(no subject)

[dustjackets]

Technically speaking, the Arcadian Archive is an autonomous, neutral entity. It's existed in Wellish territory since before Wellin even existed, and will continue to exist well after Wellin is gone. The Librarian, archivists, and other staff come from all over the world. Any person or organization from any nation may submit a request to access the knowledge stored within, and the power to grant or deny such requests rests solely in the hands of the Librarian.

Practically speaking, the Archive depends a lot on the Wellish government. They need homes to live in. Gardens to grow food in. Markets to purchase the things they can't grow or make themselves. Freedom to travel to and from the Archive. A treaty with an old king of Wellin ensured them all of these things.

But the Archive will exist even when Wellin is gone, and Wellin is gone now.

It's not an immediate disaster. No one can access the Archive without explicit permission from Aspen or his designated proxies, and he's already confiscated and destroyed all the seals granting the staff proxy powers. The chaos that comes with annexing a foreign government has prevented anyone from Caria from immediately descending upon the Archive. The staff has enough stockpiled supplies to last them months.

But Aspen knows it's only a matter of time. He might be all-powerful within the Arcadian Archive, but he and his staff are just people. Humans. They have homes they need to return to, loved ones they want to see, illnesses that must be tended to. Weaknesses that can be exploited. Weaknesses that will be exploited, as soon as their new 'rulers' identify them.

Aspen's status as an omega—an unmarried, unmated omega, at that—will only complicate things. He wouldn't call the treatment of omegas in Wellin perfect, but he knows it's going to get much, much worse once once the laws and cultural norms of their conquerors take root. He needs a solution, and fast.

So he seals the Archive, engaging an old spell that allows anyone to exit, but prevents them from reentering until he deactives the spell. And then he leaves. He only brings Zachariah, an old alpha that's been guarding the Archive since the days of Aspen's master, with him for protection; he's a reliable and loyal man, and the only one Aspen trusts to not try to stop him. Together, they travel to Caria's capital and to the headquarters of the only group more dangerous than Caria's government.

The man Aspen talks to, whom he assumes is one of the higher ups in this syndicate, seems suspicious and wary at first. Aspen can't really blame him. But the explanation he offers ends up being simple:

"I'd rather criminals have more influence over me than your government. Don't you feel the same way?"

He does, especially when all Aspen asks for in return is that the syndicate ensures that the Archive receives the same protections from Caria that they did from Wellin.

Offer accepted, the man starts to immediately babble on about the importance of legitimacy, and how they'll have to do things properly if they want the Carian government to buy it. Aspen tenses. He knows what that means but... he'd been ready for that. So he agrees, and he's immediately whisked away to some small apartment deeper within the synidcate home. There he's invited (or, well, ordered) to make himself comfortable and wait.

And wait he does. Zachariah is allowed to stay nearby, at least, and there's several in the apartment's small sitting room. He's brought lunch and even afternoon tea (but beta servants, he notes, who seem puzzled and even put off by how frankly he directs and thanks them). Still, it makes for a long, slow, and tense period of waiting.

Then, as the sun is starting to set, the door finally opens. Whoever it is doesn't knock like the servants or Zachariah did, which tells Aspen all he needs to know. He takes a deep breath, then climbs to his feet and turns to face whoever has come to greet him.

Comments

[totenklage]

Milo knew, eventually, that this day will come. It has surprised him that it took the syndicate years to make him do something like this. He feels like all the years before this, all the fights and the conflicts with other alphas within the syndicate, the constant proving of being someone he was not, the constant fear of being kicked out, or worse, killed or humiliated was just the thorned path that made him ready to this day.

His resolve on staying focused started to falter when Uvo, the higher up that has been talking to Aspen has been talking to, went into details about the deal he sealed with Aspen, and his situation. He couldn't imagine how an unmated omega with a position of power could feel right now, in the midst of the fucked up politics and hierarchies of the carian society. The desperation has to be astronomical for going to the syndicate for help, but Milo deeply understood that kind of desperation. His eye closed when Uvo finally reached the point he has been been fearing the most. "We're forcing an imprinting on you two, so you will eventually mate." The moment he heard that, his scent turned into something sour, unpleasant. A destiny he's not able to run away from was developing in front of him and it was like looking into an abyss.

Uvo, on the other hand, seems completely unaware of his struggles. "You should be fucking thankful, that omega is such a doll, so fucking pretty." He whistled, as if he was talking about healthy stock, and not a person. "Involved in the Arcadian Archive y'know? That means he's into some magic, some freaky shit, too, once you get between his legs." His laugh is so loud and boisterous that makes Milo's stomach turn, even if he tries to keep a façade of complete indifference, even some pride.

"W-What's his name?" He finally asks, and Uvo blinks up at him, as if he has sprouted a sudden new head out of his neck.

"Who?" The other simply retorts, because Aspen's presence is barely considered human. It's convenient, instrumental, useful.

"The... The omega? What's his name?" He asks again, and Uvo just shakes his head in disapproval.

"Aspen." He spats, as if his name is loaded with venom, and Milo repeats it inside of his head. "He's waiting in the guest apartment right now."

And he understands right away what that means, he has to go there, he can't make anyone wait, he can't make the syndicate look as a fool in front of anyone, not even an unmated omega in the need of help.

He knows that he can't say no, that he has to prove himself. He knows this is a fucked up test, and he's aware that if he fails, then it would be the end of him. The last time he hasn't managed to live up to the expectations, the lose of his right eye has just been a small warning, but this time the task is just too big. An omega to take care of, to provide over, to protect and to mate. All the roles he's supposed to fulfil as an alpha in the carian society. Sprinkled over a dose of cruelty, of course. In some way, for some people, Milo has reached the peak in the carian society, but he's feeling as if he's sent to his own death sentence.

As he walks there, he's trying to make his best to remain this pure ideal of alpha that the Caria society strives for. Tall, strong, serious, well dressed, cold and indifferent to his surroundings. Even if, his inner turmoil, was dominated by panic.

Don't knock, he tells himself, when he finally reaches the door. Don't bow, don't smile. He tries to recite, as a mantra, so he won't forget. Look imposing and serious and strong, scary. No matter how much as he hates it. As he walks inside and he's finally in front of Aspen, his breath just catches in his throat for a fraction of a second. He's beautiful, Uvo didn't lie to him, tall for what would you expect as an omega, but still short next to Milo's towering figure. He couldn't catch his scent, he can't tell if he's feeling as nervous, or insecure, as he's feeling about this. He hates the idea that, without knowing him at all, he already hates him. "Aspen?" He asks, trying hard to project his voice into something domineering. "My name is Milo." But then, his resolve falters. What is he supposed to say? I am your alpha, we're going to be forcefully imprinted, maybe going through a painful and confusing ritual, forcing to be together even though you probably hate me. He stood there, awkwardly, staring into the other.

