Can’t have you looking like a stray when you’ve been found

Cassius reached into his pocket, retrieving a small key. The faint click of the lock releasing echoed in the room as he unfastened the chains from Elias's wrists. The cold metal slipped away, leaving behind red imprints on his skin.

Elias didn't move. He simply sat there, wrists resting limply on his lap, eyes dull as he stared down at the fading marks.

"You'll start work tomorrow," Cassius said, standing tall, his tone impassive. "Reginald will take your measurements for new clothes. You'll need proper attire if you're going to serve me directly."

Elias's fingers twitched slightly, but he said nothing.

Cassius continued, unbothered by the silence. "He will also be giving you lessons on how to be a valet. Your duties will be simple at first, but you'll learn quickly." His golden gaze flickered over Elias, sharp and assessing.

"You should understand that this position requires discipline. There will be times when you'll accompany me outside, and I won't have you looking like a stray."

Elias finally lifted his head, his brows furrowing. Outside?

Before he could ask, Cassius added, "A barber will be coming later. Your hair is a mess. Can't have you looking like a lost puppy when you've already been found."

Elias swallowed, his throat feeling dry.

He had no choice in this. That much was obvious.

Even without the chains, he was still felt bound.

Elias slowly swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his muscles aching from both exhaustion and lingering weakness. He took a breath, steeling himself, and pushed himself up.

The moment he did, his legs buckled.

He barely had time to brace himself for the impact, expecting to hit the cold hard floor—but the pain never came. Instead, he felt the firm warmth of a body against him, strong arms catching him before he could fall.

Dazed, Elias tilted his head up, only to find himself pressed against Cassius's broad chest. The man exhaled, his grip firm but effortless.

Cassius sighed. "Despite being an Omega, you're still a man. Why are you this weak?"

Before Elias could answer, Cassius shifted, easily lifting him up and throwing him over his shoulder as if he weighed nothing.

Elias's face turned crimson. "M-Master—this is not necessary! I can manage on my own!"

His protests went ignored as Cassius strode toward the door, his pace steady and unhurried.

"Clear whatever it is that you're thinking," Cassius said, his tone unreadable. "Your status is unlike any Omega in this household. After all, no Omega has spent more than a night in my chamber… and yet, here you are."

Elias stiffened at those words, heat creeping up his neck.

As Cassius stepped out of the room, the guards standing outside immediately straightened, their expressions unreadable as they bowed in unison. However, their gazes lingered on the sight before them.

The master carrying an Omega?

At first, their minds went to the worst. Was he dead?

But then Elias let out a small squirm, and realization set in. Their confusion deepened, their thoughts racing. What exactly was their relationship?

Cassius ignored them. He carried Elias through the halls without care for any wandering eyes or murmured speculation. The weight over his shoulder was insignificant, and Elias's protests were nothing more than a faint buzz in the background.

When they reached Elias's room, Cassius stepped inside, walking straight to the bed. He placed Elias down with little ceremony, his grip lingering only for a moment before pulling away.

Elias, still breathless, barely had time to adjust before Cassius spoke again.

"Reginald will bring some energy supplements for you," he stated. "Along with everything else you need."

With that, he turned on his heel and walked out, the door clicking shut behind him.

Elias sat frozen on the bed, his breath still uneven. Even after Cassius had left, the weight of his presence lingered in the room.

His body ached, his limbs still weak, but more than anything, his mind was restless. The words Cassius had spoken echoed in his head. Your status is unlike any Omega in this household.

What did that even mean? That he was different? That he was… kept?

The thought made his stomach twist.

Before he could dwell on it further, a knock came at the door.

Elias straightened, instinctively pulling himself together. "Come in."

The door opened, and Reginald stepped inside, carrying a tray with a small assortment of items—supplements, a glass of water, and a neatly folded set of measuring tapes draped over his arm.

The older man regarded Elias with his usual calm expression, but there was something in his gaze that lingered—something unreadable.

"Master Cassius has ordered for your measurements to be taken," Reginald said as he set the tray down on the bedside table. "Your training as a valet begins tomorrow."

Elias blinked. So soon? Yet again Cassius had already told him this already.

Reginald gestured to the tray. "Take the supplements first. You'll need the strength."

Elias hesitated but eventually reached for the glass, swallowing the tablets with a few careful sips of water. The moment they settled in his stomach, Reginald was already moving.

"Stand," he instructed.

Elias grimaced. His body still protested, his legs were unsteady, but he obeyed, forcing himself up. He wobbled slightly, but Reginald made no move to assist him.

Instead, he simply adjusted the measuring tape. "Arms out."

Elias complied, standing still as Reginald worked with swift, precise movements. He noted the way Reginald's hands barely lingered—professional and detached.

Usually he made sure to give him a harsh pinch whatever they made contact.

"This will be your first proper set of clothes," Reginald commented. "Master Cassius has ensured they are tailored to fit you exactly."

Elias swallowed. Tailored…. Not borrowed or reused. But made specifically for him.

He was being dressed specifically for this role.

Once the measurements were complete, Reginald stepped back, neatly folding the tape. "The barber will arrive shortly," he continued. "Master Cassius expects you to maintain a proper image. There will be times when you will accompany him outside, so you must present yourself accordingly."

Elias stiffened. Accompany him? He had never seen any of the previous valet accompany the master so why him?

Reginald gave him a glance, as if expecting the question, but didn't elaborate. "For now, focus on regaining your strength."

With that, he turned and exited the room, leaving Elias standing there.