Omega Ascension System[BL]

Chapter 317: _Family Gathering

Elian’s POV

*****

By the time they were all ready and dressed up, the palace had a different atmosphere.

Bells chimed softly from almost every corner, echoing against the walls decorated with black and silver tapestry—the official Lunarian colours for mourning.

Servants moved solemnly, either going about their usual day-to-day activities or helping with the finishing preparations for the night ceremony open to the general public.

This morning, however, was all about family.

At the centre of an open golden-tainted crystal dome building outside the main castle, a familiar group was gathered around.

The group was composed of Elian, Lucian, Kyren, Aurora, Seraphyne, Sylas, Elowen and the two members of the council of fangs—Delta Reina and Gamma Drax.

Everyone was dressed in black and silver, Elian in particular donning a silver blazer with black trimmed into the collars and sleeves and then a form-fitting black pair of trousers.

At the centre of the small circle was a man who’d seemed so formidable and immovable while alive.

Alpha King Arian Stormborn.

Arian’s eyes were closed, probably the most peaceful he’s ever been in centuries. He lay on top of a stone altar shaped like a bed, draped in a silver cloth.

No one said a word for minutes now, just staring at the body. Like they were each trying to memorise his face one last time.

Eventually, however, Lucian cleared his throat. "I... believe this is the part where I’m supposed to make a speech in front of you all." He smiled wryly, looking down on his father’s face.

Slowly, he reached out, placing a hand on his forehead. His smile twitched with melancholy, fingers trembling on his father’s forehead.

Meanwhile, Aurora stood aside silently. The princess and Elian haven’t spoken since they rescued her from Amara’s time-manipulated pocket dimension.

Even now it almost seemed like she was avoiding eye contact with him. She stuck close to Seraphyne, resting her head on her shoulder.

’You still think all I should do is give her space?’

[I mean, what else can you do?]

’Confront her and ask her what’s up.’ Elian was dead serious. ’I can’t stand this feeling. We’ve not exactly been the closest peas in a pod, but I had a great relationship with her. She was one of the reasons I stuck so long with Lucian without sticking a fork up his ass.’

[Oop. Okay, a little graphic... but I grab your point.]

"I honestly have no words right now," Lucian continued just then. "Other than the... speech I had my mother help me with during lunch yesterday."

That earned a few smiles and stifled laughs from Elian and Aurora. They exchanged glances, the princess quickly snatching her gaze away from him like he was after her soul.

For fuck’s sake...

"All I can say right now is... I miss him." The Alpha Prince sniffled, eyes getting visibly moist under the soft white lights in the room. "I’m sure we all do... in our own ways." His gaze flicked to Kyren at that last part.

But the Rogue king didn’t even shift, arms folded in front of his chest.

Other than the council of fangs, everyone else was aware of all the rotten things Arian backed in his lifetime. From hiding Garrick’s existence and possibly even bringing him into the palace knowing who he was. To sponsoring the Dark Hand and mingling with Amara for centuries.

Yeah, a king couldn’t get more twisted.

[Don’t be so sure...]

Stepping back, Lucian turned his head to his brother. Sylas, who stood close to his mother, had a blank expression, blue eyes gleaming with an odd mix of uncertainty and grief.

Elian honestly got it.

The boy has never seen his father alive and most of the things he’s heard about him so far painted him in a dark light.

Still, Lucian gave him a nod, signalling him to say something. Anything.

Reluctantly, Sylas moved, stepping closer to his father’s corpse. He lingered at his side for a few seconds, scanning everyone’s faces.

Then, he finally spoke.

"I... I don’t know what to say," Sylas’ voice was barely above a whisper, strained and hesitant. "All my life I’ve been conditioned with the idea that my parents... rejected me for the way I was born. For being an Omega."

Elian noticed Reina and Drax exchanging looks. They clearly haven’t gotten the full gist of the long-lost prince.

But they didn’t need to know. Not with all the twists and divine-level turns involved in that madness.

"Now I know I have a family." Sylas went on, smiling warmly as he wrapped an arm around Elowen. "A mother who adores me and siblings who’re ready to defend me with everything."

Aurora and Lucian smiled from their respective spots.

Once again, Elian couldn’t help feeling some envy at the family dynamics.

[Girl, you’re part of this messed-up family now. Keep up.]

"I don’t know if my father would’ve wanted me though." Sylas’ smile faltered. "Sometimes I wonder if he... intentionally gave me away to the people who took me."

An awkward silence descended in the room.

Reina’s and Drax’s expressions were priceless, as if they were about to berate the boy for blasphemy or something. Elian personally found it hilarious.

After a few more seconds, Sylas finally stepped back. "I’ll never know his true feelings... but I’m comforted knowing the family I still have loves me unconditionally."

With that, Aurora and Elowen said a few words as well, both equally emotional. The Princess even shed some tears, quickly held by Seraphyne.

No one even dared glance at Kyren for a speech.

When the private ceremony finally ended with Drax saying some prayers, the group dispersed.

But when they walked under the sun, Elian’s eyes were glued to one person.

"Excuse me," he mumbled, smiling at Kyren and Lucian who were in the middle of a discussion as they walked.

Sprinting, Elian ran after Aurora, grabbing her wrist when she pretended not to hear him closing in.

"What the—" she gasped, silver hair nearly hitting his face as she spun. "E–Elian? What are you—"

"We need to talk, Aurora." Elian’s voice was firm, grip loosening only slightly.

The princess’s jaw tightened, eyes trailing to Seraphyne beside her.