[dustjackets]

And... there is is. The man that's going to determine the direction of the rest of Aspen's life.

Aspen's not always the tallest person in the room, but it's rare for him to feel small in comparison to someone. He certainly feels it now, though. He tells himself that feeling has more to do with the circumstances of their meeting than the objective reality of their height. Milo is only a few inches taller than him, and Aspen is sure that he can (at least temporarily) match Milo's apparent physical strength with his magic. But Aspen tells himself that and nothing changes: he still feels short next to Milo.

Aspen doesn't know exactly what to expect from this exchange. He knows how the rituals work in Wellin, and he has a vague idea of what they're like in Caria. His knowledge is mostly academic, however. It's not like he had time to practice, or track down a Carian omega willing to answer his questions. But he does know that omegas in Caria are generally expected to be subservient. So when Milo greets him, Aspen returns that greeting with a bow, his hands clasped politely in front of him.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Milo," he says, and maybe it actually is. The fact that Milo isn't immediately being aggressive and demanding is already better than Aspen had feared. He just hopes that it lasts.

When Aspen straightens up again he takes the risk of maintaining eye contact with Milo. Still, he makes sure to keep his posture as closed off and non-threatening as he can manage. He stays where he is, not willing to approach until he's ordered.

"Thank you very much for agreeing to my request. I'm in your hands."

[totenklage]

He's still frozen on his spot, and mentally, he's trying to remember how the alphas in his life treats the unmated omegas around him, but in all honesty, he doesn't want to treat Aspen not even close to what any of them does. There are a lot of unspoken rules and disciplinary acts alphas are supposed to do around omegas, but also a lot of alphas who go beyond tradition and humiliation. He's seen alphas grabbing omegas by their hair and forcefully scenting them, Uvo is especially cruel towards them, he likes to keep them kneeling by next to him as if they were dogs, and sometimes he would gag them because they don't know how to keep their place or their mouth shut. In his own words.

The idea of doing any of those things make Milo's vision blur even if he technically, Aspen is breaking a rule in the carian society and he's supposed to discipline him, his omega. It's customary in their society that omegas walk behind alphas and neither look up to them or talk unless the are spoken to, after all. Milo doesn't mind, in fact, it makes him feel slightly less nervous, maybe Aspen doesn't hate him right away as he suspects.

But he knows this is still a test, even if he's alone with the omega, that he cannot treat as well as he wished to, because inside of the syndicate, every room has its own eyes and ears. Every little thing that happens, it will reach Uvo eventually. "Right." He says, trying to keep his voice as cool and composed as he can. "L-likewise." He can't help himself to say, even offering the other the ghost of a smile. He somehow wants to project to the other they are in the same position, even if he's supposed to be in the higher ground.

"How many details of the imprinting ceremony did you get." He asks, his tone slightly more serious. Knowing Uvo and his general hatred of talking to omegas, probably little to zero information, and the idea of having to be him the one to explain the whole ordeal to Aspen, makes him extremely uncomfortable. But then, he looks around, and realises that Aspen is not alone. He has came with an alpha, obviously, no unmated omega would be so reckless to come to the syndicate completely alone. "Ple-" He cuts himself right away, and coughs, pointing to the couch Aspen has been sitting. He can't say please to an omega, that's seen as an humiliation towards his subgender. "Sit down." An order, and it makes him internally flinch.

[dustjackets]

If Aspen had been given the entire rest of the evening to guess what might happen next, he never would have expected the stammer, or even the faint smile. Maybe it's meant to put him at ease, but it just sends tension crawling over his frame. He's too far away to even get an impression of Milo's scent right now.

Aspen's almost forgotten about Zachariah's presence. Then Milo glances towards him and it occurs to Aspen that he might be committing a faux pas by keeping him around. He has no idea if it's even considered acceptable for Zachariah defer to Aspen, though he doubts it. Aspen catches Zachariah's eye, giving him the the very faintest of nods. Zachariah holds his gaze for a moment, then heaves a nearly silent sigh. He departs without a word, leaving Aspen and Milo alone.

Aspen sits down, as ordered, leaving his hands folded in his lap. This, he thinks, is when things have the potential to get the most dangerous. He and Zachariah have already agreed that the alpha wouldn't interfere unless Aspen specifically called for help, and he's determined to not do that. Even though, much like the smile and the stammer, the abandoned 'please' just makes him feel even more uncertain of himself.

"I know the physical requirements of the ritual," Aspen replies, keeping his voice soft but steady. The bite and the scent marking seem to be consistent across most cultures, and Caria is no different. "And it's my understanding that the Carian ritual only requires the alpha to mark the omega, rather than the gestures being mutual. But I know little of the ritual aside from that."

[totenklage]

Milo is too focused on maintaining his stoic presence to consider controlling his scent all together. It's not even a strong one, another feature that marks him as a faulty alpha in the eyes of the society and particularly the syndicate, and a result of being the son of an omega and beta couple. His scent is subtle, away from the earthy and spicy tones characteristic of alphas, and more into the fresh and clean scents of betas. Right now, probably it's damp with anxiety and tension.

The moment Zachariah left the room, Milo felt slightly more comfortable, the less eyes around them, the more he could manoeuvrer around this situation. Maybe, the moment they were completely alone, away from the syndicate eyes, Milo could explain Aspen things in a way that would make him feel less uncertain, less afraid. To make him understand this is as uncomfortable and new for him as well. He moves to sit down next to Aspen, leaving a considerable distance between them, and both of his hands come to rest on his knees, his posture taut, his back straight and his stare lost somewhere into the wall in front of them. Taking a deep breath, gathering his thoughts.

God, he doesn't know anything. And Milo doesn't want to explain the gruesome details to him, it makes him feel deeply uncomfortable and he doesn't want the other to think that he supports and enjoys any of them, far from it. If he could, he would skip the ritual part all together, he would make the affair private. Not only to protect Aspen, but the two of them. "The ritual is public, settled in the obsidian temple." The symbol of religious and political power in Caria, where the two of them are often indistinguishable. He's looking at Aspen again, trying to maintain the eye contact. He's supposed to be his alpha, he's supposed to own him, looking into his eyes should be something easy. "Part of it, I mean, the imprinting and the marking." Milo knows he can make the mating process private, he will make the mating process private, there's no way he's going to make himself, or Aspen, go through that in front of the syndicate, or anyone's eyes. He has been the witness of a few rituals before, and just being there has been uncomfortable enough for knowing that he doesn't want to experience that himself. "The high priest will be there to bless our mating, we will be given a infused drink that will trigger the imprinting process." He knows there's wolfsbane in it, but the details are never disclosed, it's supposed to make people connected with their inner wolves and that will probably make Milo feel ten times more aggressive than he is, and he's fearing that the most. "Then, you will be moved to the altar and held down with enchanted chains. Then I will mark you." He says, and he can't look up at the other when he's saying that.

