“Humility doesn’t come easily to Alphas, especially Sunborns. Your father was wise to send you. The princess is a lucky woman.”
Kaelen blinked, the words lingering uncomfortably in his mind. Lucky? Was she lucky when, for a mysterious reason they’d yet to unearth, she was in grave danger?
His mind turned to the quiet strength she carried, the way she faced every obstacle with a resilience that humbled him. And in that resilience, Kaelen saw something that struck deeper than duty or honour.
She made him want to be worthy—not as the Sunborn Alpha, not as a prince or protector, but as himself.
For her, he wanted to be more. A man she’dchooseto bond with.
Solmaz pushed her hair behind her shoulder, bangles chiming softly with the motion. “My sworn sisters in Luminara Isles wrote to me not long ago. Several Omegas, both Moonflowers and patrons, have also gone missing—vanished without a trace. Kidnapped, ran away, no one knows. Last I heard, an Elloryn’s nobleman is looking for two missing Omegas, one of them his sister.”
Kaelen frowned. If nowhere in the nine kingdoms, not even the Isles, was safe for Omegas, how deep did this conspiracy run?
Her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she glanced toward the door. “My advice, Prince, is to keep the princess close and leave Zohara as soon as you can. This market has always been a haven for opportunists. Someone wanted to cast a wide net for bounty hunters, and they’ve done it.”
He exhaled, his thoughts racing. One thing was certain—Reiya was in far more danger than any of them had realized.
“We’ll leave with the caravan tomorrow,” he said. “Once we reach Dune Crest, we’ll make our own way.”
“Wise,” she acknowledged, though her expression didn’t ease. A faint crease remained between her brows, her posture still brimming with caution. “But the Alpha posing a danger to the princess leaves with you too, doesn’t he? You’ve seen the mark on her neck.”
“He’ll be dealt with.” The promise sat heavy in the air between them. “I’ll see to it myself.”
Kaelen’s jaw tightened at the thought of Jodhar’s eyes on Reiya,appraising her like a merchant weighing goods. Jodhar’s motives were obvious, but Solmaz’s? She was too shrewd to act without purpose.
But she hadn’t asked for payment, hadn’t bargained for anything.
His gaze shifted to her. “What motivates you, Solmaz?” His voice was softer but no less probing. “I know coins don’t drive you anymore. So why help?”
A flicker of warmth passed through her sharp eyes. “If I said it was simply to see another Omega flourish, would you believe me?” Her lips curved slightly. “She may be a princess, but she’s of my caste. And after seeing that bruise on her neck . . . I’d like to see her do well.”
Her words gave him pause. Solmaz, for all her edges and veiled power, was an enigma, yet the sincerity in her tone was unmistakable. She’d seen the world’s cruelty—how it reduced Omegas to pawns and prizes—and rather than hide, she had carved her own place.
“Thank you,” he said quietly. “For helping her. For looking out for her when others might not.”
Her smile deepened. “Omegas are treasures, but this world doesn’t make it easy for us to flourish. Titles don’t shield us from greed or cruelty. I hope your princess is an exception.”
Then, as if sensing the weight he carried, she added, “Keep her safe.”
He nodded, resolve settling like a blade sheathed with purpose. Jodhar wasn’t just a threat—he was a festering wound, a reminder of the world’s ruthlessness.
Keeping her safe wasn’t enough. She needed to move forward without fear, without always looking over her shoulder.
He couldn’t change what had happened.
But he could ensure it never happened again.
Jodhar must go.
Chapter Thirty
REIYANA
Warmth.
It wrapped around her, steady and solid, anchoring her to the present. Reiya stirred, reluctant to leave the cocoon of comfort, her mind swimming through the hazy remnants of exhaustion. The silk sheets beneath her were cool, contrasting with the heat pressed against her back.
Slowly, she inhaled. The scent surrounding her was familiar—spice laced with something earthier.
