<Episode 94>

Eveline took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart as the two men stared at her with a mix of confusion and disbelief.

“Just listen to me for a moment,” she said, gripping Elkais’s hands tightly. Her eyes darted between the two, her words rushed but firm.

Elkais’s voice broke the silence, his tone hesitant. “Why would you say something like that? Why three of us?”

Abellard’s frustration boiled over, his tone sharper than intended. “Eve, why him too? Am I invisible to you?”

Eveline turned to Abellard, noticing the exhaustion etched into his face. Guilt flickered in her heart. “You’re not invisible,” she said softly, “but please, let me explain first.”

Elkais tightened his hold on her hands, his voice trembling. “Why three? Is it because I failed to consider your feelings before? Did I think only of myself?”

“That’s not it,” Eveline said quickly, shaking her head. She could see the fear in Elkais’s eyes, his vulnerability catching her off guard.

“And what about me?” Abellard demanded, stepping closer and gripping Eveline’s arm. “What’s this about three people?”

Elkais’s gaze darkened as he glared at Abellard’s hand. His voice dropped, cold and sharp. “Let go of her.”

Eveline interrupted, her voice louder this time. “The deity behind me is Dekarv.”

The room fell silent. Eveline’s own voice surprised her. She had spoken freely, despite the restrictions that had always silenced her before.

Abellard’s eyes widened. “How can you say that? Aren’t you under his control?”

“I don’t know,” Eveline admitted. “But the restriction is gone.”

Elkais’s expression shifted, his voice cautious as he tested the waters. “The goddess behind me is Remeros.” He paused, waiting for resistance that never came. “The restriction… it’s lifted.”

Abellard muttered, realization dawning on his face. “Only the leader of the gods can set or lift such rules.”

“Then Remeros lifted it intentionally?” Eveline asked, her brow furrowing.

Abellard nodded slowly. “It seems that way. Maybe she was angry because Elkais almost died.”

Eveline’s gaze softened as she turned back to Abellard. “The deity behind you is Yulias, correct?”

“Yes,” he replied, his tone hesitant.

“And her goal was for me to survive,” Eveline continued. “But why? And what about your goal, Elkais?”

Elkais met her gaze, his voice steady. “My goal… was to imprint with you, Eveline.”

Abellard’s head whipped toward Elkais, his voice rising in disbelief. “You—”

“Stop!” Eveline raised her hands, her tone firm. “The gods’ goals were designed to challenge what we would never willingly do. Isn’t that obvious now?”

Both men hesitated, their expressions conflicted but thoughtful.

Eveline pressed on. “Elkais, you’ve always hated omegas and pheromones. Imprinting with me would have been unthinkable before now. And Abellard… your goal was likely something selfless, wasn’t it?”

Abellard’s voice cracked as he spoke. “I was supposed to keep you alive… even if it meant giving up my own life.”

Eveline’s breath hitched, her heart aching at his confession. “Abellard…”

“I’ve known for a long time,” Abellard said, his voice trembling. “That Dekarv chose you as his pawn. That’s why I came here. I… I’ve always loved you, Eveline.”

Eveline’s mind raced, her eyes wide with shock. “You knew?”

“I’ve known for years,” Abellard admitted. “And I’ve always known I’d die for you if it came to that.”

“Me too,” Elkais interjected, his voice low but resolute. “If survival is limited to one, I’d gladly give my life for you.”

“No!” Eveline exclaimed, tears welling in her eyes. “None of us are going to die! We’ll survive this together!”

Both men stared at her, their expressions a mix of hope and disbelief.

Eveline wiped her tears and took their hands. “If we imprint as three, none of us will be able to harm each other. The gods will lose their wager, and we’ll all survive. That’s the only way.”

Elkais hesitated but eventually nodded. “You really believe this will work?”

“I do,” Eveline replied with conviction.

Abellard’s voice softened. “Then I’ll follow you, Eveline. Whatever you choose.”

Eveline gave him a faint smile before addressing them both. “Then let’s begin.”

Eveline felt the tension thickening between the two men as she tried to steady herself. She couldn’t let the situation spiral out of control.

“Brother, that’s unexpected. I thought the one thing you’d never do would be giving up your title as viscount or something like that,” Eveline said softly, trying to mask her confusion.

