Ailee followed Xavier through the forest until they finally arrived at their destination. His eyes widened slightly as he took in the sight before him.

A house? No. A palace.

The massive estate stood tall under the moonlight, its grand architecture and intricate details exuding an air of nobility. The high gates, the elegant carvings, the pristine gardens—it was nothing like what Ailee had expected. This was a place where a noble lived.

Ailee glanced at Xavier, his turquoise eyes flickering with subtle surprise. He dresses like someone from the streets, yet he lives here?

Xavier, who had been watching Ailee carefully, immediately caught the shift in his expression. A teasing smile curled on his lips.

"What?" he said, raising an eyebrow. "Do I look that much like trash for you to be so surprised?"

Ailee blinked, his poker face returning, but he quickly looked away. He wasn’t expecting Xavier to read him so easily.

As Xavier stepped inside, Ailee followed closely behind, his expression as unreadable as ever. The moment they entered, a row of maids and servants bowed respectfully.

"Welcome back, young master," they greeted in unison.

Ailee remained silent, observing everything with his sharp turquoise eyes. The grand hall was just as luxurious as the exterior—polished floors reflecting the warm glow of chandeliers, intricate gold detailing on the walls, and long, velvet curtains framing massive windows.

But amidst their usual routine, the workers couldn’t help but steal glances at Ailee. He looked… different. Ethereal, almost. His delicate yet striking features, his pale skin, and especially those unreal turquoise eyes—it was as if he had stepped out of a dream.

The murmurs began.

"Young master never brings anyone home… Who is he?"

"An Omega? It’s definitely an Omega… but didn’t our young master hate Omegas because—"

"Shh! Quiet!"

The whispers were quickly silenced as Xavier passed by, his sharp golden eyes warning them not to pry further.

Without sparing a glance at his staff, he continued walking, leading Ailee deeper into the palace. Ailee, meanwhile, remained unfazed—used to being stared at, admired, whispered about. It never mattered to him.

But one thing was certain. Xavier Maverick bringing home an Omega? That was something no one ever expected.

"Make sure to bring sweets and tea for my guest," Xavier instructed as he led Ailee to the lavish living room.

Ailee sat down on the plush couch, his expression neutral as always, but his sharp eyes scanned the room, taking in every detail. The palace was grand, yet there was a strange warmth to it—perhaps because of the dim lighting or the faint scent of tea lingering in the air.

Soon, the maids arrived, placing an elegant tray on the table. A steaming cup of tea and a beautifully plated strawberry cake sat before Ailee.

"This is a berry harvest tea," Xavier said, leaning back casually. "You can taste it."

Ailee picked up the cup, took a small sip, and let the taste settle on his tongue. It was good—but his reaction remained muted, his expression unchanged. However, his eyes lingered on the cake.

Xavier caught it instantly. A small, knowing smile played on his lips.

"Go ahead," he encouraged.

Without hesitation, Ailee picked up the fork, sliced a piece of the cake, and took his first bite.

The moment the sweetness hit his tongue, his turquoise eyes sparkled ever so slightly. It was subtle, but it was enough.

Xavier chuckled. "So, you like cakes, huh? That's adorable."

Ailee nodded, his gaze still fixed on the dessert.

Just then, Shosho hopped onto the table, his tiny nose twitching as he sniffed the cake. He let out a soft, impatient sound, looking up at Ailee as if to say, What about me?

Xavier smirked and picked up a strawberry, offering it to the bunny.

"There," he said. "Now you’re not left out."

Shosho happily accepted the fruit, nibbling on it with his tiny paws. Ailee watched the interaction, feeling an unfamiliar warmth settle in his chest.

For the first time in a while, he felt… at ease.

Xavier waited patiently until Ailee seemed comfortable, watching the way the boy relaxed just slightly with each bite of cake. When he felt the time was right, he smiled.

"You good?" he asked.

Ailee nodded.

"That’s good to know."

Xavier shifted his position, placing his elbow on the table and resting his head on his hand, his golden eyes lazily fixed on Ailee.

"So… which school do you go to?"

Ailee flinched, his grip tightening around his fork. He glanced at Xavier, wary.

"Hm?" Xavier tilted his head slightly, picking up on his reaction. "I just figured you might be around my age… maybe younger?"

Ailee hesitated, then took out his notebook and scribbled something before flipping it around for Xavier to read.

"I don’t go to school. I’ve never been."

Xavier’s expression shifted, his casual smirk fading into something softer, more curious.

"May I know the reason?" His voice remained gentle, carrying that quiet authority. "Only if you want to tell me, of course."

Ailee’s fingers gripped the pen a little tighter. After a brief pause, he wrote a single name.

"Enzo."

Then, after a moment, he added more.

"Dad doesn’t allow me to. He says it’s unsafe. He homeschools me."

Xavier read the words carefully, then lifted his gaze to Ailee. He could see it—the way the boy looked down, almost small despite his usual elegance.

There was something caged about him, something that had nothing to do with being an Omega.

"Is that so," Xavier said with a small smile, scooping Shosho into his arms. He stroked the bunny’s soft fur as he turned back to Ailee. "How about I show you where your room is?"

Ailee stood up and followed Xavier through the grand hallways, his silent footsteps barely making a sound against the polished floors.

Xavier stopped in front of a door and pushed it open, stepping aside to let Ailee enter first.

"It’s a guest room," he said casually. "No one’s used it in a long time."

Ailee took out his notebook and scribbled something before turning it around for Xavier to read.

"It's good. Thank you for having me. I'll repay your kindness another time."

Xavier chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No need for that. We're friends, right?"

Ailee froze.

His turquoise eyes widened slightly, as if the word "friends" was something foreign to him—something he'd never had before.

His eyes sparkled for the briefest moment before he quickly composed himself, turning his attention to the room instead.

Xavier watched him for a moment, then hesitated.

"Ailee…" he started, but then stopped himself.

Instead, he smiled. "Good night."

Ailee turned back to him and nodded.

Without another word, Xavier stepped out and gently closed the door behind him, leaving Ailee alone in the quiet room.