His voice turns down so much, he's not sure Aspen is hearing it, he even leans forward. A secret, or even, a plea. "It---It's... uncomfortable. But... But I promise I will make it quick." A promise.

[dustjackets]

Milo has been hard to get a read on, so Aspen is actually grateful when the alpha draws closer. It lets Aspen actually catch his scent... but unfortunately that doesn't do much to clear things up. He definitely is an alpha. Aspen can tell that much just from how his own instincts stir in response. It's the most unusual alpha scent Aspen has ever caught in his life, however, more refreshing than overwhelming. And the mix of emotions Aspen picks up just serve to make things even more confusing.

Aspen doesn't exactly have a typical omega scent himself, of course. Owing to the sheer amount of time he spends in the Archive he smells overwhelmingly of paper and ink. The more natural scent that undercuts that is more floral than sweet. He's not good at keeping his emotions from coming through in his scent, either. He's undeniably, obviously tense—even more so than he seems to be on the surface.

That polite, placid facade cracks when Milo says the words public. Aspen's eyes widen a fraction and he openly stares at Milo for a second. His hasty research hadn't told him that, and the chains are news to him, as well. But maybe that's to be expected. Maybe Caria is a society that tries to conceal the truth of these rituals from omegas. That, he reflect cynically, seems to be on par with what he's seen and heard thus far.

"I... would appreciate that. Both speed, and as much privacy as possible."

It sounds like they won't be required to actually mate in public, which... Well. Being marked in public, in front of an audience, will already be bad enough. Especially with his 'infused drink'. Aspen can at least guess what that's going to do to them, and being in public at all under such circumstances is already mortifying.

But, he tells himself, maybe this will be more manageable than he'd feared. Milo is clearly a little unusual for alpha standards. He might even be as unhappy about this as Aspen is. Aspen's not ready to assume Milo's necessarily opposed to the ritual on principle—maybe he simply objects to having Aspen as a partner—but it's something.

"Am I required to bring anyone as a witness?"

Zachariah would be coming regardless, but Aspen would prefer to avoid bringing anyone from the Archive or his family.

[totenklage]

"I... I will try." But he doesn't really know what will happen, really. Not after the infusing drink. He has witnessed a few rituals, he has seen alphas going absolutely feral in front of the omega they were destined to mate. Milo trusted his criteria, his empathy, his good heart despite all the years inside the syndicate, but he didn't know what will happen once the ritual will start. "But..." How sincere he can be, really. How he's supposed to explain someone he's known for less than ten minutes, someone he's supposed to mate, that this favour the syndicate is making them it's just a fucked up test to him. That if he fails, that any little mistake, would be fatal, and what worries Milo the most is that, there's also Aspen to worry about too. If he starts making mistakes, would the omega being used as a warning as well? A phantom pain in the tight scar of his eye seemed to taunt him, it made close his other eye with a sigh. When he opened it again, his whole expression was sombre. "I will make anything that's in my power to make it as quick as I possibly can." That's all he can offer, and he hopes that for now, Aspen will believe him.

"A-Ah." Fuck. He starts fidgeting, the more he's speaking about this, the more the strong alpha façade is breaking. He doesn't know how to explain this without sounding cruel, without sounding like a monster in front of the other. He hates every part of this ritual as much as he could and he hoped Aspen he could at least feel it. "Omegas don't have much of a saying in the ritual, only alphas can witness it. Only alphas can bring guests." Betas could be an exception, too neutral for being a real threat, so he could come sometimes, if they were invited. And that's probably the reason why the details aren't wildly known, omegas only know when they are part of the ritual, after all. "I... T-The person who was here, with you. I will, I will invite him myself." He doesn't know who he is. Too old to be Aspen's actual lover, but who knows? What he's sure about it's that he's not going to leave Aspen alone in the ritual with no real allies with him. "I mean... If you want to."

[dustjackets]

'I will try' is about as much as Aspen can expect. It's not encouraging, though. He's picked up by now that Milo is... a bit unusual for an alpha. His scent, his hesitant way of speaking, the way he stammers, the careful distance he keep between himself and Aspen, all of these set him apart from even the most polite and sedate alphas Aspen knows. Zachariah was more of an implacable wall than a storm, and Ivy had been charismatic rather than forceful. That might bode well for Milo's treatment of Aspen, but he can't imagine that an alpha with this sort of attitude fairs well in Carian society.

Maybe this was a mistake after all—but it's too late to back out now. Aspen listens to Milo's explanation, filing his words away. He wishes he had a pen, but even if he did he's not sure it's worth risking writing anything down. Not where Milo or the rest of the syndicate might see, at least. But later, when he has a chance to spread the news to the Wellish omegas before they're caught off guard by the demands of Carian society...

"His name is Zachariah," Aspen explains. He inclines his head again, as close to a proper bow as he can manage when he's sitting down. "And I would deeply appreciate it if he was invited to the ritual."

Zachariah can't save him from the ritual itself, Aspen is sure, but his presence might be enough to deter anyone from trying anything outside of the bounds of the ritual. Aspen's heard enough horror stories of omegas being 'taken' from weak alphas. He has no idea how true they are, but now's not the time to risk it.

"How soon will they expect us to conduct the ritual? And is there anything expected from me until then?"

[totenklage]

He smiles faintly, and nods. Zachariah, a friend, or at least someone Aspen wants to keep close to him. Milo will try not to make him feel isolated, even if mated omegas aren't supposed to pursue relationships beyond the ones with their mate. "Don't worry, I will make sure he's there."

"I know..." He looks at him again, and bring himself slightly closer. He doesn't know how to be comforting in a situation like this. He doesn't know how he's supposed to balance the image he's supposed to portray while making sure that Aspen understands that if possible he will make anything to keep him safe. "I know this is a lot, and that it sounds unpredictable but the sooner, the better. The process, it's pure bureaucracy, but the syndicate has the means of accelerating the waiting time." As it has with anything else. It's just, if Milo doesn't claim him right away, it will be seen not only as insurgence but as a sign of weakness inside the syndicate. He knows that no alpha could challenge his claim on Aspen since this was a pact with the older and the syndicate, but he doesn't want to risk any chances. The sooner they start the process, the better. "If... If you want more details of the ceremony... Of... Just... Anything that will make you feel more certain, I will answer them to the best of my capabilities."

