– Well, – Cypher finally sighed, – there is no reason for you to trust me. But, your words are not without meaning. Recently, in one of the laboratories, we observed something similar. I think resonance is not a fabrication. And if everything is indeed as you’ve described, I think we can devise something. I will accompany you to the Tree, and we will begin work on restoration. We will create experimental pairs of Alphas and Omegas and try to restore the Tree through resonance.
– You don't understand? That won’t be enough! You can’t force resonance! – Nari said, – the pairs must be voluntary. They must choose each other willingly. By the call of the heart…
– So, do you propose that I go to the people and say that the regime we’ve maintained for years for the sake of safety and order in the country has led Katoria to such a spectacular and absurd collapse? – he finally asked, – do you even realize what would happen then?
– But this is a chance to save Katoria! There would be no need!
– The Arena must continue to exist, little girl! If we don’t keep people under control, if we don’t maintain the existing order with its rules and laws, chaos will ensue! Yes, you have found a way to manage without sacrifices, but that doesn’t mean we can leave everything uncontrolled, at the mercy of love-struck couples.
– But why don’t you hear?!
– Forget it, Nari, – Noah finally spoke, who had been silently glaring at his father the whole time, – this man killed his own daughter for his perfect world. What could he possibly know about feelings?!
– Don’t overstep, boy. You don’t know half of what I know about this world. Do you know why omegas ended up in the ghetto? Never thought about it? Alphas and omegas… truly used to form pairs. And the power of resonance decided who would win the war. But the war is over. When you possess great power from birth, you understand the responsibility that comes with it. You know how to control it and know what you are capable of and where your limits are. When you’ve been weak your whole life and suddenly realize your own might, the consequences can be unpredictable. Some get scared of their own power; others indulge in it, beginning to consider themselves gods.
– That’s nonsense, – Nari shook her head, – if omegas only became strong next to their Alphas, how could they harm anyone?
– Inariya, do you know what a mark is?
– Well… I have an idea, – the girl said uncertainly.
– A mark is like a vow that cannot be broken. By marking each other on your bodies, you vow to be together for the rest of your lives. Mutual marks are stronger than any love, marriage, or agreement.
– I don’t understand what the problem is, – Noah scoffed, – is it about fidelity? Is this a tragedy for you? To be faithful to your love for life?
– Let’s say, it turned out to be a bit more nuanced than that, – a smile twisted Cypher’s lips, – first of all, an Alpha cannot mark an Omega without her consent. Meanwhile, an Omega doesn’t need the Alpha’s permission. Secondly, an Alpha can only place one mark; an Omega can have an unlimited number. Thirdly, an Alpha’s mark can be overwritten by another Alpha. An Omega’s mark cannot be overwritten. Do you know what that means, son?
– I have no idea, but I’m sure you’ll tell me now, – Noah snorted, now less confidently.
– An Alpha can’t change partners until the Omega who marked him dies. He cannot be with anyone other than the one who left a mark on his skin, this damned vow. And by properly directing the call, an Omega can control her Alpha. Did you know that the first and largest post-war crisis happened precisely because of this? Not due to a lack of food or drinking water but because Alphas were losing their minds over marks placed on them. Their love for their omegas drove them mad, as they were ready to do anything for them. And, who would have thought that among the small, delicate omegas, there would be vengeful, bloodthirsty ones… who would command their Alphas to kill their tormentors… to take revenge for old grievances. Did you know about this?
Nari and Noah were silent.
– That’s exactly why the decision was made to separate Alphas and Omegas. A ban on marks, contractual marriages between Alphas, the creation of farms. All of this was created for peace and tranquility, to stop this bloody slaughter that began among Alphas over Omegas. So, everything has to stay as it is. Whether you like it or not, we cannot disclose this information to avoid provoking a recurrence of past history.
– You are wrong! – Nari said passionately, – times have changed! We need to unite for survival! And if a strong leader led both Alphas and Omegas, they would understand that only by joining forces can we create a world where no one has to die! A world where everyone would be free. Then we…
– That won’t happen, – Cypher cut her off, – as I said, we will organize groups of Alphas and Omegas that will stand guard around the Tree day and night and support the barrier with resonance. For documentation, we will continue the performances at the Arena. But there will be no publicity. No one is allowed to find out about this. Otherwise, a new wave of chaos is inevitable.
– But how don’t you understand!..
– Enough, Nari, – Noah interrupted the girl, – he is no different from Toneri.
– What did you say?.. – Cypher raised an eyebrow, – Toneri?! He hasn’t died in some ditch yet?!
– Oh, so you’re acquainted?
– That madman!..
Cypher didn’t finish his thought. A loud explosion rang out in the city. Nari rushed to the window. Clouds of black smoke rose over the Arena, engulfing the World Tree. Noah immediately turned on his communicator; the news feed was filled with comments about the explosion, about the inexplicable disturbances near the Arena, about the fact that Alphas and Betas of Sigma had engaged in a fight with the Arena guards. Moments later, a black screen appeared in the news with Toneri’s voice proclaiming:
– We, Sigma, give you an hour! An hour for the ruling Alpha families to release all Omegas from the farms! To free all surrogate mothers who live in estates, to open all ghetto gates! We’ll be waiting at the Arena! You have an hour! If by that time we don’t see Cypher Adelson in chains here, we will blow up the roots of the World Tree, which has demanded our blood. Time is up.
– Has he gone mad?! – Nari slammed her fist against the glass, – to destroy the World Tree is to destroy the world! Everyone will die!!!
– Now do you understand what I’m talking about?! – Adelson rose from his chair, – that’s what happens when such uselessness gains power.
– And what? You’ll just leave everything as it is?! Do nothing?! – Noah burst out, – will you let the world die, just as you let Ai die?!
– Shut your mouth! – Cypher roared, his growl bringing Noah to his knees.
Nari trembled; she almost lost consciousness. But Noah’s growl quickly brought her back to reality. Father and son clashed with each other.
– You’ve become stronger, – Cypher smiled, – risen so quickly!
– You’re not getting any younger, – Noah snapped.
– Are you mocking me?! – Nari yelled, – this isn’t the time for this!!!
– Indeed, it isn’t the time, – Cypher, with all his strength, threw Noah off himself and raised his communicator, – attention! Immediately gather all the militants! Target – Arena! Neutralize Sigma! Find bombs in the roots of the Tree!
Meanwhile, Nari helped Noah to his feet. Cypher turned to them.
– I’m taking the omega, – he said, – she belonged to Aiden from the moment of her birth. I will hide her in the bunker; once everything is over, she will fulfill her role. And you, if you have the strength, can escape and try to stop Toneri.
– You will only touch her over my dead body! – Noah growled.
– As you say, son, – Cypher bolted from his place.
Explosion. Impact. Blown doors. Kae stood between Noah and Cypher. He blocked Cypher’s blow and pushed him aside. The room quickly filled with their growls. Kae turned and shouted at Noah.
– Get out of here! Now!!! Find Iris and Maidena; they will lead you to the explosives! Neutralize them!!!
– But what about you?!
– I said NOW!!! – Kae turned and immediately took another powerful blow from the elder Adelson.
– Nari, let’s go! – Noah scooped the girl up and dashed for the door.
– I can’t believe my eyes! Where did you crawl out from?! – Adelson's cruel laughter reached Nari, – Kae Neys!!! My dear friend!!!