029

Prachaya stood outside the prince's tent, his hands clenched at his sides. The oil lamps flickered in the cold night breeze, casting shifting shadows across the entrance. He could still hear the whispers of the tribe, murmurs of awe and disbelief that an omega chief had bested an alpha-their crown heir, their prince.

Inside, Perawat lay unconscious, and Prachaya's wolf whined in his chest, desperate to be near him, to scent him, to make sure he was unharmed. But there was a wall standing in his way. A wall named Gamon.

The crown prince's golden eyes were filled with barely restrained fury as he stood before him, arms crossed over his broad chest. Unlike Perawat, Gamon bore no softness-his gaze was a blade honed with suscpiscion, cutting through deceptions and weakness alike.

"You've humiliated him," Gamon said, his voice cool, controlled, but filled with an unspoken warning. " He appreciated you, respected you. Spoke great of you. And you humiliated him publicly! "

Prachaya swallowed, his own pride warring with guilt. "That was not my intention."

"No?" Gamon stepped forward, his height and rank pressing down on him like a mountain. "You defeated the prince using unfair means, before the entire tribe. You forced him to yield, and then-you dared to come here. Asking to heal him ?" He scoffed. "As if you care."

Prachaya stiffened. "I do care."

Gamon's lips curled. "Is that so? Then tell me, Omega Prachaya, what exactly have you given my brother for him to tolerate such humiliation? Because no alpha in their right mind would accept being dominated by an omega-not in combat, and certainly not in front of a whole pack."

A growl rumbled in Prachaya's chest, but he swallowed it down. His wolf lashed against his restraint, but he forced himself to remain still. Do not challenge him. Not here. Not now.

Gamon watched him, waiting for an outburst, waiting for an excuse to send him away, to forbid him from seeing Perawat again. Prachaya refused to give him that satisfaction.

"I don't need to give him anything," he said finally, his voice low. "Khun Perawat is not a man who can be bought with anything except honesty and respect."

Gamon's expression darkened. " Leave. You are not permitted in this room."

Prachaya hesitated. "But, I am his healer-"

"You are his culprit. I will let him put you to justics . But, until he wakes up, you wont even see his shadow. I will be watching over him,"

" I am his Healer."

" Where Perawat and I come from, healers never harm people, Omega. I have my royal Healer with me. He had decreed my brother just needs rest. Leave" Gamon said sharply. "You are not needed."

The words landed like a slap. A dismissal.

Prachaya turned on his heel and stepped out of the tent, but he did not leave.

Instead, he sat down outside the entrance, pressing his back against the mudbrick wall of guest house, his fingers digging into his knees. The cold seeped through his clothes, but he didn't care. His wolf whined, restless and upset, pacing inside his chest.

You should have let him win.

We should have let him win.

His wolf let out a mournful growl. It is my fault. I wanted to prove ourselves. And now, he will hate us.

Prachaya closed his eyes. He hadn't thought about it in the moment, hadn't considered what it would mean to best a prince in a public match. He had simply wanted to fight, to compete, to challenge Perawat the way Perawat had challenged him.

But Perawat was not just any alpha. He was the tribe's pride, their future leader. And Prachaya had made him kneel.

No wonder Gamon was furious.

No wonder the entire tribe had stared in stunned silence.

He should have known. He should have let Perawat win. But now it was too late, and the damage was done.

His wolf pressed against his chest, ears flattened, tail tucked in guilt. Will he grow distant from us?

Prachaya didn't know. But the thought unsettled him in a way nothing ever had before.

So he stayed.

Through the long, bitter night, he stayed outside the tent, listening to the slow, steady rhythm of Perawat's breathing. He knew Gamon was inside, watching over his younger brother like a sentinel. But Prachaya could not leave him.

Not after this.

Not after what he had done.

The first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of gold and violet when he finally heard it-a stir, a shift, the sound of Perawat waking.

