The Prevalence: Sequel and Final Book of The Premortals (The Premortals Series 2)

by Jacqueline Wrenley

  The Duke looked bored after a while and so we said our goodbyes. I was on my way towards the entrance door longing to escape this place when Stephen called out from behind, “Hey! Curtis.” He came bounding towards where I stood when I turned to him.

  “I thought your mate would be here with you,” he said with a mischievous grin.

  I frowned, he was planning on tormenting Ellie again. “No, she’s at the Prince’s manor upon his invitation.”

  He looked stunned. “Really?... Huh!” he recollected himself and added, “Anyway, too bad about your brother, if only he was a great duke like my father, your people might not go crazy driving the both of you out of your own dukedom,” he taunted.

  I grew wary of his habits and the only way to handle people like Stephen was to try to be agreeable without being affected by his words. “Maybe,” I agreed so he’d stop talking.

  He tilted his head then laughed. “You are weird Curtis.”

  “Are we done here?” I asked annoyed. I turned around without waiting for his respond, wanting to get away from him.

  “Say hi to Ellie for me!” he shouted with a menacing chuckle.

  I exited the manor of the wealthiest family of the whole Empire with their noble Duke who was a venomous snake disguised in a golden eagle, and a son trying with all his effort to be like his father, with a physical appearance of a charming Lord but was rotten to the core.

  I was on the road again, on my way towards the outskirts into the great nothingness. Olfren sent me a message yesterday saying he wanted to meet up. He gave me the coordinates which I input on my car’s digital map then I followed the route it showed me. I stepped harder on the gas and the car accelerated as the map took me away from the city.

  The asphalt road suddenly ended when I stepped on the brake. This didn’t seem right when I checked the map on the screen of my car dashboard, it said to go farther but I was reluctant. I was searching for road signs or Olfren but there was none so I decided to continue forward.

  I let the car ran on the sand, and when the map instructed me to turn left or to go over a dune, I’d follow. Finally when I came down on a slope, I saw a black car from afar and a figure was sitting on the hood. The map indicated it was the destination so I steered towards that direction. It was Olfren waiting when I arrived and parked beside his car.

  “This is some place you picked,” I said when I got off from my car.

  Olfren chuckled then remarked, “Well, it’s a secluded spot so it’s perfect.” He jumped down from the hood of his car.

  “That thing is a beauty,” Olfren commented admiring my car.

  “It serves its purpose…” I said facing him. “So where are we?” I changed the subject.

  “We received today from Thomas the route. Hopefully everything will go smoothly tomorrow as planned.”

  “If it does, where are you taking the Prince?” I asked.

  “We’ll be keeping him at Gelhem.”

  “What are you going to do with him?” I asked sounding a bit concern.

  “Oh nothing… just keeping him there but I can’t tell you the details yet.”

  The Defiers must have a plan already, if everything goes as expected, the entire Empire was going to be in chaos. I only hoped we were ready for anything this massive since there was no turning back from this.

  “What’s next for us then?” I asked.

  He grinned. “War is coming and it’s going to hit hard, brace yourself my young Lord.”

  Olfren was enjoying this, by the looks of him, strong built and hardened face, he was made for this kind of things.

  “You’re actually looking forward to this,” I observed.

  He laughed. “I’ve been a Defier eversince you were still wetting yourself. When you’ve been fighting and running for a long time, you’d feel the same way.”

  “Is it really that long?” I asked.

  He shifted his gait then continued in a serious tone, looking beyond the dunes, “A year after I was released from the Fortis Institute, I knew I wanted to make a difference, I just didn’t know how.”

  “What made you think that way?” I asked curiously.

  He briefly chuckled. “Do you really want to hear my story?”

  “I do actually.”

