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Arc 1 – Omegaverse: The Hunter and the Omega Prince
Day 3 – Morning: Into the Forest
The morning began with the muffled percussion of rain on the palace's high windows. Not a heavy storm — just a fine, steady drizzle that blurred the gardens into a watercolor haze.
Kyle sat cross-legged on the low cushioned bench by his window, sipping from a porcelain cup of rose tea. The steam curled up, carrying that faint floral sweetness, while his reflection shimmered faintly in the glass.
Today's plan — according to the Queen Mother — was "fresh air in moderation."
According to Aldric, it was "inspection of the forest perimeter for signs of wolf migration."
Kyle privately suspected both were excuses for "drag the prince outside."
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The Outfit Debate
When the royal dressers arrived, they brought an entire rack of options:
One dark moss-green traveling cloak, lined in fox fur.
A fitted tunic in pale cream wool, soft as lamb's fleece, with tiny pewter buttons.
Slim riding trousers in charcoal grey.
And — for reasons no one would explain — a small selection of knee-high boots polished until they gleamed.
Kyle, still holding his teacup, pointed at the cloak. "Too heavy."
Pointed at the trousers. "Too scratchy."
And finally, at the boots. "…These look like they eat socks."
In the end, Linette coaxed him into the cream tunic and charcoal trousers, but replaced the heavy cloak with a shorter hunter's cape of deep forest green, the hood edged in a thin braid of silver thread. His hair was tied into a loose braid down his back, a few strands artfully escaping to frame his face.
Logical, comfortable, but still dignified enough for a prince.
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Departure
Aldric was already waiting at the stables when Kyle arrived. The Alpha's clothes were purely practical — dark leather jerkin over a fitted long-sleeve shirt, trousers tucked into weatherworn boots. The sort of outfit that would blend perfectly into the trees.
His golden eyes flicked over Kyle in one slow, assessing sweep. Not lingering — but the faint tightening at the corner of his mouth suggested approval.
The horses were ready: Kyle's was a pale dapple-grey mare with a silver mane, fitted with a saddle that was clearly cushioned for comfort. Aldric's was a black stallion with a streak of white at the nose, larger and clearly bred for long runs.
The moment Kyle mounted, Aldric was beside him, reins in hand. The rain had eased into a mist now, cool on the skin, carrying the scent of wet leaves and dark earth.
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The Forest
The path wound away from the palace gardens into the outer forest, where the trees grew taller and closer, their trunks moss-patched, their roots twisting over the ground like coiled ropes.
Birdsong echoed faintly overhead. Occasionally, a drop of water would fall from a high branch and land on Kyle's cape, leaving a darker green spot before vanishing.
Aldric rode slightly ahead, his posture alert.
"You've never been this far from the palace before," he remarked without turning his head.
Kyle shrugged. "If I wanted to see trees, I could look out my window."
"You'll see more than trees."
"Like what? Mud?"
Aldric's lips twitched — not quite a smile, but close. "Wolves, perhaps. Or the signs they leave."
Kyle made a face, tugging his cape tighter. "And why would I want to see that?"
"Because they're not supposed to be this close to the city."
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An Unexpected Interruption
They were just passing a particularly dense stand of oaks when Aldric's hand shot up, signaling a halt. His gaze swept the undergrowth ahead, shoulders stiffening.
Kyle started to ask what was wrong — but then, a rustle came from the shadows.
Not the sharp rustle of a predator. A lighter, almost skipping sound.
From the ferns ahead emerged… a small deer. Its coat was pale fawn, spotted white along its back, ears flicking nervously. It looked straight at Kyle — then took a step forward.
Aldric's hand shifted instinctively toward the dagger at his belt.
Kyle reached out before thinking. "Don't. It's adorable."
The deer tilted its head — and to Kyle's surprise, came closer until its nose nearly brushed his gloved hand. Its breath was warm, the eyes liquid and unafraid.
Aldric was watching them, unreadable.
Something about that gaze made Kyle wonder if he was imagining it — but for a second, he could have sworn there was a different kind of recognition in the deer's eyes.
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