His heart leapt into his throat.

But before Perawat could open his eyes, before he could meet that gaze filled with whatever emotions would greet him-anger, resentment, disappointment-Prachaya fled.

He turned away from the tent and walked swiftly back to his own quarters, his wolf's ears flattening as it whimpered inside him.

It did not feel like a victory.

It felt like a mistake.

And he had no idea how to fix it.

......

The first rays of dawn stretched across the sky, spilling light over the prince's residence. Inside, Perawat stirred, the warmth of slumber fading as awareness returned. His body ached, but his mind was sharp, cutting through the last tendrils of unconsciousness.

The first thought that came to him-where was Prachaya?

Before he could dwell on it, a sharp voice pulled all his attention.

" Who are you? " Gamon thundered " All the people belonging to moon tribe are banned from entering this room. Did you not receive my order ? "

" These lands and it's residents are governed by our Chief. Moon tribe is ally of Rojanapat Kingdom not it's subservient or subject. Is that not the reason you gave us for not helping when our Chief was captured ? " Lek stood his ground. " We do not owe you anything. Instead, you owe us for protection we give you. You owe us , for staying in our land right now. "

" You dare talk to your crown prince like that ? " one of Gamon's kin thundered.

" I know you are his kin now , phi. But did you so easily forget what this man did to us, our tribe ? Wasn't your sister also one of the kids who was taken away? One who was rescued by phi Prachaya? " Lek asked and the kin took a step back.

" You will not speak a word more" Gamon warned.

" I will do what I want. " Lek stared Gamon in the eye " And you pray that phi Prachaya is found before noon. Or you will not be in a state to speak any words. "

" You dare threaten your crown prince, omega? I told you to shut up.

Do you accept of disobeying my direct ordere, omega? "

" Do you accept that you left us to die , Khun so called Crown Prince ? " Lek glowered. " Move away, you have no right to deny healing services to phi Perawat. "

" get hold of the omega .." Gamon signaled his soldiers " He will be trialled for rebellion against crown prince."

" Crown Prince? " Lek raised a brow "Since when, being coward became synonymous to being crown prince? While our phi Perawat was fighting those sveltons, what were you doing? Hiding among children and omegas. "

The soldiers marched upon him, Lek eyed the alpha wolves " phi ...." he yelled at top of his lungs " Phi perawat... phi..."

" Let him in,phi " Perawat mind linked Gamon.

" He disobeyed my direct orders. " Gamon bit back. " He threatened me. The crown prince. He should be taught a lesson. "

" He is barely sixteen , phi " Perawat reasoned. " If you and I can't handle a rebel teen without putting him on trial. How will we handle whole kingdom? "

" Fine..." Gamon signaled the soldiers to unhand " I will be talking your parents about your manners. I am letting you go right now, because I have better things to do than listen yapping of a fourteen year old. "

" I am sixteen."

" Good for you.  Don't let me see your face again. "

Lek smiled sweetly " Then, leave our territory."

Before Gamon could have his throat in his fist, Lek ran inside. .....

The curtain rustled, and Lek stepped inside. The young apprentice healer bowed respectfully before approaching Perawat's bedside.

"Lek," Perawat rasped, his throat dry. "Where is Chief Prachaya?"

Lek's hands faltered for a fraction of a second before he forced a neutral expression and continued his assessment. "I... I don't know, phi. "

Perawat narrowed his eyes. "You don't know?"

Lek lowered his head. "No one does. We got the order over the mind link. Your brother refused to let him in. Then, Chief Prachaya was gone before anyone could find him."

" Is this true phi? "

Gamon, who had followed Lek in, and been seated in the corner, scowled but said nothing.

Perawat's chest tightened. Prachaya left? Without a word?

" It is true " Lek golowered at Gamon " If phi isn't found by noon , your brother is gonna regret it. I will make sure of that."

