Amorous Sycophancy

1. Crimson Echo

I gazed at her once more, and a sense of tranquility washed over me. Peace—such a simple word, yet it encapsulated the essence of what I felt as I looked at my mother. She was finally relieved from the pain or omega punishment that she was suffering from. A punishment spoken of as something more sinister than death—the consuming burn, a consequence reserved for omegas whose mates had betrayed them.

Her eyes were closed, a faint smile gracing her pale face. I found myself contemplating whether my apparent lack of emotion was unique to me or a consequence of experiencing this for the second time.

In a previous life, I used to mock her, ridiculing her perceived foolishness. Love, I believed, was nothing more than a fleeting sentiment. Why become a sycophant, pouring devotion into someone who didn't reciprocate, especially when that person didn't honor the purity of your feelings? Despite the formidable family background she possessed, she seemed to limit herself. She had the potential to become so much more.

Yet, it was always about Dad for her—despite his manipulations, betrayals, and infidelity. He played her, broke her, and yet, she remained steadfastly devoted.

Loving Dad became the focal point of her existence, even though she was fully aware of his transgressions. She chose to turn a blind eye, allowing her heart to override reason.

In the end, her world revolved around him, and it left me wondering whether it was a testament to the strength of love or an unfortunate example of its vulnerability.

However, that wonder shattered when I found myself in her shoes. I became another Cecil when I fell in love with Ian. Ian, a true alpha, born between two alpha parents, making his species rare. His very existence exuded dominance through potent pheromones.

How foolish I was, always ridiculing my mom's actions, oblivious to the fact that I was slowly mirroring her. For Ian, that night was a mistake – marking me, making love to me. But for me, it became the most beautiful memory.

"Awalia, are you okay?" I shook a little as my thoughts were interrupted. I looked to my right to see Sally, my nanny, expressing concern.

Oh, Sally! How could I have forgotten about you? It all started with you, after all. I wished God had given me a day to sort out my emotions. They are still raging. After all, I was killed. However, i don't want to ruin my plans and get out of here with ease.

"I want to see Grandpa," I tried to portray a sad seven-year-old girl, avoiding a cold demeanor.

"Oh, let's look for Daddy, yeah. Don't cry, sweetheart," she came over, patting my back, showcasing her nurturing skills.

Looking back at her, I saw Dad eyeing Sally, observing whether she was following his orders well. Without wasting any time, as soon as I spotted my second uncle from my mother's side, I ran to him. "Uncle, uncle."

He stopped talking to the person he was with, turning to me. "I want to meet Grandpa."

Not giving him time to think or come up with any excuses, I blurted out, "I want to join Callisto."

And thus, the first target was set and hit.