Home is a Stranger’s Name

Two days later, Serenya stood at the hospital entrance, breathing air that didn't taste like recycled hope and antiseptic.

She was dressed in clothes the hospital had provided: sleek black pants that hugged her hips comfortably, paired with a loose-fitting blouse of shimmering gray fabric. It looked simple at first glance, yet subtle lines of silver threading ran through the material, catching the city's ambient light in delicate flashes. The boots on her feet were surprisingly comfortable, made of some flexible material that felt like leather but lighter, softer, molding gently around her ankles. Everything about her appearance was understated elegance designed not to draw too much attention, but just enough to say she belonged.

Except Serenya didn't feel like she belonged anywhere.

"Liora!"

She turned to see Kessia waving from across the street, next to a hovering vehicle. Its shape was aerodynamic and fluid, glossy black trimmed with chrome, and floating silently about a foot above the smooth, perfectly paved road. The doors slid upwards with a soft hiss as Kessia beckoned warmly, the smile on her face bright but careful, still tinged by concern.

Serenya crossed the distance, her steps measured as if afraid the pavement might vanish beneath her. Everything in this world felt delicate, temporary, like a dream that could dissolve at the slightest provocation.

"You look great," Kessia said gently, scanning her from head to toe with affectionate approval. "Feeling okay?"

"Yeah," Serenya replied softly, offering a tentative smile. "Better, I think."

It wasn't entirely a lie, but it wasn't exactly true either.

Kessia's expression softened further. She gently squeezed Serenya's arm before gesturing toward the vehicle. "Hop in. I'll show you the city on our way home."

Home. The word landed strangely inside Serenya's chest, heavy and awkward like a stone tossed into an unfamiliar pond. Whose home, exactly?

Inside, the vehicle was even more advanced than the outside suggested. The seats molded to her shape instantly, the interior humming faintly with a subtle rhythm she couldn't quite place. As soon as they were settled, Kessia tapped a glowing screen embedded into the paneling, and the car lifted smoothly, joining a quiet stream of other hovering vehicles. There were no jerks, no bumps—just seamless, elegant movement.

"Welcome back to Asterhelm," Kessia announced softly, nodding toward the expansive window.

Serenya stared.

The city outside the glass was nothing short of magnificent. Buildings rose and twisted skyward in elegant arcs, their surfaces glinting like polished quartz under the soft sun. Structures seemed almost organic, their curves and spires reminiscent of natural forms—spirals, shells, leaves, woven with metal and glass in a harmony that made her heart ache. Colors swirled subtly on building exteriors, shifting gently with each passing minute as though responding to moods unseen.

Floating holographic billboards hovered gracefully in mid-air, announcing products, events, and services in glowing letters. Stylishly dressed pedestrians navigated wide walkways, their fashion eclectic yet impossibly elegant. Clothing varied widely from sleek business attire to whimsical gowns that looked like living art, shimmering softly in pastel hues.

Small robot assistants glided alongside pedestrians, their shiny chrome bodies smoothly offering assistance or carrying items. There was even a floating vendor robot dispensing small luminous drinks that glowed faintly like bottled starlight.

Yet, despite its undeniable beauty, there was something else Serenya quickly noticed: the clear, stark delineation of designations.

Alphas were easy to spot confident, proud, always walking with purpose, heads held high, gazes bold. Omegas tended to keep their heads down, moving in groups or quietly alone, patches discreetly visible at their necks. Betas wove comfortably between the two extremes, blending seamlessly with the flow of the city.

"Notice anything?" Kessia asked quietly.

"Everything seems so… divided," Serenya murmured, eyes still fixed on the window. "Alphas, Omegas… Betas. It's all so clear. Like everyone's place is already decided."

"Because it is," Kessia confirmed softly, with no bitterness, only resignation. "People can step outside expectations, sure, but society never lets them forget their biology. It's harshest in our industry."

Serenya nodded slowly, understanding far too clearly what Kessia meant.

A massive billboard flashed to life as they rounded a bend, filling her vision. It featured a stunningly handsome Alpha male, his confident gaze staring out into the city with intensity. His dark hair fell effortlessly over bright emerald eyes, and his presence radiated from the billboard with the ease of someone who knew his worth. Bold lettering beneath his image announced: "RHYLAN SAGE: LIVE IN ASTERHELM TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW."

"Rhy is one of the biggest Alphas in entertainment right now," Kessia said with mild amusement. "He's everywhere. If you thought the idol world was tough before, wait until you see this one. It's brutal. Talent matters, sure, but your designation? It can make or break you."

Serenya stared at Rhy's image, wondering if someone like him ever doubted who he was supposed to be.

After a quiet journey through the city, the car began to descend gently toward a quieter district. They stopped in front of a modest but sleek residential complex, smaller and less extravagant than the structures downtown, but still exuding a comfortable elegance. Balconies held potted plants, and large windows glowed invitingly. The area was peaceful, clean, safe.

Serenya followed Kessia inside, moving through the corridors until they reached a door labeled simply with the number "305."

"Here we go," Kessia murmured, placing a small, flat keycard against the door. It slid open with a gentle whisper, revealing what was now Serenya's new home.

It was modest, but charming. Soft beige and muted lavender tones filled the open space. Furniture was minimalistic yet warm a plush couch in a neutral gray, a coffee table holding a few scattered holo-books, and a small kitchenette glowing softly in a corner. Plants lined a wide window, their delicate leaves shimmering faintly in response to her entrance.

It was welcoming.

It was cozy.

It felt nothing like home.

Serenya stepped inside slowly, Kessia watching her carefully, concern evident.

"You okay?" her agent asked softly.

"Just… a bit overwhelmed," Serenya replied truthfully, voice barely above a whisper. "It's all… a lot."

Kessia nodded sympathetically. "Take your time. It's okay not to feel normal right away."

Normal.

What a strange word to hear now.

Kessia stayed only long enough to ensure Serenya had everything she needed, offering gentle encouragements and promises to visit tomorrow. When she finally left, Serenya sat heavily on the sofa, letting the silence surround her.

"System?" she called quietly.

[Online.]

"I want to check my progress again."

[Displaying current statistics:]

A soft hologram appeared, floating gently above the table.

Name: Liora Asvelle (Host: Serenya Vale)Designation: OmegaAge: 22Level: 1Fame: 0Attributes:– Singing: 25 (+5 Daily Singing x2 days)– Charisma: 18 (+4 Vocal Exercises)– Dance: 6– Acting: 8– Composure: 7– Public Speaking: 5– Physical Stamina: 6– Mental Endurance: 15 (+3 Daily Journal x2 days)– Influence: 0

She sighed softly, leaning back into the cushions. Small improvements, but visible ones. Something tangible amidst so much uncertainty.

Yet despite these gains, despite the new numbers glowing softly in the air, she still felt utterly displaced like a ghost wandering a life not hers, wearing someone else's smile, someone else's fears.

Her eyes wandered slowly around the room, absorbing each detail, each object that spoke of another girl's tastes, dreams, desires.

She was home, but home was a stranger's name now.