"Nothing... is really expected from you." There's not a lot that's expected from omegas in the carian society, sadly. "As, as your alpha, I am the one who submits the mating petition and wait for the resolution, the one who just handles the entire process but..." With all the effort he can muster, he closes the distance between them, and grabs Aspen by the back of his neck. It's a typical display on alpha's power and domination, a proper way to treat omegas, but for Milo, it's just an excuse to get closer to him, so he can whisper into his ear. The older can feel how his grip is not even tight, his fingertips shivering. "There's nothing I would do that you don't want to, but it's hard to speak here, in the syndicate. Everything has eyes, and ears. I know... I know it doesn't seem like much, but I am asking you to trust me in the meantime."

[dustjackets]

"Thank you." Zachariah being there won't be much more than a metaphorical security blanket, but Aspen will take what he can get at this point.

Milo moving closer would be expected of any alpha, and in fact most would already be well inside Aspen's physical space at this point. So the fact that he does catches Aspen off guard. Aspen is already sitting up straight, but he manages to go even more tense at the gesture. He stays where he is, though, tipping his head back to maintain eye contact with Milo. He listens, attentive as ever, and finally drops his gaze again. It's a thoughtful gesture, however, his brow furrowed and one hand moving to hold his chin. So they can either rush into it, or they can try to delay it. Neither option seems particularly good, but—

The hand on the back of his neck brings Aspen's thoughts screeching to a halt. Aspen can feel how loose and shivery Milo's grip is. In turn, Milo can certainly feel how stiff Aspen is under his hand. Two different impulses are at war inside him. His training tells him to throw the hand off, stand up, and put distance between himself and Milo. Aspen has spent more than a decade dealing with some of the most powerful people in the world, alphas with enough personal force to bring other alphas to heel. Multiple times he's looked those people in the eye and told them no, their request for access to the Arcadian Archive was denied, and stood firm in the face of their attempts to convince or coerce him to change his mind.

But the simpler, baser instincts him tell him that this is right. That he should yield. That this is supposed to happen, and that having the hand on him like this is what he wants and needs. That impulse has him going still, has his breath catching in a tiny gasp before he forces himself to breath steadily again. He barely manages to process Milo's words.

Trust, huh? There's no way that can exist between them, he thinks. But... perhaps they can have something like it. But Aspen hates that he can't be sure how much of that decision is logic, and how much of that is because the hand on his neck makes him want to agree with Milo.

"... I understand," he finally murmurs, voice soft. "In that case, please submit the request as soon as possible."

He wants to get this over with and return to the Archive as fast as he can.

[totenklage]

When he feels Aspen tense up so much under his hand, he immediately regrets it grabbing him without his permission. He thinks of moving away, but he knows it will just confuse the older further. It was just the only idea he came up with for being able to talk to him with sincerity. It feels like an eternity until Aspen speaks, and when he does, he releases a shaky breath, and some of the intense tension he has been building up has dissipated. He really wants Aspen to trust him, to see him as someone reliable, who will try to protect him as much as he could while the whole situation develops. After they are finally mated, another situations will arise, but their status as a mated couple will ease, at least, the communication with each other, the chances of being alone, the understanding of each other's feelings. "Thank you, Aspen."

He releases his neck, and moves away, and when he stares at the older, there's a faint smile on his lips, visibly less tense. He looks younger when he's smiling and he's relaxed, once you past the half hidden scar under his eyepatch. "If I submit it tomorrow, there are chances there will be a response within a few weeks." He hopes that will give enough time for Aspen to prepare himself, gather his thoughts, sort the relationships will have. But the good thing it's that the moment he submits it, it will become official, the move will be registered by the syndicate, and it will buy Milo his own time too.

"W-We can see each other during that time, if, only if you want." He knows he's supposed to say he wants and will see Aspen whenever and wherever he desires to, but can't even bring himself to think about it. Or say it out loud. "But we cannot see each other the day before the mating ceremony, omegas go through a cleansing ritual. I-I am not... certain about the details about it, it's a private ceremony lead with the high priest and priestess in the obsidian temple... all I know it's that involves water." Because in Caria's belief system alphas are beings of fire and omegas are beings of water, the only subgender who can cancel out and properly control alpha's fiery dispositions are the omegas, with their calming nature. Matings of alphas and betas were discouraged, and two alphas were considered sacrilege, even between male and female couples, most of the bitching horror stories Milo has heard since he was a child has involved alpha couples.

[dustjackets]

First a please, and then a thank you. This meeting is getting more and more confusing with each passing second. Aspen keeps his head bowed for a moment when Milo finally releases him, and when he lifts his gaze again it's only cautiously. But he sees Milo smile, and while Aspen doesn't relax he does at least accept that things are probably fine for now.

He's not exactly thrilled to hear it might take weeks for the request to go through, however, and a faint frown creases his brow. That would give him time to try to look into this 'cleansing ritual', at least, but the idea of being stranded here that whole time is... disquieting.

"Am I—" he begins, and then he cuts himself short. Aspen can see that Milo is at least trying to help him out. Give him space, warn him about what's coming, allow him what little autonomy he can. Aspen can tell just by looking at him that Milo has lived a hard life, and he suspects at least some of that came from the syndicate itself. Milo has asked Aspen to trust him. Aspen figures he can at least show himself as someone who can be trusted in turn.

"That is," he tries again. "Would it be acceptable for me to return to the Archive in the meantime?"

It's not just a question as to whether or not Aspen is allowed. It's a question as to whether or not it's safe for Milo to allow him to leave at all.

[totenklage]

The syndicate can speed up the process to even mere days, but the amount of time it's going to be a test, as well. They can make it quick, or they can stretch it to test Milo's royalty and see how he reacts around an omega he technically owns, but not yet. Which is exactly what Aspen is asking him about. "It's... difficult." As an unmated omega from a country that's not Caria, Aspen's figure was ambivalent. The problem was the moment the mating ceremony was submitted, Aspen would officially belong to Milo, even if that won't be legal until the ceremony it's over. Then there was the syndicate, and the fact that Milo was going to be tested the moment he walks out of this room, every little step and decision he makes, it will be scrutinised and judged, and he will be followed as a hawk by Uvo. "We won't be officially mated, but if the petition is submitted, technically, in the eyes of the carian society, you still belong to me." He says, with a sigh. "But since this is a deal you made, I will make sure you have the permissions to go to work and to move freely. The syndicate will understand." After all, this is why Aspen contacted the syndicate, right. For protection and for being able to develop his job?

