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Arc 1 – Omegaverse: The Hunter and the Omega Prince
Day 3 – Forest Ride (continued)
The deer lingered, its wet black nose still almost touching Kyle's glove. He could feel the faint, rapid rhythm of its breathing, and for some reason, his own heart matched it. Not fast enough to be fear — more like… expectation.
The sensation was strange. New. Like the thrill before opening a present when you think you know what's inside but aren't sure.
Kyle tilted his head, studying the creature. "You're friendly. Or very stupid."
It blinked slowly. The raindrops in its fur caught the light, glinting like tiny beads.
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From his saddle, Aldric kept still. The Omega's slim fingers were inches from the animal, the pale cream of his tunic sleeve contrasting with the fawn's earthy tones.
It wasn't right. Deer didn't walk straight to humans. Not here.
The forest smelled different today — wet leaves, animal musk, and something… sharp. Not the usual tang of wolf territory, but close enough to prickle his instincts.
And yet, he couldn't tell him to pull away.
The way the prince's face softened — eyes widening, lips parting just slightly — was the same expression Aldric had seen once before, years ago, in another world entirely.
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Aldric's voice broke his focus. "Stay close."
Kyle glanced at him, puzzled. "I'm literally touching the deer."
"That's not what I mean."
Before Kyle could ask, the deer's ears flicked sharply backward. In the next heartbeat, it bolted — vanishing between the trees so fast it seemed to dissolve into the mist.
The forest fell utterly silent.
No birdsong. No wind through leaves.
And then — a low, drawn-out howl.
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From thirty paces behind, Captain Rhen tightened his grip on the reins. His horse snorted, shifting nervously. Wolves. Too close. Too many. He'd counted at least three distinct voices in that howl.
His orders were clear — do not interfere unless necessary. The Alpha was capable of protecting the prince. But the Captain's gaze flicked to the delicate figure in pale cream, hood slipping back to reveal that braid of fine hair.
He doubted the prince had ever seen a wolf outside of a painted tapestry.
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The sound made his skin prickle. It wasn't scary, exactly. More… unnerving, like someone humming just behind his ear without permission.
Aldric's horse shifted under him, and the Alpha's hand went to the longbow strapped to his saddle. His voice was low. "We turn back."
But the moment they wheeled the horses around, a shadow moved between the trees ahead. Large. Grey. Eyes glinting faintly in the dim light.
Kyle stared. "Is that—"
The wolf stepped into view, paws soundless on the wet earth. Its fur was thick, mottled with silver, and its head was low, gaze locked on him.
Something in his chest tightened — not from fear, but from a strange recognition, like the deer earlier.
The wolf's eyes were the same shade as Aldric's.
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