Omega Ascension System[BL]-Chapter 289: _Breaking News

Aurora’s POV

*****

Solrune City was a quiet city—unlike the bustling metropolis that was the capital.

Since it was pretty close to the Lunarian sea, its history was rooted in fishing. Fountains and serene water parks dotted different spots, attracting a few tourists.

The point is, it was the perfect spot away from all the chaos in Moon Haven. A few hours away, too.

Yet despite all that... That chaos seemed to follow Aurora.

"My mom said we should check the news." She informed Seraphyne rather abruptly when they stepped into the house’s living room, closing the door behind them.

The interior was even more peaceful. It was painted white and blue, with a ceiling about ten meters high. To the far right, a wooden staircase spiralled, leading to the rooms upstairs.

Grey leather sofas were at the centre, and at the other end was a dining room. Two crystal chandeliers lit up the space, alongside a warm fireplace etched into the left wall.

"AI system," Seraphyne called out, heading for the dining table. "Show us the Lunarian News Network. And cool the wine bottle on the dining table."

Almost instantly, the chandelier lights dimmed. A holographic screen flickered to life above the fireplace, illuminating the room with a cool blue light.

Aurora swallowed hard, blinking at the screen as it loaded the channel.

"If you’re just joining us, this is the Lunarian News Network." The empire’s most popular news caster, Cristal Ravenheart, was the one on the screen.

That meant bad news.

The woman usually only reported the most groundbreaking news these days.

"We’ve just gotten recent footage to back up the reports of an alleged attack in the Arcadian capital of Veilastra," she went on, her expression solemn. "This footage could put Lunaria and our Alpha Prince in a tight spot."

Aurora rubbed her forehead. "Lucian, what shenanigans are you up to now?"

Seraphyne’s footsteps echoed as she approached, holding two glasses of wine in both hands. She stood beside Aurora, handing her one glass. The princess grabbed it without hesitation, staring wearily at the holographic screen.

"I’ll be on stand by while the footage plays." Cristal moved from the frame. It glitched with static at first before showing an aerial video of a burning red sky.

Aurora nearly choked on her drink.

Why did that remind her of her visions of the Dark Lands? But at the same time—she knew it wasn’t.

No.

Crystal towers floated hundreds of meters above the ground. This was Arcadia, no doubt. The name tag with "Veilastra" on the screen told her that much.

However, when the video zoomed in, she froze. Floating alongside the crystal towers like a god of fire and death was the Rogue king himself, familiar long white hair flowing around him.

He moved faster than any surveillance system could capture, detonating sky crafts and duking it out spell for spell with people Aurora recognised as the Arcadian Councillors.

"This footage shows the Rogue King of the Dark Lands wreaking havoc directly on the Arcadian capital." The news reporter explained from the background. "Breaking the ceasefire deal between both nations in an unprecedented way. But that’s not all..."

The video shifted to a scene that made Aurora’s grip on her glass tighten.

Because on the rooftop of one of the crystal towers were two people. Painfully recognisable people.

"Isn’t that your brother?" Seraphyne murmured mid sip. "And... And his mate?"

Indeed, it was.

In the clip, Elian knelt beside Lucian’s limp body. The Omega’s fingers glowed with a crimson light, moving over her brother’s body like he was casting a spell.

"Gods..." That was all Aurora could mutter, confusion chasing out any other feeling she had.

Unfortunately, the clip blurred with static before she could get a better view. The screen shifted back to Cristal who stood more than prepared.

"It’s not clear what was happening there—but the Alpha Prince looked to be in some kind of critical state," Cristal uttered. "So far, the Arcadian Councillors and, of course, the High Matron, haven’t made a statement on the incident. Neither has the Lunarian royal court. It’s unclear if the Alpha Prince and his mate—"

"Turn it off!" Aurora yelled, unable to take it anymore.

She’d heard enough.

The holographic screen blinked out of existence, leaving behind only a faint hue of light. Aurora immediately grabbed her necklace, dialling Lucian.

"Pick up. Pick up..." She turned away from Sera, gulping down what was left of her wine before dropping it on the centre table. "Lucian, I swear if you don’t..."

Seraphyne grabbed her shoulder just then. She gasped, throat constricting as she swerved her head back to her.

"I have... A contact in the Arcadian capital." The former revealed, hazel eyes softening. "I’ll reach out to him and ask if he saw anything."

But Aurora shook her head, withdrawing her hand from the necklace. "I don’t need new info. I NEED to know if my brother is alive. And Elian. And... Gods, that twisted half-cousin of mine."

Going to Arcadia in a time like this would be beyond a diplomatic setback. There was no telling—

BEEP! BEEP!

Lucian didn’t pick but her necklace rang with a call from Elowen. She picked, tapping the necklace twice when she noticed it would be a video call.

A holographic projection of her mother appeared in front of her. The Luna Queen stood behind a desk, her expression twisted in a frown at first.

That changed when she saw Aurora.

"Have you seen—"

"Yes, mom." Aurora’s jaw tightened. "We’ve seen it. Also called Lucian but he didn’t pick. Sera’s trying to reach her contact in Arcadia as we speak."

She flicked her eyes to Sera who already had a bracelet out, tapping the runes on it.

"I’ve had palace tech experts track his communication ring," Elowen revealed. "He’s in the Dark Lands. Network connections aren’t the best there—we should give him time before trying again."

Aurora found that hard to believe. After the hell of a nightmare she had earlier, her nerves were on edge.

"So you knew he left for Arcadia?" She asked, staring at her mother with disbelief. "And you didn’t even—"

"Something happened with Kyren there." Elowen cut in quickly, a hint of guilt in her expression. "Elian got worried and Lucian decided they should head there. I couldn’t start troubling you with these things, honey."

Aurora let out an exasperated sigh, brushing her right hand through her hair. "Is there... Is there anything you’d want to add, Mom? Because at this point I’m beginning to wonder if leaving was worth it."

She caught Seraphyne giving her a look at that. One she couldn’t register with the storm in her mind.

Elowen was silent for a few seconds too long, her holographic figure shaking.

Eventually—

"Lucian told me about what your father said before his death." The Luna Queen mumbled, eyes distant with guilt. "About... About your brother."

Aurora’s eyes widened.

Her breathing quickened, eyes darting around like she wanted to avoid the topic.

But her mother continued nonetheless.

"I know... I owe you the grandest apology for not telling you," she struggled. "But Lucian believes he’s still alive out there. And I have a feeling whatever’s happening in Arcadia and the Dark Lands—with Lucian—involves your lost brother too."

Time seemingly froze at that moment.

Her heart hammered so loudly it drowned out everything—Seraphyne’s breathing, the crackle of the fireplace, even Elowen’s voice.

Her lost brother.

Alive and somewhere in the Dark Lands.

Her hands shook violently.

In the back of her mind, the nightmare she’d had hours ago whispered again.

It wasn’t merely a nightmare. It was a warning unfolding right before them.