"H-However, I think it will be... safer if closer to the ceremony you move here." With me, it's implied, and nerve wrecking. He has acquaintances inside the syndicate, but no one he would call his friend, no one he can trust. He would rather keep Aspen close the few days before the ceremony starts. "I... I will never forbid you to work, I will give you all the permissions you ask me to."

He then, looks uncertain again, almost shy. "It's... It's also customary in the carian society that the alpha gives something to the omega the moment the submission is approved. A... mating gift, if you want to call it. It's supposed to... bind you to me." He hates this, it makes him deeply uncomfortable. "Y-You... You don't have to wear it all the time, but it will be suspicious if you're not seen in public with it, at least, until..." I mark you, he thinks, but doesn't say. "Until the ceremony ends."

[dustjackets]

'Difficult' isn't a happy answer, but also about what Aspen expected. The fact that he'll be allowed to return at all, even briefly, is already better news than he'd been hoping for. Returning for even a day would be a relief. It would give him time to check on the rest of the staff, any requests that have come in, a chance to talk to Naomi in person rather than just leaving her with a note...

The idea of a mating gift, however, is a bit more disquieting. Based on how nervous Milo seems, he can only imagine that the gift isn't something as simple as a bracelet or a ring. A collar, maybe? That seems appropriately humiliating, and very much like how this society might choose to convey ownership.

"In that case..." Aspen eyes Milo for a moment, wondering how much a the lead he can take without drawing too much attention. "I'll wait until you're able to bestow this gift upon me. Then I'll return to the Archives, come back days later, and remain here with you until the ceremony is complete. Would that be alright?"

[totenklage]

Of course, a collar is pretty popular among the alphas in the Caria society, particularly the ones in the higher ranks. The more intricate the designs, the more ownership is laced to it. Some alphas enchant the collars with magic, making the omegas unable to speak while he wears them, or cancelling their scent. But Milo didn't want any of that, in fact, he has a quick idea that might make Aspen leave right then if he wanted to. He tugs at a rather flimsy gold chain that's buried under all the dark layers he wears, revealing a fire opal, burning with a quiet inner fire, laced with protective magic. Milo never takes it off, anyone in the syndicate has seen him wearing it as least once. It's enough as a mating gift, a symbol of bonding, without being cruel. "Take this." He says, offering it to Aspen in the palm of his hand. "And then you can leave now, if you want. I will let you know, when the temple informs me about the date of our mating ceremony."

But then, his eye widens, wondering if he's being too imposing. "I...I mean, you ... you can stay here, and go with the plan you told me if you want, but please... keep the necklace. People will notice it's mine, it will be ... enough for protecting you." He hopes, he's a faulty alpha to some people, but a tall and strong alpha after all and Aspen has sealed a deal with Uvo himself, no one will challenge his ownership to him. "I just... I just imagined you would rather return home, than staying here."

[dustjackets]

Aspen blinks when Milo offers out the necklace, and blinks again when he takes hold of it. He can feel the protective spell woven around the opal, the magic thrumming gently against his skin. Without being told he knows, immediately, that this is a very precious piece of jewelry. Protection spells are just expensive enough that even most nobles don't bother with them. Not unless they have an important heirloom to preserve.

This is too important to give away so easily. Aspen's instinct is to reject it. He almost does, in fact, before he reins himself in. Important or not, this is Aspen's ticket home for the time being.

"Thank you, Milo." For the first time this conversation, Aspen gives Milo a smile. A faint smile, but warm and genuine none the less. "I'll take good care of it."

His fixes the chain around his neck. His robes are a rich indigo color, and the gold of the chain and the fiery orange of the opal both stand out bright and clear against the fabric.

"I'll return as I originally planned, I think. In order to ensure nothing goes awry. But..." He lifts his gaze to Milo's, smile melting away into a serious, somber expression. "Before I do, I think you should scent mark me."

It's not an idea that Aspen exactly relishes, but he suspects it will make things easier on both of them if they take care of this first.

[totenklage]

It was the only piece of jewellery his mother owned, and one of the very few things Milo brought when he abandoned Venoth and joined the syndicate, it was indeed sentimental, and possibly the only family heirloom he actually owned. Then, he lost his eye, and he knew he needed something else besides nostalgia and good feelings to hold onto. The constant thrumming of protective magic against his skin, against the several scars on his chest made him feel safe in a very unpredictable environment. Letting it go... it made the panic rise up his chest, but he knew it was for a good cause. Maybe when they are mated, he can explain to Aspen its significance... and the older would give it back to him. When he looks at him as he puts him own, his anxiety settles a little. The necklace looks beautiful on him, the literal image of fire against water that the Caria's beliefs on alphas and omegas try to project.

Milo's heart skips a beat in his chest when he sees Aspen smile at him, that's the most comfortable he has seen the older look since they have started to talk, he hopes that, eventually, as they start to get to know each other, the moments where the older feels comfortable around him will keep increasing, so he finds himself smiling back. But then, his own smile falters at the mention of scenting. He knew it could happen, that it was was safer for Aspen if it happened, but still made him nervous. He knows that a superficial scenting on the wrists won't do, that he will have to do it on Aspen's scent gland, and the mere though of doing it makes his hands feel clammy.

Milo is not good around omegas, he doesn't flirt like other alphas, he doesn't go to whorehouses, he doesn't spend his ruts with different rut partners, he's rather omegashy, which was seen as shameful as an alpha. In his daily life, he has mastered to cover up his shyness and awkwardness with coldness and indifference, all valued alpha characteristics in the eyes of his fellow alphas. If he wasn't interested in omegas in general, it was because omegas were nothing to him, the lowest of the low, not even worthy for flirting or fucking; and within the syndicate, it worked. But it doesn't work when Aspen is literally centimetres away from him. "Y-Yeah. Of course, u-um, It's just, I don't have a very strong scent." Aspen has probably realised by now, but somehow, Milo feels he has the obligation of explaining himself. A fresh, oceanic and floral scent is not what would you expect from an alpha, but at least he has his necklace, and he will carry the scent of someone else, that will be enough for his protection until the ceremony. "C-Can you..." He asks, and leans forward until he's nosing the column of Aspen neck, he's feeling the thrumming of his heart against his chest like a voodoo drum, until he's brushing his own scent gland against Aspen. It's the quickest, most intense way he can think of scenting him without actually having to nibble on his skin, or kissing him. He doesn't think neither of them are ready to do that, so he just rubs his scent glad against the other and closes his eye.