Perawat smiled at Lek, ruffling his hairs " Yeah? And how will you do that? "

" I don't know." Lek stared at Gamon, murder in his eyes " I will find a way. Even if it was last thing I do.. "

" Don't mind the kid phi" Perawat Said to Gamon " Kids here loves their Chief."

" Everyone here loves our Chief" Lek gave a side eye to Gamon " unlike some packleaders "

Before Gamon could react , Perwat started damage control " Hey...hey kid. I know you are angry but don't cross the line , okay? "

" Phi could have gone to war with sveltons alone ..." Lek growled. "

Perawat closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, spreading his consciousness with the moving air " Nope... Chief is still in the pack lands... nowhere bear the borders. "

Lek eyed Perawat " How do you know ? "

Perawat grinned " Magic. "

" Then, tell me....where exactly is he ? "

" That I don't know Nong Lek. Come on...let's find our Chief. "

" he is not your Chief. You are a prince and general..." Gamon retorted over mindlink. Prachaya ignored him, trying to sit . But, Lek restrained his further movements with a palm splayed over his chest.

"Phi" Lek said hesitantly, "let me examine you first. You sustained heavy impact. Chief was saying you shouldnt have been unconscious for more than five minutes. "

Perawat forced himself to stay still as Lek checked him over, pressing against the bruises and testing his reflexes.

"I think because of war and then fight, your beast was simply exhausted and needed rest. " Lek concluded "You are of sound health," Lek finally declared. "Sore, but there's no serious damage. On chief healer's behalf, I declare you of sound health and mind."

Perawat barely acknowledged the words. As soon as Lek stepped back, he swung his legs over the side of the bed.

"I'm going to find him."

But before he could take a step, Gamon blocked his path.

"No, you're not," Gamon said, his voice firm.

Perawat snarled. "Move, phi."

"Not until you listen."

Gamon's voice echoed in his head through their mind link. Perawat exhaled sharply, biting back the urge to argue out loud.

"There is something you don't understand," Gamon continued, his golden eyes burning. "Prachaya channeled the power of an Ankeneh. That is why he was able to beat you. There is no other explanation."

Perawat frowned. "That's absurd."

"Is it?" Gamon folded his arms. "Tell me, Perawat, how else could an omega defeat a fully grown alpha-a prince, a general of the army, trained for war?"

Perawat looked at Lek, staring at him hopefully " You go for your dedicated duties Nong. I will find the Chief ."

" Promise?  "

Perawat nodded " Promise "

Once the room was empty except both prince, Perawat turned to his brother, jaw clenched "Chief Prachaya would have equal chance of winning anyway, because Chief Prachaya is no ordinary omega."

Gamon's brow twitched, but Perawat pushed forward. "He was trained to become a royal kin. My royal kin. It is natural that he was taught all about my style of combat.  He was top of his batch. The only reason he was rejected was because he presented as an omega. Do not think less of him because of that. He can wipe the floor with both of us, at the same time "

Gamon's expression darkened, but he did not argue that point. Instead, he countered, " He may be insanely skilled with weapons as you say. That does not change the fact that he used unfair means."

Perawat raised a brow. "Unfair?"

Gamon nodded. "Acupressure is a healing acumen. It has no place in warfare."

Perawat's lips parted-not in anger, but in fascination. He had never considered it before.

"Isn't it brilliant?" he murmured.

Gamon blinked. "What?"

Perawat's mind raced. "Think about it, phi Gamon. He subdued me without harming me. Without overpowering me by brute force. If we can master this, we could contain rebellions without cutting down our own subjects."

Gamon looked unimpressed. "You sound as if you admire him more for defeating you. For laying you flat on ground within minutes if not seconds "

Perawat smiled. "Maybe I do."

