Page 2 of Daughter of Garnet

And then, I am alone.

It is just me on the bench, waiting for my future to be decided. When my name is called, I feel as if I am walking to the gallows, but I keep my head high. The likelihood that I will be Blessed is slim, and if I am, for some reason, I will be designated as an Alpha. Only one in seven of the Blessed is an Omega.

The odds are in my favor.

Though some may crave the life of luxury that Omegas are afforded, it sounds miserable to me. I want nothing more than to fade into obscurity.

I strip off my robe, hand it to someone on stage, then step forward and gently place my hand on each stone. I count to five in my head, as we are taught to do, before moving to the next. By the time I lift my hand from the pearl, the tension in my chest has lifted.

Beta.

Thank the Gods.

When my palm hits the garnet, the oddest sensation flows through me. It’s like I drank fine wine that warms my soul as it runs through my body.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Nothing happens. The warmth that I felt must’ve been a fluke of the stone.

“Accept your robe.”

I don’t know where the voice comes from, but I cannot do anything but listen, reaching out and taking the robe offered to me.

My hands are shaking as I wrap my body up. What was that voice? Was that my subconscious, reminding me that I am naked in a room full of people?

The head of the Institute proclaims me as a Beta, and I sigh in relief. It's what I wanted.

I step off the stage, searching for an empty seat, when a voice in my head makes me stumble.

“Good, Omega. Tell no one.”

CHAPTER 2

Zoe

It's a whirlwind as we prepare to be moved from the university dorms to the Institute. We're sent there as soon as the ceremony finishes because the risk of Omegas getting stolen is high. We’re barely allowed the opportunity to say goodbye to our parents.

“See? You had nothing to worry about.” My father strokes a hand down my hair as my mother digs through her purse. “Now, make sure you pay attention in your classes, and study as often as you can. You want the best job placement possible.”

I’m not sure what I would consider the best placement, but my parents seem happy in their roles. My father works at a textile factory, and my mother is a seamstress. Anything is better than a broodmare of an Omega.

A hissing noise in the back of my mind causes me to freeze, but it’s gone before I can truly register it.

My father grabs my bag from the floor beside me and pushes it into my hands with a smile. “I’ve given you a few books to keep you entertained. I doubt much has changed since we attended. We were rarely allowed off campus.”

“Dad, I’m sure they’ve loosened the rules since then.”

He hums under his breath and shrugs. “Maybe, maybe not. Either way, I hope you enjoy your time there. Please write when you can.”

“I promise.” The train whistles in warning, and I pull them both toward me in one more hug. “Looks like it's time for me to go. I love you both.”