Noah moved quickly, keeping to the shadows of the buildings. The sun had barely crawled over the horizon, still obscured by thick clouds. Upon reaching the wall, he continued to move along the concrete barrier in search of a gap. He knew for sure that there was one, and he was right. A crack in the wall truly existed. A collapsed, hazardous area covered with metal mesh.
– So, you weren’t able to convince her? – he heard a voice as he stepped onto the rubble.
Noah turned around and saw the golden-haired omega.
– Iris… – he exhaled, – you scared me.
– Omega? Scared an Alpha? – Iris snorted, – funny, funny.
– Are you here on business or what?
– Look at that… and to talk to a buddy? How long has it been since we last saw each other? Half a year? And by the way, I carried your body to our Nari's place. You’re heavy, you know? Like carrying a bag of cement, phew...
– So she turned to you for help? – Noah scoffed, – and why would that be?
– What’s wrong? Are you jealous?
– Don’t say stupid things.
– Jea-lous, – Iris elongated the word mockingly, making Alpha grind his teeth nervously.
Iris had been recruited to Sigma even before Noah. The leader introduced them shortly before the attack on the Arena. The blond had a special mission – to spy within the ghetto. His persuasive ability was just perfect for that. Iris and Noah hadn't liked each other from the very beginning. Their views on resolving the same issues were just too different. So, they had almost no contact. And the fact that Nari had confided in him surprised Alpha greatly.
– Don't worry, – the omega shrugged, – if Nari becomes your omega, it’s better for me. Leo will have fewer problems.
– Nari is not a problem.
– Tch... you’ve spent less than ten days here. What do you know about it, huh? She’s too kind and naive. Keeps getting into trouble, and Leo cleans it all up.
– But she turned to you.
– Yes. She knew I would keep it a secret. That’s the only way not to put Leo in danger.
– You care about him a lot, – this time Noah smiled.
– For him, for Dionna. Even for this walking problem. Who else but me, – Iris hurried to amend, – well, enough. I didn’t just wait for you here for nothing. Toneri sends his regards.
– And?
– The liberation plan will commence in two weeks. Sigma will strike at the Arena on the day of the reopening of the season. Before the eyes of hundreds of spectators, we will free the omegas. Adelson and the upper echelon of Favorit will also be there. They’ll give you the details when you return to the headquarters.
– Understood, – Noah nodded, – will you stay here?
– Of course, I'm on the list for the Arena, – Iris replied.
– Then… please, – Noah forced the words out, – watch over her until I find the chance to take her away. It’s becoming dangerous…
– You’d better hurry, – Iris said grimly, – Yomiya submitted a report stating that Nari is dominant. They're preparing her for transfer to the Adelsons' house. She will become your brother's omega.
– Doesn’t she have to go to the Arena?
– She does. And she will. And most likely, she will win. But that won't save her. So, hurry up. You will have only one chance. During the attack in two weeks. In the meantime... I will watch over her. And protect her. Even if it means protecting her from herself.
– Thank you.
– Scram already, – Iris waved his hand, – a patrol will pass through here in seven minutes.
Noah jumped over the rubble of the wall and disappeared into the dawn mist. Iris looked at his communicator. There was still time.
***
Nari woke up when the gray morning light touched her face. Running her palm over the still warm sheets, she involuntarily let out a quiet sigh.
– He left an hour ago.
Nari jolted up abruptly, glancing around. Iris was sitting in a chair, holding a cup of coffee in his hands.
– What are you doing here? – the girl yawned.
– Just checking on a friend, – the young man shrugged, brushing a golden strand from his eyes, – you were alone here with an Alpha after all.
– Where did you?.. – Nari tensed.
– Oh, Nari... come on. Did you really think I wouldn't sense the Alpha's scent on you?
– But no one else sensed it!
– Consider me special. But enough about me. I have a question. Why didn't you go with him? Just don’t say it’s because of Dionna.
– We’ll open the season instead of Leo and Tento. If I run away, they won’t take her off the stage, they'll just choose another opponent. I don’t think anyone but me would give the energy of life to two blooms at once to save her life.
– Mmm… and that’s your reason?
– Isn’t that enough?
– I’m sure he offered to take all three of you out.
– You know Leo can't be convinced.
– Nari, that’s unconvincing. He would follow you to the ends of the earth. Still sure that’s the reason?
– There’s no other reason, Iris.
– Don't burn me with your gaze, I got it. I won’t disturb you, – the boy stood up and headed for the door.
But on the threshold, he stopped.
– Oh, by the way, Nari. I can’t quite remember… that sixteen-year-old who went against you in the Arena last season. Do you remember her name?
– Ai... – Nari managed to say, – her name was Ai…
– Right, – Iris snapped his fingers, – thanks. I just couldn’t remember. Well, I’ll go. See you.