Gamon exhaled sharply. "To each their own. If any omega would have done that to me, he would have gotten what he deserves. "

" So will Prachaya " Perwat beamed " I intend to mate him. "

" Eating dust of moontr8ve isn't enough that you want to be insulted in the capital too ? " Gamon put a hand over his brother's shoulder " Mate to an alpha should complement him. Mate should be well mannered, well spoken, obedient, demure. "

Perawat smiled " He is all that when needed phi. "

" He is bad news, brother. Mark my words, he is going to drag your name through mud some day.. "

" Only if our subjects will benefit from it."

Shaking his head, Gamon took a step to leave. But Perawat wasn't done. His sharp gaze flicked to his brother. "Where were you during the match?"

Gamon's expression didn't shift, but there was something in the way his stance changed-a fraction more rigid, more guarded.

"You have sharp observations," Gamon admitted. "I was investigating the Sveltons."

Perawat tensed. "And?"

Gamon's jaw tightened. "I have confirmed it. The Sveltons have a base just beyond the outer skirts of Moon Tribe's territory. No Man's Land."

Perawat straightened, his warrior instincts kicking in. "They're preparing to attack again?"

Gamon nodded. "Tonight. But I do not plan to let them make the first move. I am going to wipe them off the face of earth. I made a mistake of trusting them once and they kidnapped our innocent omega kids under my noses... "

"I know, even after all these years, it still eats at you phi..why did you not attack them then? It was definitely breach of trust."

" Svelton King swore that his general has rebelled against him. That he did not want the peace treaty to go through. I had to sit still for the benefit of others. I tried to convince myself that sacrifices of some are justified if it saves life of thousands."

" They deceived you , didn't they? " Perawat gritted his teeth " They kill their own injured soldiers in battle. What kind of honesty could they give us ? "

" They planned to turn my own subjects against me.. " Gamon gritted his teeth. " I will show them the price for clawing our lands and people. "

A slow, dangerous smile spread across Perawat's lips. "I want in. Svelton General's head is mine."

Gamon considered him for a long moment before nodding. "We leave at noon."

Perawat clenched his fists. For now, Prachaya was missing-but when he found him, they would have much to discuss.

...........

The sun had risen high in the sky, casting its warm glow across the land, but Perawat's mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of the events from the night before. Gamon had just finished briefing him on the Svelton plans, but there was still one thing he needed to take care of before heading out.

"I'm going to meet my kin," Perawat announced as he turned toward his brother.

Gamon shot him a sharp look. "You're the prince. You don't go to them. They should come to you. You need to conduct yourself with more dignity."

Perawat's jaw tightened, but he held his ground. "I'm going."

Gamon's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, knowing full well that Perawat wasn't easily swayed. Instead, he merely sighed in resignation, a silent permission for Perawat to do as he pleased.

" you need to choose another kin," Gamon muttered. "Your kin were barely able to make it through yesterday's battle. Their skin was literally melting off them. "

Perawat's brow furrowed at the words, a wave of concern flashing through him. But his resolve didn't waver.

"We have each flirted with death abd narrowly missed their embrace. Dont worry phi, they will be on their feet in no time. I'll make sure they're well. I dont need another set of kin"

Gamon, though still visibly displeased, just nodded. "Fine. Do what you must." He waved his hand dismissively. "I'll be in my quarters."

The two parted ways, and Perawat made his way to the healing tents. The cries and groans of wounded warriors filled the air as he entered, and the scent of burning herbs and medicine lingered.

He passed by warriors still writhing in pain, some with burns so severe it seemed their very flesh had been scorched off their bones. The battle against the Sveltons had been brutal, and it showed. Yet, despite the evident exhaustion in the air, Perawat's kin stood tall, their pride unwavering.

Perawat checked in on each of them, his mind scanning each warrior's wounds and status, offering healing where needed. The sight of the moon tribe warriors, his people, enduring and surviving-even in their weakened state-deeply resonated with him. He watched over them, ensuring everyone was healthy and in the best condition possible. After a long hour of walking through the healing tents, making sure every warrior received the attention they needed, Perawat finally felt satisfied.