After seconds that seem like hours, Milo moves away, looking down in slight shyness, the tips of his ears a flushed pink. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

[dustjackets]

At least neither of them seem happy about this.

Aspen tilts his head away when Milo leans in, and he reaches up to undo the buttons on his collar and pull the fabric aside. Up close Milo will be able to tell that (underneath the smell of paper, ink, and the soaps used at the Archive) Aspen's natural scent carries strong hints of lavender and sage. There's absolutely no indication that he's ever carried any smell other than his own. He hasn't been scented like this since Naomi's conception more than a decade ago. Despite that Aspen is still and calm when Milo rubs their scent glands together, only a faint shiver whispering through his frame, and he buttons his collar back up with perfect dignity when Milo pulls away.

"I don't think so." Aspen finally stands, only to immediately lower himself into a bow. "Thank you again, Milo. I'll see you soon."

Aspen elects to leave immediately. He and Zachariah don't encounter any trouble on the way out; which is perhaps suspicious, but Aspen is too tired to feel anything but relief. It's already a little too late for travel to be practical, but Zachariah and Aspen reach the Archive just after dawn all the same.

Naomi is, as Aspen predicted, in a horrendous mood when they return. She rages at him like a storm, berating him for leaving without telling anyone and attempting to extract demands that he never do it again. She's too young to have presented in earnest yet, but it's moments like these that make him absolutely certain she's an alpha in the making. It's only his years of experience as both a parent and as the Librarian that keeps him from wilting. Even then, Naomi only stops when she notices that he is starting to wilt. Hearing that he intends to go back sets off a new wave of anger, but the interruption makes it easier to manage. He explains that this isn't just about her, or just about him. It's about the entire Archive and everyone living in it, and the responsibilities he has towards them.

She finally, finally relents after that. She's not nearly tired enough to join him for a nap when he collapses into bed, but she stubbornly stands guard outside his door while he sleeps and trails after him while he works for the rest of the day.

The next couple of days are a flurry of activity. He has to deactivate the warding seal so that the staff can enter and exit freely. He has to remake and redistribute the proxy seals, so that said staff can allow any petitioners and government representatives in at least as far as the lobby. He has to arrange Naomi's schooling for the next several weeks. And in between all of that he has to find time to take care of his regular Librarian duties, feed and clean himself, tend to Naomi, and prepare for his upcoming departure. What few omegas he saw in Caria seemed to favor lighter, cooler colors—a marked contrast to the darker, richer, more earthy colors that made up the Archive's uniform in the fall and winter months. He packs his spring robes, which are mostly in shades of white and desaturated greens, though it's a bit silly when he needs to wear either his navy blue or slate gray winter cloak on top of them anyway.

As promised, Aspen and Zachariah return to the syndicate within just a few days, in the early afternoon.

Then they run into trouble. It starts with the guard refusing to let an unmated omega into the syndicate home, even in the company of another alpha. Zachariah is forced to enter the home alone in order to send someone to retrieve Milo. Once said 'unmated omega' is undefended, the guard loses any sense of decorum and immediately starts trying to press into Aspen's personal space. Aspen ignores him at first, then avoids him, then tells him no, but the guard only grows more entitled and more demanding with each rejection. He finally reaches out, grabbing hold of Aspen's wrist—

And Aspen responds with magic. A quick gesture and a few words has ribbons of earth springing from the ground and winding themselves around the guard, who loses his balance and topples to the ground with a shout and a string of curses. Immediately, Aspen knows he's made a mistake. He hasn't harmed the guard at all, but he's certainly humiliated him, and he thinks that must be even worse in Caria.

Ultimately both Milo and Uvo are called for, the former by the servant Zachariah sent and the latter by one of the guard's compatriots. Whoever arrives first will be greeted by a rather peculiar scene. One guard still on the ground, cursing and struggling against his earthen bonds. Two other guards, staring down Zachariah and Aspen with wary expressions and hands on their weapons. Zachariah, looking the very picture of an alpha as he acts as a wall between the guards and Aspen. And Aspen himself, who is at least staring at the ground, but also unable to make himself look anything but indignant and angry at the treatment.

It might even be funny, if the situation wasn't so dire.

[totenklage]

For a few days after Aspen has left, Milo can swear he gets swirls of lavender scent that reaches him, reminding him of Aspen, and calming his down. As he promised, he registered the mating petition and he asked Uvo to be his witness. He wanted both legitimacy and make the other the most involved in the situation as possible. Then, it was a matter of patience. Either, they wanted to stretch it to see how far they could go, or the petition would be solved as any other ceremony would. Like he told Aspen, he got the response and the date in a few weeks, and he informed him so he could move back with him at least three days before the ceremony. He has also tried to make some research about the cleanser ritual, ask around, but as an alpha, it was difficult to do so. His interest about the ritualçs was seen as bizarre, almost perverted, so Milo didn't try again. He didn't want to press it.

The news of his mating spread within the syndicate like wildfire, and the reactions were completely different. Some people didn't know if Milo was ready to handle an omega, thinking he's just too soft and not dominant enough for managing a mating. Some other people thought he was the perfect candidate for a deal, Milo was exactly what they wanted. Someone with a low profile, who could get their job done but who wasn't ego hungry, neither could go into an alpha frenzy. It was going to be extremely difficult to prove the both of them at the same time, and Uvo, while making sure he wasn't going to hurt Aspen neither do anything he didn't want to.

When Milo arrives and assets the situation, he's glad he's the first to arrive and not Uvo, that will give him maybe two minutes top to make some damage control and avoid any proper dangerous situations for Aspen, even though it's going to be extremely difficult. In a society in which omegas aren't supposed to speak unless spoken to, a yet unmated omega using magic is going to be extremely hard to explain. He's also going to be called out for not controlling his omega enough, and that won't be pretty in the end.

He sighs deeply, and moves to the omega first, moving close enough so he can talk to him without the others listening to him. "Aspen, please. Cancel out the magic." He whispers, not really an order, but almost a plea.

Then he moves so Aspen is standing behind of him, a typical protecting alpha stance. Shielding him from everyone else, his height actually helping to the feeling of authority, as he looks at the other two guards. "Lower the weapons. I'm his alpha." Technically. Almost. He's using his best alpha voice, deep, direct. An order. And the guards lower the weapons immediately, he knows these two aren't the problem, but the one Aspen used magic against.

He just wants to hurry before Uvo arrives.

"You're his alpha? If I was his alpha I would put it in a leash and a muzzle, after what he did!" He spats out, his eyes glistening in anger. "He shouldn't parade around like that, you shouldn't allow him, he was begging him to be molested."

