Page 65 of Dark Company

With a low bow of their head, they strike the staves against the floor, sending a loud ringing through the atrium. The sound waves flow through my body, causing everything to clench for a moment as I try to keep myself from curling in at the onslaught. It’s as if everything in this area is set to keep me off balance.

It takes a few minutes, but soon, thick curtains part behind the thrones, revealing an Alpha and his omega. Both sport thick, scarred marks proudly, without even a hint of covering them up. Shame floods my body as I reach up to touch Karis’s hidden mark. Hopefully soon I can show it off with pride as well, but right now, things feel far too tumultuous.

As they clear the back of the thrones and stand in front, my eyes bulge as I take in their jewel-encrusted outfits. Every bit of their clothing sparkles and glimmers in the dim light illuminating the room. Perhaps the armor is indeed made of silver, as I first suspected.

Reniford drops to his knee and stares at the floor, and Leon and I follow suit. It feels so odd to show reverence to another when we barely have our own king in a position to show fealty to. A hushed, almost reverent silence descends upon the room as the pair take their seat.

“Rise.” The king’s voice booms out into the room, causing the fine hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end.

“My King Alpha,” Reniford begins. “We humbly thank you for allowing us access into your borders. Your magnanimity will not be forgotten.”

He brushes off the words as if they’re nothing. “We do not stand on such ceremonies here, especially not when you are expected. You seek the omega. Am I correct?” His eyes drift over us and land on me, his gaze boring into my soul. “Your omega, to be exact.”

Nodding, I step forward, opening my hands to show him I mean no ill will. “Yes. I have come for Karis.”

“You may, of course, visit her whenever you like, but she may not leave, and you may not stay.”

His words hit me like a sword to the chest. There’s no way he can be serious. If I can’t have Karis, then what else can I do? Glancing back at Reniford, I judge the look on his face. Though he’s keeping it passive, he’s just as upset as I am.

Anxiety wars with my anger, converging in a need to make things happen. “My king, Alpha Jaxxon, told me you are a people that deals in trades. What can I trade for her?”

The king pauses for a moment and looks over at his omega, a soft smile cracking through the tough exterior. “Ilaria brought to us not only an omega, but someone with Laxian blood running through her. She is diminished by the mark you gave her, but she is still capable of visions. She is an asset to our people.”

At the word visions, my brain drifts back to the little boy. He said my victory will be short-lived, but that still means there’s a victory. There’s something that I either do or say that convinces him to let Karis go.

“I have no other omegas to give you, and even if I did, Stanlion is in desperate need. We cannot give you what you ask. Is there any other way?”

The omega beside him leans forward, her eyes narrowing as she looks over the three of us. “Him.” She points to Leon and crooks her fingers, beckoning to come forward.

I move out of the way as he shoves past, my throat constricting as he gets closer to the throne. What could she possibly want with him? He’s not even close to an omega.

“I will have your name, Alpha.”

I stare at her, shocked by her boldness. The omegas here are far different from the ones back on Stanlion. She speaks with such authority, not even paying heed to the Alpha at her side.

“It is Leon, Queen omega.”

“Are you a powerful warrior, Leon?”

“One of the best.”

With a nod, she sits back motions to one of the Alphas off to the side. “You have no omega to offer as a trade. It is regrettable. Instead, I will offer a countertrade. An Alpha for an Alpha. On Laxa, all must be in balance. Eletransis longs for a world outside of these hallowed halls. She wishes to find a docile omega that will fit her fiery nature. Seeing as your omegas are bred to be meek, I will allow this trade.”

The diplomat steps forward, his head hanging in submission. “And what of the omega”

“What of her? The only trade that will be allowed today is that of the Alphas. It is an even trade. Unless you can produce an omega that can be trained in our ways, his mate must stay here.”

This time, I step forward, easing in front of Reniford. “But I am her mate. Without contact, she will die!”

The king and queen bow their heads together, speaking in low, Laxian murmurs for a few moments. “You may visit her and assist her through her heats. Is that satisfactory?”

My blood boils as I stare at them, both watching me in their cool, detached manner. Does mating mean nothing to them? Do they not comprehend the idea that not being near my Karis is pure agony?

Before I can speak, Reniford pulls me back and glares at me for a moment. “My king and queen. I hear your request for Eletransis to leave and come to our world. She is willing. Our Alpha is not. To meet this request will be at the detriment of Stanlion, or, in your words, unbalanced.”

Once more, they put their heads together before glancing over at the Alpha to the queen’s left, a sigh leaving the queen’s lips. “Eletransis. Are you so determined?”

The Alpha bends a knee and looks at the floor. “My King Alpha, My Queen omega, if it is in your graces to grant it, I would like to leave.”