No matter how much Yusha wished it wouldn’t happen, the day finally came when Liam arrived at Zayden’s mansion.

The omega was staring out the window when he spotted the familiar figure stepping out of the carriage.

As if sensing someone’s gaze, Liam looked up.

Yusha quickly pulled the curtains shut, his heart pounding as he prayed Liam hadn’t seen him.

The alpha shook his head.

Must be my imagination.

He told himself.

A guard stopped him at the entrance, asking whether he had a prior appointment with the general. Liam answered that he did not, but insisted the matter was important, urgency in his tone.

One of the guards went inside to ask Zayden whether Liam should be allowed in.

Upon receiving approval, Liam entered the building. The butler guided him through the corridors to the study, where Zayden had been working for hours.

After a knock, the door opened.

Inside, Ren stood beside Zayden, his hands folded. Though he appeared to be working as usual, Liam couldn’t help but notice that something about him had changed.

Liam inclined his head politely.

"Greetings, General."

Zayden lifted his gaze from the documents spread across his desk, offering a brief nod in return.

"Yes. So, Liam—what brings you to my residence all of a sudden? I hope there is no serious trouble at the training grounds."

Liam hesitated, his eyes flicking toward the butler standing quietly near the door. He didn’t want to mention his situation to a stranger.

Not at all.

Zayden followed his line of sight, then waved a hand dismissively.

"You may leave us."

The older man bowed and exited without a word, closing the door softly behind him.

Zayden gestured toward the chair across from his desk.

"First of all... take a seat and tell me what this is about. Quickly. I have a lot of work to do," he added, motioning to the pile of documents before him.

Liam did as instructed, though his gaze drifted almost immediately to Ren. It was the same look he had given the butler earlier—an unspoken request for Zayden to dismiss him as well.

The omega remained calm and composed, seemingly unbothered by the stare directed his way.

Zayden noticed and let out a low chuckle.

"Why are you looking at him? You can speak in his presence. Don’t worry. He can keep his mouth shut. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have remained by my side this long, right?"

Liam released a reluctant breath, his fingers tightening around the armrest.

"I... I can’t find my personal servant."

For a moment, Zayden simply stared at him—then he laughed, a short, incredulous sound, as though he had just been told a poor joke.

Liam frowned, his brows furrowing in confusion.

"My Lord... this is not funny. You know very well that he is pregnant and—" He inhaled, glancing briefly at Ren. "He is also a good friend of your personal servant. So I thought... maybe he came here."

Zayden’s expression cooled.

"And why is that? Do you think my estate is a place where omegas in distress simply take refuge?"

The subordinate shook his head, lowering his gaze.

"I would never presume such a thing. However..." He hesitated, then continued, voice quieter. "This is the only place he could have come to. He doesn’t—he isn’t close to anyone else but him," his eyes flicked toward Ren.

Liam’s composure finally cracked.

"Ren," he called, his voice rough, steps faltering as he moved closer. "Please. Just tell me. Where is he?... I won’t be angry—I swear. I just need to know he’s safe."

He reached out, desperation clear in his eyes. He rose to his feet, lowering his head. To bow before a commoner.

Ren was almost fooled by his act. He almost thought he actually cared for Yusha.

Before Liam could take another step, Zayden stood promptly.

The chair scraped harshly against the floor as the general moved, placing himself squarely in front of Ren. One arm spread protectively across the omega’s chest, shielding him as Zayden’s gaze locked with Liam’s like a blade.

"Enough," his voice came out sharper than he intended.

Suddenly, the air shifted, turning colder and heavier.

Zayden’s alpha pheromones surged—dense, overwhelming, commanding.

Liam froze. His pupils dilated as he staggered backward, his breath hitching. Despite being an alpha himself, he was a recessive one, and the pressure crashing down on him was merciless—a dominant alpha’s.

His knees buckled, hitting the floor with a dull thud as he gasped for air, hands clawing weakly at his neck.

"M-My Lord. W-Why?..." He barely managed to say, tears rolling down his cheeks while he looked up at Zayden.

At the same time, Ren’s breath caught in his throat. The scent turned suffocating. His vision lungs burned as if the air had been sucked out of the room.

"M-My Lord," he whispered, trying to control himself. His cheeks flushed red, a burning sensation running through every inch of his body.

"Ren—!" Zayden’s complexion turned pale. He spun around instantly, cupping Ren’s face and covering his nose and mouth with trembling hands. However, it wasn’t enough to stop the omega from inhaling all that pheromone.

"I-I’m so sorry," he choked, panic lacing his voice. "I didn’t mean to—"

Without another word, Zayden scooped Ren into his arms and strode out of the study. The oppressive pressure vanished the moment they crossed the threshold, the pheromones dispersing as the door slammed shut behind them.

Ren coughed once. Then once more, finally taking in a full breath.

Only then did he lift his gaze, eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at the alpha holding him.

"You really need to learn how to control yourself."

Zayden swallowed, guilt written plainly across his face. His grip loosened just a fraction.

"I-I usually do. No, always actually," he admitted quietly. "But..."

He trailed off, lowering his gaze, unable to deny the truth of it.

"But?" Ren raised an eyebrow. "And please, put me down. I don’t want servants to see and gossip."

Zayden did as asked.

"... I thought he was trying to harm you. Mostly after what he did to your friend," he sighed, running his fingers through his hair, exhaling. "I can’t trust him."

"He works for you. You need to trust him."

The alpha locked gaze with Ren. He couldn’t deny that. Liam had worked under him for as long as his own army existed. Dismissing him would cost him the loss of an extremely valuable knight. One who had been loyal to him.

"Yes... You are right. Still. Not when it comes to you."