Milo has to force a grown and a snarl but actually it's pretty intimidating, it makes the other falter. "Talk about my omega like that again and it's not magic that will push you to the floor, I promise you." His eyes are shinning so much they look like ice instead of sky blue, and in that exact moment Uvo has arrived, followed by another guard, but Milo doesn't react, his stance taut, violent and tense towards the falling guard.

He can impose himself like this, it's not the first time he has done it. It won't be the last. The problem is the aftermath, the waves of anxiety that brings him.

[dustjackets]

As Milo draws close it won't be hard for him to pick up on Aspen's scent. Unfortunately, Aspen is not nervous or frightened the way a Carian omega probably should be in this situation. He's angry, even indignant. He shoots Milo an incredulous look when the alpha asks him to cancel the spell. But he doesn't verbally protest, and after a moment he sighs and closes his eyes. A flick of his wrist and another murmured spell have the ribbons of earth crumbling away as the guard continues to struggle, and after a moment he's free. Covered in dirt, but free.

(Aspen could have withdrawn the spell in such a way as to leave the guard and his clothing pristine. Naturally, Aspen is not feel especially cooperative right now.)

While the spell fades and Milo moves to stand in front of Aspen, Zachariah steps aside. He's no longer between Aspen and the rest of the group, ceding that position to Milo. He is, however, still present, and serves as a steady enough wall to prevent the argument from immediately escalating into outright violence. By the time the newly freed guard escapes his bindings and springs to his feet there's no longer an easy route to Aspen. He visibly bristles at Milo's threat, but Uvo's arrival cuts short whatever counterpoint he may have made.

Instead, the guard whirls to face Uvo, one hand flung out to point in Aspen's direction.

"Uvo, sir! Milo's bitch is out here attacking people! I was just being friendly and he saw fit to turn his magic on me!"

Behind Milo Aspen bristles, but he has the sense to stay quiet. He does drift closer to Milo, however, almost but not quite touching the taller man. He has yet to feel any fear, but with multiple angry alphas in the area his instincts are telling him he should be.

[totenklage]

He tenses too, but he takes a deep, calming breath, and takes a step back, so they are almost touching, his fingertips brushing the outer robes Aspen is wearing.

He doesn't know how Uvo will react at his stance, but he knows this is still a test. He has failed to control his omega, but he can keep up his strong alpha charade and make himself believable as a decent mate for Aspen. "Careful how you talk about him, don't ever dare to call him a bitch in my presence ever again." His voice is not faltering, his scent is not wavering.

But the guard doesn't bulge, if anything, after being released by Aspen's magic, he's even more tense, angrier. He glances toward Uvo because he expects to be backed up by him. Milo hasn't really acknowledged his presence yet, he's buying time, maybe. He's still proving his point, showing his dominance, showing the other alphas who his omega belongs to.

It's a chuckle that shifts his attention to Uvo. It's humourless, dark, terrifying. "Oh Milo, Milo..." Uvo clicks his tongue, walking among the others, spreading his hands in a friendly stance, but Milo becomes as tense as ever. He offers a glance towards Aspen full of scorn and disdain, and then a sided grin to Milo. "A carian omega would know his place, wouldn't he." He asks, an eyebrow raised. "He wouldn't act like a bitchy spellcaster throwing a temper." He continues, brushing Milo's robes as he's brushing invisible dust. "You need to tighten your leash, don't you."

Milo uses all his willpower not to react, but he's not stupid not to see a threat when he sees one, his right eye, the lack of it, his scar, tightens and hurts at the tension. "Of course, but I am sure he wouldn't have reacted unless he was provoked." And he looks directly at the guard, growling at him.

"How touching..." Uvo says, pressing a hand on his chest, laughing. "Is he that good between his legs you're the one acting like a bitch towards him?" That comment makes the rest of the alphas laugh, and Milo can feel the anger licking up his spine like fire. "Let me be direct." He finally says, and this time, he's directly looking at Aspen. "If he steps out of line again, Milo, it won’t be just dirt he has to answer for. Or you. I don’t care how fucking sweet you are on him."

Milo remains tense, not bulging against Uvo's words, giving him a curtly nod. "Of course. I will answer for him."

[dustjackets]

Aspen is not afraid of Uvo. Wary, sure, but not afraid. Not the way Milo is. Still, that unpleasant chuckle is more than enough to make the hair of the back of Aspen's neck stand on end.

It's not enough to overpower his anger, but it does help to temper it. He stiffens when Uvo refers to his act of self defense as a tantrum, and tenses even further at the implication that he and Milo have already slept together, but he doesn't bristle or lash out the way he kind of wants to. When Uvo looks at him, he forgets to avoid eye contact at first, and only drops his gaze after a second of deliberate thought.

It's most likely best to Milo to handle this. Not only is he part of the syndicate, but Aspen doesn't know Carian traditions. Not enough to confidently insert himself into the middle of a social squabble like this one.

He knows power, though. He knows how to gain ir and how to lose it, and he knows what failing to assert himself now will cost him. Maybe adhering to a passive role is safer in the short term, but in the long term it could be a fatal mistake. Gaze still downcast, he steps out from behind Milo to face Uvo properly. Then he lowers himself into a bow, deep and reverent.

"My sincerest apologies," he says, and it's only through a monumental effort that he keeps the anger out of his voice. "It was my understanding that I had an obligation to protect your family's investment—"

The 'investment' being Aspen and his connection to the Arcadian Archive, of course.

"—and not give any indication that I might be easily swayed from my alpha's side by any parties inside or outside the syndicate. If that's not the case..."

He trails off, letting Uvo fill in the blanks. This is a huge gamble, and he knows it—but if he can remind Uvo of the danger that someone from the government might try to poach Aspen for himself, and frame his own behavior towards the guard as an attempt to discourage such schemes, and maybe even imply that not doing so would have made the syndicate look careless and weak...

Maybe he can buy both himself and Milo some leeway.

[totenklage]

Aspen was strong, and smart. He hasn't doubted it at all when he first met him, guided by his first impression of him, but he was surprised by how well he's dealing the entire situation, he doesn't seem or smell afraid, and he's standing his ground quite proudly for being surrounded by angry, aggressive and volatile alphas. It makes Milo admire him greatly.

Then he starts speaking, bowing and explaining his actions, and his admiration deepens. That's such a smart move, Uvo is going to hate it, and Milo has to hide a grin, remaining stoic and serious beside his omega.

