Runaway Omega
Chapter 198 - – 177 - Something I Must Do

Chapter 198: Chapter – 177 - Something I Must Do

Bennhayzin’s Point Of View

5 Years Ago

"Ahna’Lore, I need you to clear my schedule for the next week, and summon everyone. I will meet with them in the Great Hall in 3 hours."

"Yes, Sir. Right away." She bowed, and then excused herself.

Last night, I had awoken from an extremely unsettling nightmare. Every action I took in the dream was too late, and I couldn’t save anyone. Anytime that I reached my hand out to help someone, my surroundings would disintegrate right in front of me once I touched them. My friends, family, and citizens were murdered before my very eyes.

My Duhtchy was engulfed in flames, and burning to ashes. To add to my misery, loud, ridiculing voices rang out in the darkness, blaming me for everything.

However, the events that took place in my dream weren’t the source of my distress. The thing that made it especially unnerving, was the fact that it felt insanely real.

Even after waking up, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was more of a premonition and not at all, a dream. As if my current reality was the dream, and that I would wake up any moment only to discover that that nightmare was in fact my actual reality.

*Knock...Knock...Knock...*

"Boss? May I come in?" Pawden said from behind my office door.

"Yeah. What’s up?"

After he walked into my office, he shut the door softly and turned to face me once more. As he slowly approached my desk, I couldn’t help but notice the trepidation in his steps, and the lifeless pallor of his skin.

By the time he came to a stop in front of me, it became abundantly clear that he was unusually anxious. I had given him an extremely burdensome task, and judging by the look on his face, it wasn’t going to be pleasant news.

Even though he looked as if he were heading to the Gallows, I was curious to know how it had gone, and what he had learned.

"It’s fine Pawden. I’m widely known as The Lazy King. I know that I haven’t been taking care of my Duhtchy like I should have. Please, speak freely." I said, trying my best to reassure him.

He took a deep shaky breath, then steadied himself as he squared his shoulders with his feet. When he locked eyes with me, they were full of nothing but resolve.

"As you know, I’ve been comparing our population growth over the last 4 years... As you suspected, there was a significant increase in citizens a couple years ago. This correlates with the altercation between Ferdinand and the facility. There was a massive infusion of Omegas, adults and children alike."

Pawden hesitated after speaking. He looked as if he had more to say, but didn’t want to say it at all. He stared down at his feet, only glancing up at me briefly.

"What else? Just rip the band-aid off. Let’s get this over with." I sighed. His anxiety was becoming infectious.

"Well, Sir... I’m told that, due to the sudden increase of permanent Omega residents in the Red Light District, many Alphas have forcefully mated with the Omegas. Claiming them as their personal property. Also, the Omega children are selling their bodies and illicit services, to earn wages and support themselves..." Pawden sighed, wearily.

I now understood why he had been so hesitant to deliver this news to me. One could surmise that their choices and current lifestyles were the consequences of my own negligence. I had failed my Duhtchy, and it’s citizens.

"Pawden, I want you to find a way to summon all of the Omegas living in the capital. Use whatever method that you can to gather them all, mated or not. Please inform Azailen that he is to take charge of a covert operation, ensure that he knows that this directive is by my command. He no doubt recalls the entire proceedings of the Summit, and that I was against getting involved with another facility. Unfortunately, it would seem that fate has other plans for me." I released a bitter sigh.

It was hard for me to not feel remorseful and regret my previous lackadaisical mindset. I didn’t have the capacity to change the past, but ensuring that the citizens of my Duhtchy were being properly cared for, was something that I had to do. It was the only way for me to correct my mistake, and to uphold the promise I made to Tristan.

"I hereby order Azailen, to find a large functioning building to house at least 200 people. Have him select 15 capable individuals to assist him. He is to contact me once he has procured a building to house them all. Understand?" I said firmly.

"Sir? If I may..." Pawden said, choking back his laughter.

"Speak..." I replied, unamused.

"Shouldn’t you just give him this order at the meeting you just arranged?" Pawden asked, giggling.

"Pawden? What part of covert operation, did you not understand?" I asked, dryly.

He stopped giggling immediately, and stood up straight. I needed him to take this seriously, and to understand the darker reason for my plan.

"Only 3 people will be privy to this operation. Tell the people that he chooses to assist him, that we are expanding our lodging and looking for a decent property. There will no doubt be an uproar among the Alphas if their Omegas choose to stay in our sanctuary instead of returning home. It is entirely optional, and I won’t force anyone. Most of them will probably assume it’s a trap to get them back into a facility anyway, and I can’t blame them for being suspicious."

"So what you’re saying is, only me, Azailen, and you will have the full knowledge of what the building is actually going to be used for?" Pawden asked, bemused.

"Yes. Consider that information to be a classified secret. Especially since it’s information that could get us all killed. All it takes is one idiot stating their opinions as facts, and we die." I retorted sternly, as I leveled a glare in his direction.

"Also, you should know that I’m going to prohibit prostitution. This will be a Duhtchy-wide decree. I’m no Saint, so I could never criticize their actions, but I know my guys spend the majority of their free time in the Red Light District. Knowing all this, can you still confidently say that more people should be given a detailed explanation?" I asked, reclining back into my chair.

The look in his eyes said that he finally understood exactly what was at stake, but the slight glimmer in his eyes told me that he’d easily dispose of anyone who would jeopardize this operation, personally.

"If you are meeting with everyone later today, when do you want to speak to the Omegas?" Pawden asked, finally displaying his trademark dependability.

"That will depend on Azailen. I don’t want to act hastily, and promise them something that I cannot provide. Secure an adequate space, ensure that it is livable, and equip the building with any and all amenities necessary for day-to-day living. Once that is accomplished, I will do an inspection, and upon his successful completion, we will set a date for the Omegas. Sound good?"

"That’s a pretty heavy burden that you’re placing on his shoulders, boss..." Pawden sighed.

"Oho? What’s this I hear? Volunteers?" I asked with a sardonic smile.

"Nope. That’s not what I said at all. I will pray for Azailen’s success." Pawden said, raising his hands in surrender.

"Good. Now go assist Ahna’Lore with gathering everyone. I have a lot to say, and not enough time to explain it all." I sighed, waving him away.

"Understood. Please excuse me."

Once my door was closed again, I released a long sigh. I couldn’t say it out loud, but I would spend the next few years doing strenuous damage control. It would be my penance for my negligence, and my obvious dereliction of duty.

I didn’t expect any forgiveness– hell, I didn’t even expect them to trust me– but I owed it to them to try. I needed to become a better King, for the sake of my people. It was certainly time for me to either step up, or step off.

Seeing Tristan’s determination to protect his friends and family made me realize that I had a bigger role to play, and that I couldn’t protect anyone through my inaction and indecision.

*Knock...Knock...Knock...*

"Sir? Everyone is gathered now. They are waiting for you in the Great Hall." Ahna’Lore said softly, from behind my office door.

"I’m on my way." I replied.

{"Just change how Omegas are treated in your Duhtchy. How’s that sound?"}

Tristan’s words to the twins echoed through my mind, as I headed out the door. I couldn’t help but smile.

’Yes. I intend to do just that, Tristan. It’s now or never, and I’ve got a lot of repairs to make...’