Azra felt his breath catch, rage filling him to the core as he met Varyx’s stare.

The alpha stepped closer to Azra, his eyes scanning Azra’s face. “It’s true, people like you are fought over by wealthy men for good breeding and pedigree; that is the fate of many omegas who have been discovered. But, you are not just an omega. You’re the son of a king. You may not stand at the same level as an alpha- perhaps not even as a prince… but with your combination of magic and royalty, you are a crown jewel. You are something that every human wants at all costs, and instead of being enslaved by some other man with riches, you will keep your title and position at my side.”

Azra swallowed, his throat tight as he stared up at Varyx’s strong features. “So, all you really want is to own an omega for your own benefit.”

“Not just any omega, Azra. You and you alone. You are everything my bloodline needs. For status, for power… You know as well as I do that you are the key to ruling not only a single realm, but all the realms of Haelios combined. Privillion would be set above the rest…and our children would have power unparalleled to any other human king or queen. They would want for nothing.”

Azra’s scoff was full of despair and sorrow as he uttered, “So you don’t deny it. Title and position aside, you want to own me, just like any wealthy man with status, desperate to be the highest bidder. For ‘good breeding’ and ‘pedigree’?” He felt disgusted and violated- used by this stranger. Azra shook his head, brow tight with anguish as he said, “Is it really too much to ask for respect or kindness? To be seen as the prince that I am; an equal-?”

“We are not equals, Prince Lyroth,” Varyx snapped, seemingly repulsed at the notion. “I command armies; my blood contains the best qualities of any man. You…you will simply add to my own stock.” 

Feeling hopeless, Azra’s hair shifted to a pale, silvery blue…the color of his despair. 

Though Azra was silent, the display of magic had Varyx snapping once more, “It would do you well to learn to control these…impulses. I trust you’re on some kind of sordid pill to keep you from going into heat? I can still smell your scent but I suspect not as potently as I would without them.”

Hollow and defeated, Azra closed his eyes as he nodded slowly, touching the collar at his throat. 

“Good.” Varyx’s voice felt like a cold slap- brutally short and unfeeling. He continued without any remorse as he stated, “I’ll see that the physician here gives you something stronger. Hopefully we can get rid of that stench in its entirety. It may even help you numb these emotions you find so difficult to control.”

When Azra’s eyes opened they remained fixed to the ground, his vision swimming with tears. He could feel himself tremble as he suppressed his quiet and choked sobs; they were filled with fury. Not wanting to start a fight with the alpha he knew he would not win, Azra could only wonder how much more his very presence would offend the great Varyx Vaniya.  

Azra could hear the muffled thudding of footsteps as Varyx stepped past him, heading for the door. He stopped with a deep exhale, saying calmly to Azra, “Though I would hope you’re already aware of the situation, let me make this clear: No one in this castle can know what you are- not yet. My father went to great lengths to secure you for my legacy before the word got out, and I’m sure other realms would do the same if they knew. The deal is done. For the betterment of our realms, you are to be my husband… and I do wish to be a fair husband to you in return. Our realms will be strong together, and come what may…we must learn to get along. You will do well to remember that I have done you a favor, Azra…” His voice was a dark threat, a warning as Varyx uttered, “Other men may not have been so kind.”