For a moment, she thought that now the Alpha's roar would help her immensely. Iris’s calling was very powerful, and she had never defeated it. She knew that if they crossed paths in the Arena, he would win. She was ready to resign herself to yet another defeat. But suddenly blood began to pour from Iris’s nose. He staggered and his calling faded.
"Last time I ask," he said, breathing heavily, "turn back! It’s dangerous for omegas to be wandering the city at this time... especially for someone like you!"
"I know!!!" Nari shot back.
His last words hit her like a bucket of ice water dumped on her head.
"I know," she repeated quietly, "I know I’m not a fighter. And I know my calling isn’t even defensive. No need to remind me how little use I am! That’s why... don’t stop me from doing at least what I can!"
Nari turned and walked away. Iris shouted something at her back, but she no longer listened. "What a marathon... how much longer do I have to run back and forth today?!" flashed through the omega’s mind.
As she returned the same way, she peered into every nook, trying to find her package. With each step, it became harder to walk. For some reason, it became harder to breathe. The noise in her ears grew louder as she approached the street where the pharmacy was located.
"It cannot... be..." bracing herself against the wall, she moved through the alley and was ready to emerge onto the street.
But she stopped. The noise became unbearable. It mixed with screams. People were fleeing, stores were closing. A white armored van stood in the middle of the street. The street was surrounded by betas in uniform, led by two Alphas. And their roar filled the entire space.
"What is the control service doing here?!"
"What difference does it make?! Let’s get out of here! Look how they’ve taken down omegas."
"Attention! Everyone stay in place. The control service will conduct registration checks! In the event of discovering unregistered omegas, report to a service employee!" the loudspeaker blared, "I emphasize! Hiding unregistered omegas is punishable by law! Punishable by law!"
Nari felt her body tremble. The roar of the Alphas, let alone two at once, made her fall to her knees. Cold and heat enveloped her body at the same time. She couldn’t feel her legs or arms. Fear, like a tsunami, engulfed her. All of the girl’s strength was focused on holding back. Not to scream. They would find her. They would catch her. Hot tears rolled down her face. Her chest was tight.
"Please... it’s scary... it’s scary..." she whispered, "please... enough..."
But suddenly, strong hands lifted her. She felt only the wind whistling in her ears. Through the rain and tears that flooded her eyes, she couldn’t see where she was being carried and by whom. After three more jolts, they stopped. The one holding her lowered himself to the ground, leaning against the wall. He pulled her close, covering her with his jacket.
"Shh," a familiar voice whispered, "breathe. It’s okay… it’s all okay now."
The white-haired boy stroked her hair gently.
"We’re far away. No one will touch you," he spoke quietly.
Nari quietly sobbed, pressing her face against his chest, unable to stop the tears. But the trembling passed almost instantly. He smelled pleasantly of mint and rain. His body was warm; she felt his breath and couldn’t understand why it suddenly felt so calm. For a while, she remained in his embrace, unable to lift her eyes. He didn’t rush her. He said nothing. Just periodically ran his fingers through her pink hair.
Finally, composing herself, Nari pulled away from the boy. Trying not to meet his gaze, she wiped her face with the sleeves of her jacket.
"Another coincidence?" she asked quietly.
"Who knows," the beta also didn’t look her in the eye.
"And where are we?"
"Well..." the boy sighed, "almost at the walls of the ghetto."
"But how do we?.. how did you?.. More precisely… so fast?"
"You were in a panic; you didn’t even notice," the young man said uncertainly, "if you go out of the alley and turn right, you’ll see the gate."
"Thank you," the girl looked down at her feet, "I just… well… seriously, thank you."
The beta stood up and, approaching Nari, handed her a paper bag. The same one she had returned for.
"I never thought of you as a dog to be fed," he said over his shoulder and walked away.
Nari didn’t raise her eyes. Waiting for his footsteps to fade, she finally sighed in relief and managed to head home. Leo was waiting for her at the door. His gaze spoke for itself. He was furious.
"You smell like an Alpha..." he growled, "you were told to come home!!! Why did you go back to the city?!"
"Medicine..." Nari extended the package to him, "for Di..."
"Get lost, Nari!!!" Leo angrily knocked the package out of her hands, "you... I thought they’d grab you for the farm!!!"
"I have a collar, Leo! Who would dare?!"
"The control doesn’t care what you wear! Even if you had the Aedelson brand stamped on your forehead!!! The control can do anything!!! If they wanted to, they’d come up with something to take you!"
"Why would they?!"
"Because you’re pretty!" Leo shouted, "are you completely stupid?! They always take the best for the farm!"
"Leo!" The apartment door opened, and Dionna stood in the doorway, looking unwell, "stop. This fuss isn’t needed for the neighbors. Please…"
The boy sighed and turned to his younger sister.
"I get it, sorry, Di."
"Leo, I’m sorry, I just wanted to help!" Nari tried to justify herself, "the bag… the zipper broke and the medicine!... I came back for the medicine..."
"You’re not listening to me at all..." Leo shook his head sadly, "I’m not asking for much. Just don’t put yourself in danger. Just don’t go looking for trouble. Be nearby... tsk... thanks for the medicine, Nari. Now I need to look after my sister. We’ll see each other… sometime later."
He shut the door right in front of her nose. Nari stood there a little longer and then went to her room. One message from Iris popped up on her communicator.
And I warned you.
Nari swiped away the message and fell onto her bed. Angry Leo, sad Dionna. She felt very ashamed. Ashamed because she couldn’t think of anything other than the bright, clear as a moonlit night, eyes of the beta.