AT THE SAME TIME
XAVIER'S POINT OF VIEW:
The surge of heat intensifies, and I grit my teeth, forcing myself to focus. The doctor just watches, amused, like I'm some lab rat. My skin is on fire, my muscles trembling, but one thought cuts through the chaos. 'Get out' I wrench my wrists against the ropes, and suddenly snap! The cords break like they're made of twine. I stare at my hands, stunned, before realizing the doctor is looking at me with wide eyes.
"That's… impossible." He murmured.
I don't give him time to react. My hands are free, and the adrenaline surging through my veins pushes me forward. I yank at the ropes binding my legs, and they shred under my grip. Before the doctor can take a step back, I'm already on my feet, shoving him away. He stumbles, crashing into the table.
"Guards" He yelled, but I'm already barreling through the door.
I don't know where I'm going just away from that freak and whatever he did to me. I can hear shouting behind me, but I don't stop.
"Stop him!" Someone barked from behind me, and I hear footsteps pounding after me.
I veer left, throwing my shoulder into a wooden door. It cracks and splinters under my weight, and I barely keep my balance as I stumble into another corridor. My mind's a whirlwind too many scents, too many sounds, but I force myself to move. Up ahead, light filters in through a small window at the end of the hallway. I lunge toward it, practically tearing the frame off as I yank it open. The fresh air hits me like a slap, and I clamber through, landing in a narrow alley behind the building.
Freedom. Or at least a shot at it. I sprint down the cobblestone path, my legs moving faster than they should. The rush of power from earlier still hums in my veins. Rounding a corner, I slam into something, or rather, someone. I bounce off a solid wall of muscle, landing hard on my backside.
"Watch where you're-" I start, looking up and freeze.
The guy I ran into is tall. Way taller than me. His black hair falls messily around his face, and his eyes piercing, icy blue, onto mine. For a second, I think I've just run into another guard, but the way he's looking at me sends a shiver down my spine. His nostrils flare, and his eyes darken, pupils dilating like a predator's. I scramble back, but he steps forward, crowding me against the stone wall.
"You." He growled, voice low and rough. "What are you doing out here?"
I swallow hard, heart pounding.
"I-I just-"I started.
He doesn't let me finish. One of his hands lands on the wall beside my head, caging me in. His scent hits me like a wave smoky, sharp, with a hint of cedar. It makes my head spin, and I feel that heat flare up again, even stronger this time.
"You shouldn't be running around alone." He murmurs, eyes locked onto mine. His other hand cups my jaw, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Where are your alpha?"
I flinch, trying to shove him back, but he doesn't budge. My strength from earlier feels like it's flickering, replaced by that overwhelming heat pooling low in my belly.
"Let go." I manage to grind out, but it sounds more like a plea than a demand.
He tilts his head, a dangerous smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
"Bold for an Omega on the run. Didn't think Selene's newest plaything would be so… spirited."He said.
I snarl, pushing at his chest.
"I'm not anyone's plaything! Get off me"I shouted.
Instead of moving, he leans closer, his breath ghosting over my cheek.
"You smell different." He rumbles. "Like you're fighting it. Impressive."
"Fighting what?" I snap, trying to keep my voice steady.
He chuckles, dark and low.
"The bond. Your instincts. Most would be begging by now."He smirked.
A wave of shame crashes over me. I clench my teeth, forcing myself to glare up at him.
"Screw your instincts. I'm not like the others."I said.
He hums thoughtfully, his fingers brushing against my pulse point.
"Maybe not. But it's only a matter of time before you break. Especially if you keep running around unclaimed."He said.
The word sends a chill through me, and I jerk my head away.
"Back off. I don't care who you are."I said.
His eyes narrow, and for a moment, his grip tightens. Then, almost reluctantly, he steps back, still watching me with that predatory glint.
"I'd be careful." He said, voice softer now, almost warning. "This city isn't kind to unmarked Omegas. Especially ones that catch the attention of someone like me."
I force myself to stand, wiping the dirt off my pants.
"I'm not staying long enough to find out."I said.
He chuckles, a low, rumbling sound that makes my stomach twist.
"Good luck, then. You'll need it."He said.
With that, he turns and disappears into the crowd, leaving me shaken and breathing hard. I glance back at the alley I escaped from, hearing the distant shouts of guards. My head's still spinning from the strange warmth that hasn't quite faded. I don't know who that guy was, but something about the way he looked at me tells me I haven't seen the last of him. Soon I reach the forest.
I push through the trees, heart pounding as I sprint farther from the city. The air is thick with the scent of pine, and the ground beneath my boots feels soft and uneven, but I don't care. I just need to keep running. I collapse against the cold stone wall, my breath coming in ragged gasps. My body's still burning with that unnatural heat, but I don't have the energy to fight it anymore. For the first time since I woke up in this nightmare, I'm alone. And I'm not sure if that's a blessing or a curse.
I wake up to the eerie silence of the cave, the air cooler than before. My body feels drained, like I've been running for days, even though I know it's only been a few hours. The heat still lingers under my skin, but it's manageable for now. I run a hand through my disheveled hair, but even that doesn't calm the hunger gnawing at me. I'm stuck in some crazy game world, turned into an Omega against my will, and I haven't had a proper meal in god knows how long.
The familiar voice of the system fills my head. It's like a disembodied whisper, detached but there, an annoying presence in the back of my mind.
'First task initiated: Survive the wilderness. Find food and water. Completion reward: 10 SP (Status Points)."System said.
I blink, confusion fighting the growl of hunger in my gut. Survive? I scoff, glaring at the cave's cold walls.
"Are you kidding me? I'm in a damn cave. There's no food here."I said.
"Task remains unchanged. Survival is key. Additional food sources can be found in nearby forest or stream. Completion is required to unlock further progression."System said.
I stare blankly at the rock in front of me.
"You want me to hunt or forage? I don't have the damn energy for that."I said.
There's a brief pause, and then the system chimes again.
"Hint: Omega instincts may assist with food tracking. System will provide guidance if requested."System answered.
Instincts? What the hell does that mean? I let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing my face with my hands.
"Fine. Whatever. But first food. I can't do anything on an empty stomach."I said.
The system is annoyingly silent for a few moments before replying,
"Affirmative. Nutrient supplement provided. Consuming the potion will suppress hunger temporarily."System said.
A small vial of glowing liquid appears in the air before me, suspended like it's taunting me. I eye it cautiously, then groan. Great. More weird stuff. I grab it, uncorking the bottle. The liquid inside is a strange shade of green, and it gives off a faint metallic smell. Without another choice, I throw it back. At first, the taste is awfully bitter and sharp, like I've just swallowed liquid metal. But as soon as I swallow, something shifts inside me. The hunger doesn't vanish completely, but it dulls into a manageable ache. Now I need to find food and now.