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Of everything, I thought of the way Monique clung to Arden and Joseph kept within a few inches of Hugh any time we weren’t actively traveling. Even Tabitha was openly affectionate with Elise despite only being a week since Magefall. Was that because of this need for physical contact?

I didn’t dare ask about that, though, when I wasn’t sure I wanted to even know. Instead, I asked, “Scents?”

For the first time in a long time, I didn’t want to lash out over my clear lack of knowledge.

“Yes. Each alpha has a unique scent as do omegas. They convey emotional moods as well as desire through small changes only other alphas and omegas can distinguish.” He moved his gaze back to the window. “That need is why you’ve wanted to wear my sweater the last few days even if you didn’t understand. This trip is stressful for every alpha and omega pair. You are not the only one who has needed the additional help to keep steady.”

That was oddly comforting.

“The wisteria? That’s your… scent?”

A muscle feathered in his jaw a moment before he nodded. “Pine and wisteria is mine.”

“I don’t have one.”

He kept his eyes on the window even as he swallowed. “Yes, you do.”

“I haven’t noticed it.”

The corner of his lips quirked up for a flash of a moment.

“Fair enough,” he said. “A grueling two-week journey across a continent you don’t know after being illegally brought into a tradition you have no knowledge of isn’t the best environment to notice your perfume, especially if you’ve never experienced it before.”

I couldn’t help but choke out a laugh. At least he hadn’t toned down the reality. The tension faded from Callum’s body. When he turned his gaze back to me, his eyes were that liquid fire again.

“It’s oranges and vanilla.” His voice was lower, nearly hoarse.

“What?”

“Your scent,” he explained. “It’s oranges and vanilla.”

I didn’t know what to say to that. It felt… intimate, like knowing someone’s favorite food or movie. I cleared my throat.

“So what happens now?”

Callum shrugged, but the movement felt too controlled, as if he was trying to keep from giving away some emotion. “The same as I said on the pass. When we arrive in Starguard, we’ll go to the Freian temple and nullify our engagement. When the Votarists are made aware of your illegal participation, they’ll do the same for Sloane. Then we will send you back to your Arizona to continue on with your lives as they had been.”

I frowned. “And whoever did this is left free?”

Pine pulsed out from him, an edge to it that had my heart racing. Instinct took over, and I backed away, my heels hitting the first stair. He swallowed and then shook his head. His eyes solidified, no longer moving in lazy waves of motion.

“No, they will not be left free,” he growled, low and dangerous. “But that is not for you to stress over. That is my burden to bear, both as the alpha who found out of your improper involvement and as prince of my kingdom.”

My stomach twisted. That didn’t sound like someone would simply be jailed… or whatever the equivalent was here.

“I ask that you not tell anyone while we travel,” he said after a long minute. “It is no small thing to have an omega illegally participate. I would like for you to be safe with the Votarists before those with us learn of the truth.”

Nerves were a heavy lump in my throat. I swallowed before voicing the worry I’d had last night with Amaria and Shelby.

“And what if getting us back to Arizona is impossible?”

He didn’t say anything, his scent pulsing again, more wisteria in it this time. A vague curiosity burgeoned over the change in it, but I ignored that, too, just like most of what was happening in my head. Just one more box to shove to the back of everything.

“Can we stay if there’s no way to go back? Pretend we entered the…” I tripped over the title of the event, so I changed the question. “Could we pretend we joined the legal way?”

“You mean act as if you never divulged that you and your sister were not given the chance to consent to participate?” he asked, frowning. He sounded almost… confused.

I dropped my focus to the dress, messing with the bow that kept the neckline tight enough to stay pressed against my chest. With a heavy breath, I looked up and nodded. His eyes were wide, nearly shining in the early morning wash of light.