Dominion.
I want his purring.
Oh, that freaks me out. Thoughts of Judge help return my soul to my body, determined to show him how wrong he was to take me. I’m the same Diana who has survived more than once, the one Iknowcan do this. The one I’m drastically struggling to contain and keep straight. “Thanks, Juno.”
Once in the halls, it’s clear this place was once something impressive, much like the size of Trinity. But the design here is different; the ceilings and windows are tall. There’s music playing, some drums and a guitar, and a man singing. My heart continues to thud like it wants to run away. My eyes widen when we enter an outdoor space that’s full of people and a large fire burning in the center.
So Judge really did fuck me and send me here as a reject?
Okay.
Okay.
I need to somehow shake my panic?—
“Diana, a word,” Ravina says.
The others enter the courtyard as I feel like a cornered animal once more, just glaring up at the overseer of us. “You were given to me as a reject, which just means you need a little extra patience. There are plenty of alphas here in Dominion. Give them a chance, okay? There are lots of betas with tranq darts to protect you. You are also not allowed to leave this courtyard without my knowing, and if you go missing, the entire castle gets shut down, alright? So don’t worry—you’re safe in there. If an alpha makes you uncomfortable, I will come to you.”
I stare blankly at her, mentally searching for any hidden truths. “What if I want to just stay right here?” I ask, just curious about the answer and limits.
She tuts, the false kindness not getting past me. “Understandable, dear, but impossible. Dominion offers exceptional protection for omegas, but in exchange, you must participate in these gatherings.”
I move only my eyes to the courtyard. “How long before I have to select someone?”
“The longest an omega has been in your situation was three years.”
I frown. “She wasn’t forced?”
“Hewasn’t.”
Male omegas: the rarest of us all. I swallow thickly. “I really get to make my own decisions?” I ask with a fragile voice, like I’m terrified of the small bit of hope it offers.
“Of course. It’s imperative to Dominion as a whole that they are a collective family. Let’s just say omegas tend to grow tired of the wing. Once you’re mated, you’re free to travel among the sister cities.”
It doesn’t make sense in my head. Dominion is terrible. I watched Judge crush New Bunker—first choking their supply lines, then storming in and killing people. Theytakeomegas. He literally had his men pluck one off the streets, and hesmelled her hair.
Is this where my standards truly are? This isn't a prison, so it seems good? The thought makes my teeth clench, reminding me how low that bar is. I suck in a sharp breath. “Thank you,” I mutter, not daring to meet her eyes again before stepping out.
I’ve assisted in amputations before. I’ve smelled cauterized flesh, listened to men scream as their bodies were hacked to survive. I can do this. I can handle a crowd.
But the second I push through the door, my heart flips. The air is alive withalpha.Thick, humid, heavy in my throat. My breathing stutters, chest fluttering like I’ve run a mile. Eyes wide, I scan the space, body taut, every nerve screamingpredator, predator, predator.
The hall is a feast of chaos, with oil lamps smudging soot on the walls, smoke from some half-burning herb mixing with the stink of sweat, cooked meat, and leather. Omegas thread through mismatched couches and rickety tables while shadowsof alphas watch from above like carrion birds, leaning over balcony rails. Their eyes glint in the firelight.
Focus.
Who here can get me out?
Who is my opening?
Then I see her—an omega across the way, face sharpened with misery I recognize. Memory slams me with Rebecca being treated at the Enclave a few years ago for a broken arm after she escaped an alpha. I move toward her, threading through the long shadows from the bonfire, the smell of smoke warm and inviting through the crisp air. There are so many eyes on me, especially from above. This gives me the purpose I need at the moment.
A reminder of my life before this.
The omega notices me and stiffens, her face locking down like a gate slamming shut.
“Rebecca?” I ask, eyeing the log she sits on, joining her when she doesn’t protest.