Abellard looked at her with a faint, bitter smile. “No… I… My goal was to keep you alive, even if it meant giving up my own life.”

“What?” Eveline froze, her voice shaking.

“Yulias originally didn’t want to participate in this wager,” Abellard admitted, his grip on her hands tightening slightly. He seemed to want her to understand the weight of his actions. “But I knew you were caught up in this. I knew you were Dekarv’s pawn. I’ve known for a long time.”

Eveline stared at him in shock, unable to respond.

“That’s why I wanted to come here,” Abellard continued. His voice trembled, and his words seemed to carry a weight he could no longer bear. “Because I’ve always loved you.”

The confession left Eveline breathless. She could hardly process his words. “Brother… you knew?”

Abellard nodded, his expression conflicted. “I knew. And I knew I’d die for you if it came to that. That’s why I’m here.”

“I… I don’t know what to say,” Eveline murmured, feeling her chest tighten with a mix of emotions.

“I’d die for you too,” Elkais said suddenly, breaking the silence. His voice was firm but tinged with fear. “If only one person survives, I’d gladly give my life for you.”

“Stop,” Eveline said, her voice cracking as she clenched her fists. “Neither of you is going to die. We’re all going to survive this—together.”

Abellard’s voice broke as he began to sob. “Eve, I just want you to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

Eveline reached out to touch his hand, her eyes filling with tears. “Brother…”

Elkais stepped closer, his voice soft but resolute. “She’s right. Without you, Eveline, my life has no meaning.”

“Elkais…” Eveline whispered, overwhelmed by their emotions.

The room was silent for a moment, the weight of their words pressing down on all three of them.

“If we imprint together, we can all survive,” Eveline said at last, her voice trembling with determination.

“Why?” Elkais asked cautiously, his gaze searching hers.

“Because if we imprint, none of us will be able to harm each other. Dekarv’s wager will fail. None of us will take our own lives because of the bond, which means Yulias will lose as well. And if all three of us imprint, even Remeros won’t win. This is the only way.”

Elkais considered her words carefully, then let out a long sigh. “I see… That’s why Yulias gave you this idea.”

Eveline nodded. “Yes, it makes sense now.”

Elkais’s gaze softened as he looked at her. “I wanted you to be my only omega, Eveline. But if this is what it takes to survive…”

“We need to focus on staying alive right now,” Eveline said firmly.

Abellard, however, looked hesitant. “Eve… I’d still be happy just being one of your alphas. As long as you like me, that’s enough for me.”

Eveline gave him a small, sad smile. “Thank you, Brother.”

She pulled her hands free from their grasp and took a deep breath. “Imprinting…”

Before she could finish, Elkais stepped closer and reached for her back.

“What are you doing?” she asked, startled.

“You said we should imprint,” Elkais said simply, his tone resolute.

“Yes, but—wait! Don’t remove my clothes!” Eveline yelped as he began to undo the ties of her dress.

The garment slipped from her shoulders despite her protests, revealing the corset beneath. Abellard looked away awkwardly, his face flushed.

“Eve… this is my first time,” Abellard mumbled, his voice barely audible.

“What?” Eveline asked, startled.

“I mean… you were my first kiss. So this… this will be my first time too.”

“Brother?” Eveline stared at him, her cheeks heating.

“I just thought you should know,” Abellard said, his embarrassment evident.

Elkais smirked faintly and leaned closer, gently tilting Eveline’s chin upward. “Is that so? Then I’ll go first.”

Without waiting, he kissed her deeply.

“Hey!” Abellard growled, yanking Elkais back by his collar. “Do you mind?”

Elkais shot him a glare. “I’m holding back the urge to kill you and imprint with her myself. Don’t push me.”

Abellard hesitated but didn’t back down. “We’re doing this together. Get that through your head.”

Elkais’s jaw clenched, but he stepped back, his eyes softening as he looked at Eveline. “If this is what you want… I’ll respect your choice.”

Eveline felt tears sting her eyes as she looked at both of them. She knew this wasn’t easy for any of them, but it was the only way to ensure they all survived. She took a deep breath and whispered, “Thank you… both of you.”

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