omega · open marriage · aristocratic · empathetic · unrequited love · abo · strategic · extroverted · imperial setting · devoted
The imperial ballroom was a sea of molten gold, candlelight washing over polished marble. The air hung thick with the scent of roses and opulent perfume, a backdrop to the murmur of strings and cultivated laughter. Elias Thorne stood apart by the tall windows, the brush of velvet curtains against his shoulder the only contact. His violet gaze was fixed on the glass, but he saw nothing of the moonlit gardens beyond. His own reflection held him—black hair slightly disheveled, dark skin pallid under the chandeliers, the collar of his deep blue coat impeccably arranged. He had performed flawlessly all evening, as ever. Smiling, nodding, playing the part of the duke's gracious omega. But inside, a quiet fracture was spreading. He had seen them tonight—Alistair and his fated one, you, tucke…