CHAPTER 57: INTERROGATION

Prince Kael pushed the plate of burger across the table in front of the Omega. His eyes lingered on her for a moment, his thoughts hidden, before he gave a single word order. "Eat."

He did not wait to see if she obeyed. Instead, his gaze shifted to the cafe owner who had just stepped inside and was now hovering uncertainly at a little distance Kael raised his hand with the smallest of gestures, summoning him forward.

"You are a mixed blood," Kael said slowly.

The man hesitated, then nodded, throat working nervously.

Kael’s eyes narrowed. "Who were these people?"

The question made the man freeze. His eyes widened as he stared at the Alpha sitting so calmly in front of him-the same Alpha who had caused such destruction earlier and even dared to summon the Royal Patrollers . And now that same man was demanding answers from him?

The owner’s mouth went dry. He gulped and stammered, "S-Sir... I don’t... I don’t know anything—"

His words faltered when Kael’s hand moved. Without hurry, Kael picked up a knife from the table and began to turn it casually in his palm, the blade glinting under the dim lights. His expression did not change, as he said, "I like direct answers."

The meaning was unmistakable. The owner’s legs trembled, and his throat tightened until it was painful. If he dared to repeat that he knew nothing, the knife made it clear what the response would be.

Sweat broke across his forehead. He gulped again, realizing he had no choice but to speak. "I don’t know much. As a mixed blood, I keep my nose clean and pretend to have no eyes or ears. Knowing too much can..."

As he panted out the words, the man pushed the knife handle into the table, causing the blade to slide inches deep into the surface," You don’t need ears and eyes then?"

Emira, who had just tentatively moved to pick up the burger, jumped at the question and stared at the glinting knife in front of her. Prince Kael was much more scarier than he looked. She glanced at him from under her lashes and quickly looked away...Even his expression did not look like he was interrogating someone. It was almost as if he were only discussing the weather.

She hurriedly stuffed a bite of the burger into her mouth, chewing quickly and swallowing despite the dryness in her throat. She did not want to anger the man in front of her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the cafe owner fall to his knees with a thud, pressing his forehead low to the floor.

"Sir," the man stammered, voice trembling. "I really do not know much. All I know is that every year, a few people gather around here, bringing many Omegas with them. Then they leave without the Omegas, who are taken elsewhere. But other than that... I do not know."

Prince Kael’s sharp gaze rested on him for a long moment. The silence stretched until the man trembled more under the weight of it. Then Kael finally spoke.

"When is this meeting held?"

The man’s lips trembled as he licked them nervously. "The last time was some months ago, Sir. So I believe it will be held again in another six to eight months. That has been the pattern."

Kael gave a small nod as if satisfied. Then, with a casual flick of his wrist, he tossed a card toward the man. The owner startled but caught it quickly with both hands, staring down at the thin piece of metal in his palms.

"You will call me the moment you learn of this meeting," Kael ordered, his tone brooking no argument. "And soon, you will have a new employee. He will remain here. Make sure he stays well."

Emira, who had been watching quietly while nibbling on the burger, turned her gaze toward the trembling man. She saw the instant his eyes fell on the card, and the color drained from his face. His hands shook, and without hesitation, he dropped down fully onto his knees and pressed his head low to the ground almost as if he was about to lie down and sacrifice his head.

"I will, Your Highness," he stammered, his voice breaking. "I apologize for not recognizing you earlier. Please forgive me. I will do exactly as you say. I swear it."

His words echoed in the quiet cafe, carrying both fear and awe of the Enforcer. The man gulped and did not dare raise his eyes again. He’d heard stories of the Stormhold Enforcer but seeing him in person was something else. It was said that he was the God of Death... In that moment, he realized that it was indeed true and he had barely escaped his death.

He cast a look at the Omega that was by the man’s side then hurriedly looked away when he realized that the Omega was staring back at him. But he could not help but wonder just what kind of guts did the Omega have to be able to sit at the same table as the God of Death and eat so casually.

Emira, on the other hand, looked from the groveling man to Prince Kael, realizing once again just how much power the Prince carried with him-power that made others bow, tremble, and obey without a second thought. And though she sat silently, a small shiver ran through her, not entirely from fear but from admiration.

Was this what it truly felt like to have absolute power over the world? As an Omega, she had always been at the lowest end of the pole of "power." Her whole life, she had been made to feel small, weak, and replaceable. She had seen people flaunt authority, twisting it into cruelty. She had seen Alphas and Betas misuse their strength, raising their voices, throwing their weight around, trying to show off in a way that made them appear powerful.

But now, watching Prince Kael, she realized there was a difference. His strength was not loud or exaggerated. He did not need to shout to be obeyed, nor did he need to wave his power in front of others to prove himself. It was there, in just the way he moved.