After a few meetings with Daribon, he was summoned to a small court in the prison. It was a marvel to watch Daribon work; his calm yet commanding manner demanded attention as he argued Ehlian’s case.
A month later, Ehlian was granted early release. While he had hoped for this outcome, it still came as a shock. As he was led back to his cell, a strange daze clouded his thoughts. His joy and relief at regaining freedom tangled with something darker—an uncomfortable, unshakable feeling, as if he was mourning this place. Mourning something that maybe had become dear to him.
Hayce stood at the bar. The glasses were turned upside down, but he didn’t reach for any bottles. It looked like he was debating whether to pour himself a drink, yet not quite in the mood. Or maybe his mind was somewhere far away.
Sensing Ehlian’s return, he finally turned around.
Ehlian offered an uncertain smile.
Hayce didn’t return it.
Letting out a shaky breath, Ehlian spoke at last. “I’ll be released in a week.”
Hayce said nothing.
“You already know.” Ehlian shook his head in disbelief. The guards really did inform Hayce about everything. “Word travels fast in prison, huh?”
Hayce still said nothing.
Ehlian scratched the back of his head nervously. “Look, I…” He trailed off, uncertain. He didn’t even know what he wanted to say. A strange ache settled in places he hadn’t even known could ache, his body struggling to bear the weight of his emotions. He wanted to leave more than anything, yet a secret part of him screamed,just a little longer… just a little more time.
With another shaky sigh, he walked up to Hayce, wrapped his arms around his shoulders, and buried his face in the crook of his neck. It was a familiar place now, warm and soothing.
“Months ago, I never thought I’d say this,” Ehlian whispered, “but if it wasn’t for you, I think I’d have left this place broken.” Sometimes the mere thought of what it would have been like as Grasson’s omega gave him cold sweats. “I mean, you’re an insufferable dick sometimes… but I’m grateful for your protection.”
Ehlian pressed a soft kiss to Hayce’s bond point. The thin skin under his lips felt hot. “So… I was thinking…” Ehlian hated how his voice was shaking, his throat gripped by emotion he wasn’t ready to face yet. “I could visit sometimes and—”
Hayce’s hands gripped his shoulders, pushing him away with slow, deliberate pressure. His eyes were dark, almost emotionless.
He gestured toward the armchair. “I gathered all your stuff.”
Ehlian frowned, glancing at the pile of belongings. It wasn’t much—just his nightwear, a spare uniform, his toothbrush, and the letters he’d received from Willian.
“I’m not leaving today.” Ehlian turned back to Hayce, confused. “There’s still a week left.”
“You’ll move to Aric’s cell.”
“Why would I—”
The cell door slid open abruptly, and a guard stepped in with an omega. A fraction of a second was enough for Ehlian to understand what was happening. The omega looked lost, his expression uncertain, his aura tinged with fear and nervousness. He was new.
Inadvertently, a face and voice he desperately wanted to forget flashed in Ehlian’s mind. No matter how hard he tried, 665’s voice roared louder:You think you matter?He’ll discard you sooner than you think, like he did all the rest. There’s always fresh meat coming in.
All the while Ehlian had been meeting with Daribon and preparing for the hearing, Hayce was carefully selecting his new omega.
Ehlian shot a furious glare at Hayce. “Is this a fucking joke?”
Instead of Hayce, the guard replied, “You’re coming with me, 465.”
Ehlian’s demanding gaze stayed fixed on Hayce. It had no effect. Hayce kicked off his shoes and lay down on the bed, flipping a book open to a marked page.
The position, the ease, the indifference—it was disturbingly familiar. A faded image of the past. Hayce looked exactly the same as when Ehlian had stepped into this cell eight months ago: uncaring and cold. For a brief moment, he had no idea who Hayce truly was.
Ehlian felt a little lost, a little shaken on the inside—from fury or betrayal, he couldn’t tell.
In the end, fury won. “You better talk, Hayce, or I’ll do something that will earn me another fucking year in here.”
Hayce stared at him for a long moment, his expression blank.