  He stared at me and sighed. “When I was young, I always wanted to be an architect, designing and planning buildings and structures, I was fascinated by the occupation but I was born an Omega, such opportunities were never given to me. I had to be trained what Omegas were meant to do, labor and services. I was miserable and I knew I could do a lot better than doing manual work for the Alphas or Elites or for the Empire. The Empire didn’t allow me to live my life to its fullest potential, that’s when I decided to run away. I hid from the system and even ignoring my summons when I was matched. All my life I’ve been running from the system that wanted me to be who I wasn’t until I met Ryder, who showed me I didn’t have to keep on running anymore, and if I wanted change, fighting back is the only way, fight for those who feel the same way as I do, those who are trapped.”

  He glanced down as we fell silent with only the sound from the mild gush of wind blowing the sands on our feet.

  “Let me ask you this, my Lord,” he finally spoke. “Don’t you think all of this, the system and the laws are unjust? If there were no stations, maybe I’ll be as rich as an Alpha or even an Elite if I worked hard enough.”

  I actually agreed with him. The Omegas were never given any opportunities to be more and it was pretty much the same with the Deltas except the Deltas had a slightly better income and lifestyle than an Omega because they work for the household of the Elites or the Sovereigns, but both were meant for a lifetime of paid servitude and manual labor. The Betas had at least the chance to choose a profession providing them a stable income. Olfren could’ve been a great architect but we’d never know because nobody gave him a chance the moment he was born.

  My reasons of becoming a Defier were far more different than his. His was full of struggles and suffering, I on the other hand, joined because I felt it was the right thing to do. The way Olfren explained his, in an Omega’s perspective, showed there was indeed a flaw in our system.

  “You could’ve been anything you wanted to be if the stations didn’t exist,” I said looking at him straight in the eyes.

  He grinned broadly. “Exactly!” Then he chuckled. “You know I’m starting to like you. I’m glad I trusted you, even when Ryder didn’t.”

  “Ryder doesn’t trust me?” I asked a bit surprised.

  “Don’t worry, she doesn’t trust all Elites.”

  “That’s comforting to hear,” I said sarcastically.

  “She’s been through a lot so I don’t blame her.”

  I glanced down then back at him, crossed my arms and changed the topic. “I met one of your spies back at the manor, the maid named Sarah.”

  “Oh her? She’s a good one.”

  “She told me she became a Defier because of me.”

  He laughed loudly. “She did? Well, we needed something to motivate the people to join and it seems that some would jump to the opportunity when they knew an Elite was among us. I mean an Elite… a Defier… Come on! That’s beyond what they ever hoped for,” he said impressed. “And your mate too enticed more recruits.”

  “What? You used her name too? You know how dangerous this is for her… for both of us! If some of the villagers know we’re Defiers, they can easily report us,” I snapped.

  “Relax… we only recruited the ones we could trust.”

  “You’re playing dangerously here Olfren,” I warned.

  “Don’t worry we made sure we’re not doing anything that will endanger your life and Lady Elaine’s. We just need more people who believe in the cause too,” he assured me.

  I frowned, not enthusiastic with their manner of recruiting and I wasn’t convinced by his assurance. “I don’t want you to use our name for your convenience Olfren,” I said coldly.

  “It�
��s not a big deal actually.”

  “I mean it,” I said firmly.

  Olfren sighed then muttered, “Okay…”

  “Promise me,” I demanded.

  “Alright!” he conceded a bit loudly with both hands raised.

  I stared at him hoping he was true to his word then I nodded. “Farewell then, I hope everything goes well tomorrow,” I said and I turned around and went back towards my car.

  “You’ll hear it all over the news if it does,” he shouted behind me.

  Without turning, I got on the car and started the engine. The sound of the wheels grinding on the sand was heard once I stepped on the gas. I sped off leaving behind me the bravest man I knew, a victim of a destiny he refused to belong and I pitied him for it. I wondered if I was in his place, would I be as brave as he was, would I’ve the courage to alter my course so that I’d have full control over my own life, then I realized… I already did.

