Penny POV
The Omega quarters smell like unwashed bodies as I stumble through the narrow corridors, my mind reeling from Luna Zoraya's announcement. The breeding program. Six months early, my carefully planned timeline is already crumbling.
"Penny!" Lyra Moonwhisper catches my arm as I nearly collide with a support beam. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
If only she knew. "I'm fine. Just tired."
"Tired? You were unconscious for twenty minutes in the Great Hall." Her gentle gray eyes study my face with healer's intensity. "Your pulse is erratic, and your scent is... different."
The System interface flickers to life.
ALLY DETECTED: LYRA MOONWHISPERRelationship Status: Cautious Friend
Threat Level: Minimal
Potential Asset: High (Healing abilities, pack knowledge)
"I'm fine," I repeat, but Lyra's already guiding me toward her small chamber.
"Don't lie to a healer." She closes the door behind us. "I've been treating your wounds for two years. I know when something's wrong."
Her room is barely larger than a closet, but it's organized with medical precision. Herbs hang from the rafters, and glass vials line makeshift shelves. The scent of healing salves helps calm my racing heart.
"Sit." She points to the narrow cot. "Let me check your vitals."I have no choice. If I refuse, she'll get suspicious. Lyra places cool fingers against my wrist, and I try not to flinch at the contact.
"Fascinating," she murmurs. "Your heart rate is elevated, but your healing factor is... enhanced. When did that happen?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Those claw marks on your shoulder from last week? They're almost gone." Her brow furrows. "That's not normal for an Omega."
The System chimes softly.
BIOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENT DETECTEDTemporal displacement has accelerated natural healingCover story required
"Maybe I'm just recovering faster than usual," I say weakly.
"Penny." Lyra sits beside me, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I know about the breeding program announcement. I know you're scared. But there's something else, isn't there?"
I want to tell her everything. About the three years of torture, the execution, the System that's given me a second chance. But I can't. Not yet.
"I just... I had a bad dream. About the Alphas." It's not exactly a lie. "They were going to hurt me."
"Oh, honey." Lyra's hand squeezes mine. "I won't let them. I'll speak to Luna Zoraya, tell her you're not ready for breeding selection."
"No!" The word comes out sharper than intended. "I mean... that would only make things worse. You know how she feels about interference."
Lyra's expression grows troubled. "Then what do you want to do?"
The System interface shifts, presenting new options.
STRATEGIC CHOICE REQUIRED
Option A: Reveal partial truth to gain ally
Option B: Maintain complete secrecy
Option C: Use ally to gather intelligence
I choose Option C.
"I need to know more about the Alphas," I say carefully. "Their habits, their weaknesses. If I'm going to survive this, I need to understand what I'm dealing with."
"Survive?" Lyra's voice sharpens. "Penny, the breeding program isn't a death sentence. Some Omegas even find happiness"
"Some Omegas disappear." I meet her eyes. "Some are found dead in the woods. Some are executed for crimes they didn't commit."
The healer goes very still. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying I want to be prepared for anything." I force my voice to remain steady. "Will you help me?"
She studies my face for a long moment. "What do you need to know?"
"Start with Lycen Vael."
"The Alpha Executioner." Lyra shivers. "He's... complicated. He has a brilliant military mind, absolutely loyal to the pack. But he's cold, Penny. Emotional attachments are weakness to him."
"Has he ever taken a mate?"
"Never. There have been rumors about various women, but nothing serious. He believes love makes leaders vulnerable."
The System records every word.
INTELLIGENCE GATHERED: LYCEN VAELConfirmed: Emotional suppression from childhood traumaWeakness: Craves connection but denies it
Approach: Gradual emotional manipulation
"What about Ashen Wolfe?"
Lyra's expression darkens. "He's different from the others. Noble, protective of those weaker than him. But there are rumors he's involved with dark magic. Some say he's been asking questions about curses and blood rituals."
My blood runs cold. The curse that will destroy his sanity—he's already seeking it out.
"Why would he do that?"
"Power, maybe? Or protection for someone he cares about." Lyra shrugs. "Alphas always think they can control dangerous forces."
"And Kael Dren?"
"The politician." Lyra's voice turns bitter. "Charming, intelligent, absolutely ruthless. He'll say anything to get what he wants, then sacrifice you the moment it's convenient."
INTELLIGENCE GATHERED: KAEL DRENConfirmed: Cowardice masked as pragmatism
Weakness: Desperately wants approval and statusApproach: Make him choose between self-preservation and genuine connection
"You really think he's that bad?"
"I think he's the most dangerous of the three," Lyra says quietly. "Lycen will kill you cleanly if you cross him. Ashen might lose control and kill you accidentally. But Kael will smile while he destroys you slowly."
The accuracy of her assessment makes my chest tight. "Thank you for telling me."
"Penny..." Lyra hesitates. "Promise me you'll be careful. I have a bad feeling about tomorrow's selection."
"I promise."
She doesn't look convinced, but she nods. "Get some rest. You'll need your strength."
I return to my own quarters, a space barely large enough for a cot and a small trunk. The walls are thin, and I can hear other Omegas whispering about the breeding program. Some sound excited. Others are terrified.
I sit on my cot and focus on the System interface.
TUTORIAL MODE ACTIVATEDWelcome to advanced functions
New options appear in my vision:
POWER CONVERSIONPain, arousal, and strong emotions convert to power points
Current cache: 7 points
BLOOD MOON PROTOCOLActivates during extreme traumaProvides emergency power boost
WARNING: Highly addictive
CLAIMED PATHForm intimate bonds with targetsUnlocks memories and psychological profiles
Risk: Emotional entanglement
SOUL RISKFalling in love before completing vengeance removes all power
Current risk level: 0%
I focus on the claimed path option. If I can form connections with the three Alphas, I can access their memories and find their weaknesses. But the risk...
A soft knock interrupts my thoughts. I open the door to find a young Beta I don't recognize.
"Omega Penny? Luna Zoraya requests your presence in the Binding Chambers."
My heart stops. "Now?"
"Yes. She said to tell you the breeding selection has been moved to tonight."
The System screams warnings in my vision.
THREAT LEVEL: CRITICALTimeline acceleration beyond predicted parameters
Survival probability: 23%
"I'll be right there," I manage to say.
The Beta leaves, and I'm alone with my panic. This isn't how it happened before. The breeding program was supposed to be a gradual process, not an immediate selection.
I'm changing everything just by being here.
The System offers one final message:
EMERGENCY PROTOCOL AVAILABLEBlood Moon activation will provide power boost
Cost: Significant pain required
Recommendation: Prepare for worst-case scenario
I close my eyes and steel myself for what's coming.
Time to face my executioners.