“This will be your cubicle.” The woman with hair shorn as short as the men wore theirs back in her settlement, Etaine, led her forward. Eyes shaded the verdant green of new grass were framed by an expression of shame, as if the wom
an thought the huge room disgraceful. “My apologies that it is not grander. Omegas who live within these halls choose an austere life.”
Twice as large as Morgaine’s cottage, this cubicle was full of many wondrous things. Walls that glowed just like the first ship she’d been forced to live in. But these walls were not reflective, only warm and slightly buzzing under her hand. And there was even a separate area for sanitary purposes similar in style to the one in the Alpha’s quarters, only smaller and much more comfortable.
Because it was private.
For sleeping, she was assigned a cot—narrow, covered in fabric—and not an open pit in the center of the room.
The Omegas offered all this after Morgaine had clawed many of them with her nails, kicked several when they’d held her down, and even bitten one until she’d broken skin.
It was too good to be true. Fiddling with her battle-tangled locks, Morgaine asked again, “And you’re going to let me stay? He can’t come in here?”
“You are welcome here.” Ever patient, Etaine answered the question for the tenth time. “And no, our Heidron cannot enter. No males are allowed to pass the Omegas’ sacred golden line.”
“It’s just a mark on the ground. What’s to stop them?”
Her guide didn’t blink. “Those who have dared, we’ve killed. It is against every law to intrude upon Omegas gathered in their consecrated space.”
A snort, half amused and half disbelieving, stuck in her nose. The women in this place were small like her. They were no match for an Alpha.
An elegant brow arched over what were probably the prettiest eyes Morgaine had even seen, Etaine challenging, “You don’t believe me?”
“I have seen Alphas do terrible things.” Cold despite the room’s gentle warmth, Morgaine shivered. “When I fought back, I lost. They made me do whatever they wanted.”
“Our Heidron? Did he force you?”
It was a serious question; one Morgaine was unsure how to answer. Now that it had been explained to her what Heidron stood for, desperate to remain with the Omegas and far away from their prince, she vacillated. “I don’t know.”
And she didn’t. She’d never fought back, but that didn’t mean he had not taken liberties that had he asked, she would have refused.
Etaine offered what Morgaine suspected was a rare smile. “I’m glad you’re with us. Not all Omegas desire Alpha attention. There are many here who understand how you feel.”
Those words, a single shy smile, and Morgaine felt a weight lift from her shoulders. “Like you?”
“I am proud to be Omari. Proud to be Omega. For pleasure, I enjoy the attention of worthy males, but I do not wish for a mate. My career is my calling.”
Many considered it tedious work, but Morgaine had loved weaving. Just as she had enjoyed her garden, the chickens, and goats. “I can sew clothes. Mend for the women here.”
“If you like.”
But what about sunlight on her face or the feel of a brisk breeze? “He’s not going to let me go home, is he?”
“Never. It would be impossible.” Etaine became serious, those green eyes aglow. “Be who and what you will in these rooms. Rest. Cry, if you need to. Learn. But should you cross that golden line, he will not give you up. Heidron Simin Gralloch values you highly, and has chosen you for his mate.”
Morgaine didn’t want him. “But I can stay here?”
“Forever, if that’s how you desire to spend your life.”
It was a start. Smiling, Morgaine thanked the women, unsure if she was to hug her or offer a hand.
“Get some rest. Food and supplies will be sent. I’ll come for you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes, the Heidron is to be allowed one hour of your presence each day. I will translate.”
Panic, stomach-cramping terror. Of course this was too good to be true. “But I thought…”