It was time to find Prachaya.

With an intense sense of urgency, he began searching the land. He asked around, calling out to those who might have seen him, but the tribal grounds were vast, and no one had seen him since last night. Perawat's heart pounded in his chest as his search grew more desperate.

The land told him, Prachaya was near somewhere. But, there was no hair or hide to be seen..

He had to find him-there was so much unsaid between them, so many unresolved feelings, but his need to make things right was stronger.

Just as the sun began move in the middle of sky, close to noon,  Perawat's eyes caught something out of place-a calmness where there should have been none.

He moved closer, carefully treading through the dense forest that bordered the moon tribe's lake. As he neared the edge of the water, he saw something that almost took his breath away.

Prachaya.

Submerged in the lake, his body perfectly still, he sat with his legs folded beneath him, floating in a meditative trance, his eyes closed and his body perfectly aligned with the water. He was submerged, barely visible beneath the surface, his chest rising and falling in slow, deliberate breaths.

Perawat's heart skipped a beat as he watched him, almost as though he were witnessing a rare and sacred ritual. The omega was meditating beneath the water, submerged in the cool depths with a serenity that contrasted sharply with the chaos they had both just endured.

Without a second thought, Perawat dove into the water, the chill of the lake sending a jolt through his body. He swam toward Prachaya, pushing himself forward with steady strokes, until he finally reached him.

Prachaya's eyes remained closed, his focus unwavering. Perawat, drawn by an invisible force, took both of Prachaya's hands in his, feeling the cool touch of his skin beneath his own. For a moment, time seemed to slow, the surrounding world vanishing as the two of them remained suspended in the stillness of the lake.

Perawat gently kissed each of Prachaya's hands, feeling the softness of his skin against his lips. He closed his eyes, allowing the deep connection between them to wash over him, before speaking through their mind link.

"Congratulations," Perawat said softly, his voice filled with a mixture of admiration and something deeper-something far more complex.

The silence hung in the air for a moment before Prachaya's voice responded, soft yet filled with warmth. "You're still angry with me, aren't you?"

Perawat smiled faintly, still holding onto Prachaya's hands. "No. I'm... I'm just trying to understand why would you think that ."

The omega's eyes opened then, his gaze meeting Perawat's for the first time in hours. There was a quiet resignation in Prachaya's expression, but also a sense of peace, as if he had already come to terms with everything.

"You don't need to understand," Prachaya said softly. "You only need to accept."

Perawat's heart ached. "I'll accept, whatever you want me to, as long as you'll let me be by your side."

Prachaya's lips curled into the faintest of smiles. "That is what i want you to understand, prince. I do not deserve you. My actions last night have shown it. "

" I will not be doing that old dance again, my love " Perawat wrapped his hands around Prachaya " You are mine. I have your family's dagger to prove that. You have pleadged yourself to me in presence of your family, ancestors. Are you going back on that ? "

" No... "

" Good. Then only thing remaining to prove is that I deserve you. That I , am  able to provide for you and our future household. In short time, I will be leaving to hunt a game for you ... Wait for me na... "

Prachaya smiled " I will always."

" I promise to bring you a hunt that you deserve. "

" I do not care for hunts or offerings, my alpha. "

" I do... you have proven last night , that you can keep your and my dignity without hurting me. "

" I insulted you ..."

Perawat smiled " Only those people will have such thoughts who forgot you are not a mere omega but a healer, a chief and my lover. You have kept the promise of healer to not hurt anybody, the duty of chief by not using weapon on your guest and you have kept promise to me , it giving me a night I won't forget. You are not for beginners , my love. Don't worry about their opinions"

" You are really not angry."

" I am out of my mind with worry , my love " Perawat said " Why would you let people's meaningless words get to your heart. Now, come , proudly send your alpha to hunt. "

Prachaya let Perawat drag him out of the water. The gentle breeze dried their clothes as they walked.

............