Chapter Text
Something is amiss. Flins noted the moment he stepped into the hall of the Lightkeeper's Headquarters. What was usually a busy afternoon felt empty, the air thick with a tension that didn't quite fit. The Alpha's yellow eyes took in the foreign room, only to discover that his chosen partner, Illuga, was speaking with his father. Their heads were pressed close, whatever they were whispering about meant only for them.
Perhaps another Wild Hunt attack is underway. A logical assumption, given that without Rerir, the abhorrent creatures were in more of a frenzy state than usual.
As his long legs took his across the room, Illuga's head turned. The dullness that glazed his eyes instantly faded upon seeing other Alpha.
"Ah, Flins," Nikita coughed awkwardly, the older Beta looking at him with vague suspicion, "I was just about to have someone come looking for you."
Flins responded with a polite smile.
It had only been recently when Illuga had sheepishly informed his father of his and Flins' relationship. While Nikita has always been a respectful man, Flins would be kidding himself if he wasn't dubious of the wary glare Nikita had given him that day. Given that he had figured Nikita only saw him as an reliable Lightkeeper and nothing more, it should not have come as a surprise the way it did.
An oversight on my part. Flins had told himself. Just a worried father looking after his son. And so, Flins had nothing else to assume on that matter.
"Has something happened?" Flins inquired, tilting his head to gesture to the empty mess hall.
"Nothing in particular, just the usual haunt," Nikita answered.
Sensing that there was a but coming, Flins' brows arched.
"The Knights of Favonius have decided respond to my letters it seems," Nikita finally stated, "The Grandmaster has written that extra pairs of hands would be sent over sometime in the morning."
So something did happen. Though, knowing the Grandmaster intimately, Flins' suspicion was aroused.
It's not like Varka to be sloppy when it comes to the Wild Hunt. His thoughts churned. Those letters were sent weeks ago.
What could've possibly gone wrong?
The dark haired Alpha turned to his smaller partner, who simply shrugged in response. Seems the three of them were on the same page in regards of this mishap.
"Well, it seems the Knights are running quite late," Flins remarked.
Nikita only huffed, his arms crossing in such a manner that spoke of the Beta's love for timely appearances. One too many times has Flins been there to witness others punishments for their minor transgression against that rule.
Turning his head, Flins' eyes met Illuga' before he extended a hand. "Mind if I steal you away, little dove?"
The shorter Alpha sputtered, his cheeks flushed once the pet name registered. And, Flins did not miss the way Nikita's head snapped towards him. Warm glee took Flins' features when Illuga tersely grabbed the cuff of his coat, pulling him sharply away from his father.
After a brisk march away and into a somewhat secluded space, the flushed Illuga was finally in his grasp as Flins held him close, burying his nose into croak of Illuga's neck. Breathing in the scent of the man his flames dance for, the tension that had been in his shoulders for days finally letting up.
"K-Kyryll," Illuga mumbled when the lanky Alpha pressed an open kiss to the visible scar along his neck, "you shouldn't say stuff like that…"
"Mm… how could I not?" Flins questioned, pressing himself firmly against his chosen and earning such a pleasing sound.
Illuga's hands grabbed at the other Alpha's coat in an tugging off motion, spurring Flins on by arching into him and exposing his neck. Pleased, Flins rewarded him with chaste kisses along his jaw. Illuga shuddered when Flin's hands pulled his tucked in shirt, gloved fingers trailing up to explore. Against his ear, a hot gasp escaped.
"Ah… 'm sorry."
"Whatever for?"
Their eyes meet briefly, a hazy and apologetic glimmer in the silver Alpha's eyes. "For not coming home."
Flins pulled away, yellow eyes taking in the sight of his chosen. The sincerity in those simple words had Flins feeling somewhat guilty on the behalf of Illuga. Neither of them were to blame, it's simply the nature of their job.
"Nonsense," Flins replied, his nose digging into the silver hair, "I have been quite well the entirety of your mission. You needn't worry when being away for long periods of time, little robin."