  CHAPTER 5: THE PRINCE

  ELAINE

  I slowly opened my eyes and was expecting to be back in my own chambers at Pinewood but I was quite disappointed I was still in the Prince’s manor. I slowly turned and lay on my back remembering last night. The dinner party, Thomas, it was all too much for me.

  This was the last day and it felt like it was going to be a very long one. I was very eager to leave this place. Placing a pillow over my face, it would be easier if I stayed in bed the entire day but that was obviously not possible. I sighed heavily and yanked the pillow away, staring at the ceiling… wishing Curtis was here, this could have been bearable if he was around. He always knew what to do in situations like this.

  I sat up accepting defeat, seeing no other choice but to get out of bed. Looking at the window, the sun was high up outside, it must be late. I pondered why no maid came to my chambers to wake me or maybe she did but I didn’t hear. I took a refreshing shower, dried my hair and wore my robe. I was about to go and see if someone could assist me with the gown. I opened the door and a maid was already waiting outside.

  She curtsied and smiled then greeted, “Good morning my Lady, Do you need any assistance?”

  I nodded. She entered and helped me with the gown.

  “May I escort you to the luncheon hall for a late breakfast or lunch my Lady?” she asked in a jolly voice after we were done.

  “Luncheon? What time is it?” I asked.

  “It’s pass eleven in the morning my Lady,” she happily replied.

  So I woke up really late. “Where are the others?”

  “They haven’t left their chambers yet my Lady.”

  I guessed they were exhausted from last night’s drinking. The maid led me to the luncheon hall, it was smaller than the dining but just as grand with everything made out of gold, and the chairs, long table and the curtains on the tall windows were all white.

  A footman pulled out a chair near the head of the table and I took a seat facing the door. More footmen came serving soup as the first course, then after brought trays of varieties of sliced meat, pastas, breads, and vegetables for me to choose from. Eating alone in this magnificent and silent hall was strange but in a way, better than with my present company. A few moments later, Karina and Amelia entered and joined, both still looking tired.

  “Gosh, I have a terrible headache,” Amelia complained taking the seat beside me and massaging in a circular motion both her temple with her fingers.

  “Coffee,” Karina demanded to the footman after he pulled a chair for her across where I was.

  “Make that two,” Amelia added.

  “I cannot believe I woke up this early,” Karina whined.

  Early? Was she aware of the time?

  “I am never drinking that much again,” Amelia declared with remorse to no one in particular.

  Karina rolled her eyes. “You always say that but you drink more each time we do.”

  “I cannot help it.” Amelia shrugged.

  Two coffees were served to the Ladies and they chose from the trays presented to them.

  “But we had fun last night though. Did you have fun Lady Elaine?” Karina asked whose mood got a lot better after she drank her coffee.

  I gave a friendly smile. “Yes I did.”

  I was having fun watching them get drunk actually.

  “You do not have balls or dinner parties when you were a Beta?” Amelia asked sweetly.

  I shook my head, “No, we don’t.”

  “Oh that is so sad,” Amelia remarked.

  “When we left the Yuvaika Institute, the first thing we did was go to a ball,” Karina shared giggling.

  “When did you graduate?” I curiously asked.

  “About a year ago, Amelia and I were together in the same class,” Karina replied while putting butter in her bread.

  “And Lady Selene?” I asked.

  “She is two years ahead of us,” Karina answered before taking a bite from her bread.

  “She was extremely popular back at the Institute,” Amelia said with admiration.

  “Yes, everybody was disappointed when she left,” Karina added.

  I couldn’t imagine the type of Ladies who were sad to see Lady Selene leave. Probably the ones who had nothing to do but follow her around like these two.

  “I cannot wait though when she would be matched with the Prince. They are going to have the most amazing ceremony and the ball after would be the most splendid affair,” Amelia said excitedly.

  The thought of their match and the ball made my stomach uneasy.

  “You are matched with Lord Curtis are you?” Karina asked tilting her head sideways.

  “Yes I am,” I hesitantly responded.

