- What’s wrong with him?.. - Leo began uncertainly, - hey, Adelson!
He waved his hand in front of Noah’s eyes. Noah didn’t react.
- Adelson, this isn’t funny, - Leo grabbed his shoulder.
- He won’t respond, - Toneri said quietly.
Leo stared at the leader of Sigma in confusion. A sharp scent of flowers filled the air.
- So? Did you do something? With your call?..
- Yes.
- But how?
- Tell me, Leo, - Toneri slowly approached the Alpha and ran his fingers along his cheek, - what do you know about the call?
- I know that the call is pure life energy that can mutate and bestow an omega with protective or supportive abilities, - Leo answered cautiously, Toneri's behavior made him wary.
- During the Fifth Mist War, omegas were also fighters, their calls amplifying the growls of Alphas. And the advantage was on the side of the army that had more omegas. Didn’t you know that?
Leo shook his head. He still didn’t understand how to behave and what all of this meant.
- Odd, isn’t it? An Alpha’s growl truly reveals itself only when it’s enhanced by an Omega’s call, - Toneri continued, - why, then, is there such treatment of omegas now? All these restrictions, ghettos, the Arena. Did you never think about this?
Leo thought. They had thought about this a lot in their time, long before they began to go out on the Arena. But no one had answers to those questions. Toneri turned to him. Noah stood there, unmoving, like a statue.
- Alphas. Alphas always eliminate anything that may call into question their strength and authority.
- I don't quite understand…
- Of course, of course. This is hidden from the younger generation, this data is classified. But I will share it with you, - Toneri smiled, and it was not a kind smile, - the call is more than just support, enhancement, and protection. During the war, it became clear that there were pairs of Alphas and Omegas that were much stronger, much more effective. Those duos were simply unbeatable on the battlefield. And these were couples who chose each other. Marked.
- Isn’t that illegal?! - Leo exclaimed in surprise.
- Back then, no one knew, - Toneri licked his lips, - those pairs who marked each other were exceptional. An Alpha chose an Omega. And if the Omega reciprocated, their call and growl resonated, becoming one during combat. It was a bond stronger than any chains. That’s when it became clear that the call could do more than just empower. The call could calm the Alpha's growl, stop the outburst of his energy, and even... take control.
- The call… can do that? - an astonished Leo asked.
- As you can see, - Toneri stroked Noah's cheek again, - obedient, like a puppy. It also turned out during the war that an Alpha’s mark could disappear, and the Omega would be free. But an Omega’s mark… it will last as long as the omega who placed it doesn’t die. Do you know what kind of meaning marks have?
- It’s like a confession.
- Ooooh, boy, it’s more than that! It’s so much more! It’s like swearing allegiance to another. Confessing eternal love. Binding oneself to another person until the end of your days. And it turned out that for Alphas, this is dangerous. Because then their weakness becomes their omega.
- But how?..
- The main condition is that an omega must mark an Alpha. Then using the call at full strength and controlling it – is not that hard. However, I don’t need that. Let’s say, my call is a puppet. I can take control of anyone, not just Alphas. And only for a short time. But Nari… mmm… that girl is special.
- Nari's call is regeneration. What makes it special?
- Oh no, no. Regeneration, healing – that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Nari inherited her call from her mother. Such a rarity… but she has yet to reveal it fully.
- Do you want to use her?..
- Of course. And I will use her. Otherwise, why would I involve so many people to pull her out of the Arena?
- But… what if she doesn’t want to? What if she doesn’t obey your order? You won’t force her!
- Of course not. Come on. I’m not a beast. She will do everything willingly, no other way. Wouldn’t she want to avenge her little friend? Destroy Alphas, turn them all into Omegas with her call, make them live through everything we have endured for years. That is – just!
- But you said you sought equality! And this seems like you are just switching places with the Alphas!
- Isn’t that justice?
Leo looked him in the eye.
- Toneri, why are you telling me all this?..
- You look conscious. I think you realize that I'm right. You want to take revenge for your sister, Leo?
- And iiiiii that’s all! - suddenly Iris jumped between them, - Toneri, I’ll steal him, okay? You’re done here, right?
Toneri shrugged and snapped his fingers. Noah took a deep breath, as if surfacing from the water. He turned in surprise to those present and, scratching his head, silently left as if nothing had happened. Iris grabbed Leo by the hand and pulled him away. He did not resist. They went into the hallway, reaching the rooms where Iris forcefully shoved Leo into his room.
- Have you gone mad? Planning to argue with Toneri?!
- I wasn’t planning to! It’s just… his words! He wants Nari!..
- He wants it! And he will! And if you stand in his way – he’ll kill you! You saw what he did to Noah! Do you think an omega who can take control of an Alpha won’t be able to kill another omega?!!
- Nari needs to be warned!!!!
- Are you going to put yourself in the line of fire for her?!
- Why are you even glued to me?!
- Because you’re an idiot! You can’t even take care of yourself; I have to do it for you!
- Iris, please, go to hell. You didn’t care about me for so many years. Why suddenly now?! Pity? Or just wanted to play the benefactor?!
Iris fell silent.
- I’m sorry… - Leo whispered, - just… truthfully, I’m sorry. I appreciate your help. But… you’ll never understand me.
- And why is that?
- You are perfect. From the very moment we met, you've been perfect in everything. You are always the center of attention, always desired. What could someone like you know about unrequited love?
And the moment those last words were spoken, Iris grabbed Leo by the collar, pulled him toward himself, and kissed him. His lips were hot and soft, and the kiss was both bitter and sweet at the same time. Leo was so taken aback that he couldn’t even push him away. Iris stepped back himself. A tortured smile was frozen on his face. That’s how those smile who have already made their choice and have no way back.
- You’re right, - he said hoarsely, - what could I know.
And Iris walked out the door, leaving Leo alone. The taste of his kiss lingered on Leo’s lips. Bitter. And just a little sweet.