Despite the rosy cheeks and the qualms of his absence, Illuga let out a snicker, the smallest of smirks forming on his lips. "Right. Since you're so well, you had to drag me off to scent me the moment you could?"
Charmed, Flins smiled. How exciting. Oh, how he missed this.
"Am I not allowed to be happy that you've returned safe and sound?" Flins countered.
"I was gone for five days."
"Far too long in my humble opinion."
Illuga let out an humored sigh when Flins gave him a kiss. Having not been as handsy as he wanted to be and to avoid an uncomfortable state of affair as they were in a not so hidden spot, they pulled away and made themselves decent. Though as Flins adjusted his obscured cuffs, a new smell flooded his senses. Heavy in terms of demanding it's presence, meticulous and light. The Alpha inside could not deny that whomever the scent belonged to had peaked his interest and clearly, Illuga had noticed it as well.
"Perhaps the Knights have arrived?" Illuga suggested, smoothing out his tattered shirt with wary expression as if no one would smell Flins on him.
Flins watched with amusement. "Mm, I was thinking the same thought."
Together, the pair removed themselves from their brief rendezvous and padded back into the mess hall. Immediately, Flins' eyes were drawn a figure with a very similar build and height as his chosen. His clothes particularly screamed he was from the Knights of Favoninus, yet he looked to be a few ranks above the other Knights that were with him. Flins' brow arched as he drew closer. He did not know this young man, yet he has smelled him all over Varka on multiple occasions.
Is he the Grandmaster's chosen? His vague, though possible misunderstanding of his friends relationships lingered at the back of his mind as he and Illuga joined the huddled group. And thankfully, Nikita only offered him a glance, despite Flins' deliberate slip up.
"Now then," Nikita cleared his throat, having been waiting for Flins and Illuga to officially give out orders, "The Grandmaster has been kind enough to spare some reinforcements for the recent Wild Hunt attacks. He's sent his Vice Captain, Lohen, to assist us for the time being."
Lohen. Tilting his head, Flins allowed his eyes to subtly settle on the younger man again. Now thinking back, Flins has heard the name mentioned by Varka and the other Knights when they would go out drinking. Though now, Flins has final seen the mystery face mentioned. Conventionally attractive and stunning eyes, it's clear that Lohen wore his Omega status proudly.
Seems like Varka and I have similar, yet distinct tastes.
"As of right now, the attacks and sightings that were reported have been dealt with but I'll be sending out patrols to make sure that other areas are clear."
A warm hand took a hold of his, a silent confirmation that the silver-haired Alpha would not be leaving his side.
"Illuga," Nikita addressed his son, "despite the long trek up north, I trust you'll be able to take Lohen, Flins and Laurent towards the Institution?"
A nod of confirmation was all Nikita needed before the old Beta waved them off, signaling he needed nothing more.
"Vice Captain Lohen, was it?" Illuga turned his attention the Omega, politely extending his hand.
"Just Lohen," the Omega replied, clasping Illuga's hand. "Pleased to me you, Captain."
"O-oh," Illuga flushed, "Illuga is just fine."
"Sure. Then, I hope we have a pleasant time." Then Lohen's strange eyes settled on Flins.
Something unpleasant shimmered up Flins' spine.
"I agree," Illuga replied, a smile lighting up his face. "We should move out immediately."
A grin took Lohen's features, the tips of his fingers twitching in an almost excited manner. "Of course, lead the way Illuga."
As Illuga's hand freed itself from Flins', the Alpha moving to lead their small patrol from Piramida, Flins remained watching with intent interest.
"Kyryll?"
"Ah, sorry," Flins apologized, his long legs swiftly moving him to Illuga's side once more, "It appears my mind had drifted."
Concern flashed in Illuga's eyes, but a gentle smile from the tall Alpha shut down whatever he was going to say.
"Then, are we set?" Lohen asked, having watched the exchange.
"Oh, yes!" Illuga let out a tense chuckle, "C'mon."
Once again, the small patrol moved to leave, Flins trailing along and at Illuga's side. Though, with another glance at Lohen, Flins already knew he did not like the Omega.