  She giggled. “I had a crush on Lord Curtis,” Karina admitted, sipping her coffee smiling.

  My heart skipped. “Do you know each other?”

  Karina placed her coffee back at the table before she gave a nonchalant answer, “No but I saw him at the ball in Blackard. Funny I did not notice you were there.” She placed a small slice of ham using her fork in her mouth.

  Of course she didn’t.

  “Do you have a mate as well?” I politely asked.

  Karina and Amelia glanced at each other and giggled.

  “No, not yet,” Karina answered.

  “But we are hoping to be matched with Lord Stephen,” Amelia added with enthusiasm.

  “Why do you always get your hopes up like that?” Selene interrupted.

  We shifted our gaze. Selene entered looking as fresh as a flower in the early morning dew. A footman hurriedly pulled a chair beside Karina and she took a seat looking bored and ordered the footman to bring her coffee. Trays of food were presented to her but she annoyingly waved all the footmen away.

  “Roland has already sent someone to make all the arrangements for our activities today and for the ball tonight,” Selene announced.

  Karina and Amelia giggled excitedly.

  “We are going to show you how to be an Elite Lady Elaine,” Selene said with a smile I couldn’t decide if she was being nice or mischievous.

  We sat there for more than an hour. Mostly they talked about hair, gowns, and what I found to be there most favorite topic, the Elite Lords. I sat there quietly listening and sometimes they’d include me in their conversations and I found to be most shallow.

  I was delighted when finally a footman approached and announced that the Prince requested for us to join him at the garden. I was keen to go as long as it was a change of scenery rather than sitting listening to these three Ladies.

  The footman guided us outside the manor to a large garden and at the center was a large white gazebo laced with vines and little pretty flowers of light pink and white shades. Inside, forming a circle, were five blank canvases on a wooden stand, brushes and colorful paints on top of a small round table beside each canvas. The Prince was already there preparing his canvas and he looked up when we walked towards him.

  “Ladies, would you care to try a painting practice,” Roland invited cheerfully.

&nbs
p; “You and your paintings again Roland,” Selene said warily.

  “Oh come on! I thought we are here to show Lady Elaine how to be an Elite,” he playfully said defensively.

  Selene rolled her eyes. “Fine but my enjoyment will depend on what you will have us paint. I am not going to paint another vase again.”

  Roland smiled widely. “Do not worry we will have a beautiful specimen today. Everybody choose a canvas then.”

  I chose the canvas between Karina and Amelia. I’ve never painted before but I was curious and willing to try. Maybe I could handle painting a flower or something smaller.

  “Okay let us begin,” Roland said.

  A little after Roland said those words, a tall handsome man with long dark blonde hair appeared wearing a black cotton robe. I was confused when he stepped in front of us at the center and took off his robe revealing a tight black undershorts, showing his smooth muscular body. Karina and Amelia were giggling and eyeing him, and Roland and Selene studied the man from behind their canvas and started painting while the man stood perfectly still. I glanced over at Karina and Amelia’s canvas they were not at all minding what they were doing and only staring lustfully at the man.

  “Do you do this often?” I whispered to Karina.

  “Twice before… sometimes Roland likes to paint what he calls a masterpiece,” she replied who absent mindedly brushed a brown stroke on her canvas. We painted and I wasn’t even trying to do a good job since it was impossible.

  “This could be more interesting Roland if he takes off everything,” Selene suggested breaking the silence.

  My eyes widened with horror, was she joking? But Selene wasn’t the type of Lady who makes a casual jest.

  “Maybe you are right,” Roland agreed placing a finger on his lips.

  I had to say something quickly. “I-I don’t think it’s necessary,” I stammered wishing the Prince understood how awkward it would be.

  Selene turned her head and stared sharply at me and snapped, “And why is that?”

  “I… um…” I was speechless and I felt the heat rush on my face and to my ears.

  Roland laughed hard then eventually spoke after he recovered. “Lady Elaine is embarrassed by all this.”