Uvo chuckles again, and this time, it's really filled with humour. This omega bitch is fucking smart. He thinks, bitterly, and wonders how much of a good idea it's that he gave Milo to him. Could he control him? Or was he going to manipulate him? Will they be an eventual problem to the syndicate, create a bond no one is imagining right now? Was he in a position of too much power? He had to calculate his words carefully. "Of course, then, this might be just a misunderstanding." He looks at Milo again, his stance not as violent. "You just need to make sure you make Aspen understand the proper dynamics of the carian society so nothing like this happens again, right. So the investment is safe. No one needs to make drastic decisions."

Milo relaxes a little, but nods. "Of course, our mating is in three days, there's plenty of time." He then moves to Aspen, helping him move up, placing him once again behind him, one arm around his body. He looks at the guard, wondering if there's something else he wants to say. He looks tense, but he's smart enough.

Uvo would say something else, tug on the tension a little bit, but Aspen reply didn't give him with a good feeling. "You're all dismissed." He says, and the guards move after saying a curtly yessir under their breaths. He then smiles at the standing couple, moving way too close. "The mating ceremony, I am sure it will be lovely. I will be there to supervise everything goes according to plan." And then he leaves without saying anything else.

Milo waits a few seconds, before moving away from Aspen, nodding at the omega and his alpha companion. "Come." He just wants to come to his lodgings, away from the judging eyes from everyone. Milo's living quarters are austere, but clean, smaller than you would imagine from someone involved in a syndicate. His den was tucked away in a corner, the smallest room, a surprise for everyone. A place someone would use to hide away, remain invisible when the world becomes too hostile. A guest room big enough for being spacious and welcoming, hopefully Zachariah and Aspen would find it comfortable, a small but clean kitchen, a cosy living room, full of books and notebooks. A bathroom big enough that can keep a bathtub inside of it, a small cabinet and an even smaller mirror. "Please, make yourself at home." He has made an effort of organising and cleaning the entire space so Aspen doesn't arrive to a chaotic environment, that stank too much of an alpha, even with his mild scent. "You can use the first room at the right." He knows the moment he relaxes, his anxiety would spike up, and he doesn't want to give Aspen that kind of impression, not yet, so he's just keeping his stoic and firm façade for now.

[dustjackets]

Aspen doesn't dare let himself relax, but relief surges through him when Uvo seems to accept his excuse. He doesn't risk speaking again, but he nods in acknowledgement of Uvo's words.

He doesn't straighten up again until Milo grabs him, and he easily allows himself to be pulled behind the other man. While Aspen is very good at keeping himself calm in tense situations like this, his instincts are still screaming at him that he's not safe. Being this close to Milo, having the alpha loom over him like this, is actually doing a lot to help his mood. He doesn't even outwardly react to Uvo's promise to supervise the mating ceremony, though the reminder than Uvo will be watching them makes him want to squirm.

But the crowd finally disperses, and Milo steps away, and Aspen draws himself upright again. He gives a silent nod to Milo's order, and then he follows him into the house, though irritation is still rolling off of him as they walk. Zachariah trails behind them, of course, but he elects to post himself up outside Milo's quarters for the moment, leaving Aspen and Milo to enter alone.

Milo's living quarters are... not quite what Aspen was expecting, though that's been true of many things involving Milo. Aspen's absolutely certain his own apartment at the Archive is much larger, even if he doesn't count Naomi's share of things. Much more decorated, too, and it suddenly occurs to him that he should have brought Milo a gift as well. Something to correct the next time he returns to the archive.

Aspen nods when Milo indicates that he should take the other room for himself, but he doesn't enter it right away. Instead he gives Milo a polite nod, deep enough to almost be considered a bow.

"I'd like to apologize for the altercation outside," he says. "I'm sure it's going to cause problems for you. In the future I'll take care to be more discrete."

[totenklage]

There's always a feeling of urgency and alarm that makes Milo unable to completely relax and fully feel at home at this place. There was always the feeling in the back of his head that he would have to rush and leave, that someday he will walk in and someone would have broken in, rummage between his things. His anxiety made him believe scarcity was something that protected him. That was why his place looked empty and soulless.

He looks at Aspen again, and sighs, shaking his head. He's not angry, or disappointed. No longer tense, nor violent neither blatantly showing his alpha characteristics. If anything, his scent was all over the place, his fingertips shivering slightly, his gaze unfocused. Being home helped him to stabilise his nerves, he hopes it happens sooner than later. His body is craving a hot bath. "Could you... explain to me what happened?" He didn't want to mindlessly accuse him, to discipline him without reason. He wanted to understand and he wanted Aspen to understand too, they more they knew each other reasoning, the better. He wanted to tell him all the things he could do so he could protect him better, so he doesn't run into another unfortunate and uncomfortable situation.

[dustjackets]

Right, an explanation. He at least owes Milo that much, especially when he can tell how nervous he is from his scent. Even so, Aspen can't help but heave a little sigh as he begins to explain.

"When we arrived, the guard would only allow Zachariah to enter the house. I was forced to wait outside. I'm aware that it was probably a ruse, but there was no other option immediately available to us."

He feels like waiting outside indefinitely, hoping Milo would notice, would cause the more problems in the long run.

"As soon as Zachariah was gone, the guard began to pester me. I ignored him, then avoided him, and then told him 'no'. Eventually he grabbed me, at which point I used magic to dissuade him."

With the benefit of hindsight, Aspen realizes there were many, much more subtle spells he could have used to drive off the guard. But at the time he had just been thinking that he wanted the man away from him as fast as possible.

"I can assure you, the spell did him no physical harm."

[totenklage]

Milo listened to him with deep attention and sighed himself when the other finished. It was a recipe for disaster, if he was quite honest. Maybe the guard did it on purpose, because he knew he was Milo's omega, and he wanted to get him into trouble. He didn't want to read too much into it, but he never knew inside of the syndicate. "I am so sorry he pester and touched you, I imagined it was incredibly uncomfortable." There was actual empathy in Milo's words and feelings, Aspen could feel it in his wavering scent, too. "I should have anticipated your arrival, so you didn't have to enter alone, so I apologise about that too." If only he was there waiting for him and Zachariah, none of this would have happened.

"The ways unmated omegas are treated here..." He didn't know how to finish the sentence, he didn't even know if he wanted to finish the sentence. "Some alphas feel entitled to them, like they are some kind of free for use property. I am so sorry you had to experience that." He sighed again, apologising profusely for the way his society worked, even if deep done, it made him feel repulsed. "After... After we're mated. I know... I know it doesn't magically fixes everything but no alpha won't pester you or touch you like that again." Because everyone will know you belong to me. He thought, but didn't say. "But... until the ceremony... I think it's safe if you... try to keep a low profile, try not to use your magic again. Omegas using magic like that.... it's-it's very unheard for here."