he already knew the answer. His father had died protecting the King during a rebellion that nearly tore the kingdom apart. It was the least the King could do, though Eden knew it was probably just a formality.
"They wish to speak with you," Lady Alara said, her voice tight with unspoken worry.
"About what?" Eden's pulse quickened. He could feel the tension in her words in the air.
"They want you to come with them."
Eden's heart sank. The King's men weren't known for their kindness. They were powerful and ruthless. And they didn't see Omegas like him as people—they saw them as tools and pawns in a much larger game.
"I'll be fine," Eden said, trying to sound stronger than he felt.
Lady Alara didn't respond immediately, but he could feel her eyes on him. Eden's sense of smell picked up her lingering hesitation, the faintest hint of fear.
After a moment, she finally spoke. "They are taking you to the Prince."
The Prince. Prince Darian.
Eden had heard whispers about the Prince—about how he had a reputation for being unpredictable, cruel even. The Prince's heart, some said, was as cold as the stone walls of the palace. He was known for being ruthless in battle, a natural leader, and a powerful Alpha, but there were rumours, too. Rumours that he had a darkness to him, one that few dared to speak of out loud.
Eden had never met the Prince. He'd seen him only from a distance, always flanked by soldiers and advisers. But despite his distance from the royal family, Eden had heard enough to know that Prince Darian wasn't someone to be trifled with.
"I don't want to go," Eden murmured, his voice barely audible. "I don't know why they want me. I'm nothing more than an Omega."
Lady Alara's fingers gently touched his shoulder. "The King wants to offer you a position at court," she said softly. "You must go. It's an honour."
"An honour?" Eden's laugh was bitter. "A blind Omega as a court advisor? How is that an honour?"
"Not advisor," Lady Alara corrected gently. "A companion. Perhaps more than that."
Eden recoiled, though he knew she wasn't speaking ill of him. He didn't need her to say the words. He understood the unspeakable truth. Omegas, especially those as young and vulnerable as him, were often used as companions by powerful Alphas. He'd heard the stories.
"Go with them," Lady Alara urged. "I'll be here, waiting for you."
With one last glance at his mother, Eden nodded stiffly. He stood up from his father's desk and walked toward the door, his mind swirling with dread.
The King's men were waiting for him just outside the door, their cold stares unnerving as they led him through the sprawling corridors of the palace. Eden tried not to let his nerves show, though his heart pounded in his chest. He had always been cautious and always kept his distance from the royal family, but today, he felt different.
As they reached the Prince's private chambers, Eden's breath caught in his throat. The door opened, and the Prince stood there, a tall, imposing figure framed by the soft golden light spilling in from the windows.
Prince Darian was exactly as Eden had imagined. His sharp jaw, the piercing eyes of a man who had seen war and brutality, and the aura of power that radiated from him was unmistakable. But there was something else too. Something darker behind the Prince's gaze. Something Eden couldn't quite place.
"You're the blind Omega," the Prince's voice was smooth, yet edged with a certain harshness. "I've heard much about you."
Eden stiffened, his hands trembling at his sides. "I am Eden."
Prince Darian's lips quirked into a small smile. "Eden." He stepped closer, closing the distance between them. "You're not what I expected."
Eden's senses flared. There was something about the Prince's proximity that felt...dangerous. The way his gaze lingered on Eden, like he was sizing him up, calculating his worth. It made Eden feel like prey, like he was being trapped in a net he couldn't see.
"I thought blind Omegas were supposed to be weak," Darian mused, his voice low and almost thoughtful.
Eden's heart skipped a beat. "I'm not weak."
The Prince's eyes darkened, a sharp edge to his smile. "We'll see."