The Boundaries of Possession - Chapter 13
“Only he who dwelleth in the lowest place shall ascend unto the true heights.”
Viscount Lourdien Brillen recited a passage from scripture during the pre-meal prayer. He couldn’t fully believe that the family’s revival was purely the result of his daughter’s abilities.
Elysia was an omega. Structurally, she belonged to the bottom tier of society, unlike alphas who stood at the top. omegas were considered inherently weak.
However, omegas often gained wealth, status, and power by relying on alphas. This was different from betas, who, unaffected by pheromones, could build their success independently.
An omega’s success was often measured by how impressive the alpha by their side was. As a result, even betas naturally looked down on omegas and treated them as inferior.
Elysia clasped her hands together indifferently as she listened to her father.
“Thus spake the Creator: Let the feet follow the head. And lo, all creation was brought into order.”
In other words, they were to follow the alphas obediently. Alphas had already crafted a world in their favor.
“We abide each in the place appointed unto us: the head leadeth, and the feet follow after. Grant us this day our daily bread—”
Elysia lowered her gaze with a faint smile. None of it really mattered. No matter what her father believed, ensuring her family’s happiness was her sole goal and desire.
When the prayer ended, the Viscount picked up a knife and asked,
“Did you have a good conversation with the Duke? What a pity—I hadn’t seen him in a while either.”
There was a hint of disappointment in his voice. Though the Viscount had long distanced himself from high society, he still kept up with the latest news, especially for the sake of his children.
Elysia, who was just beginning to pass the ideal marriageable age, and Kian, who had only recently reached it—he wished for both of them to find good partners.
As the days passed, Elysia felt an increasing sense of guilt toward her father. He had finally begun to accept his life of solitude, yet she seemed to be burdening him in many ways.
“Don’t be upset. You’ll see him again soon.”
The Viscount let out a satisfied laugh. Though his daughter often spoke plainly, he couldn’t help but acknowledge the confidence hidden within her words. The sound of the knife cutting through the food continued.
“But this is quite surprising. For you to propose marriage first—especially in front of other nobles.”
“You know how I am.”
The Viscount chuckled softly and looked over at his daughter. Elysia responded with a gentle smile, which made his eyebrows droop slightly as he recalled her younger, more innocent days.
“I’m worried,” he admitted, pausing as he rubbed his chin in thought.
After a moment, he waved off the servants, signaling them to leave. Once the room was empty, Elysia tilted her head slightly, her red lips parting first.
“I think I know what you want to say.”
“If you’ve harbored feelings for the Duke since childhood, it would be better to be honest about it—”
“I have no intention of passing the family headship to a branch family member.”
The smile on the Viscount’s lips vanished instantly. She had a habit of cutting conversations short when she wanted to change the subject, and her expression remained as poised as ever.
“There are so many people who marry without love. If I’m going to enter a loveless marriage anyway, it might as well be with someone high and grand.”
“But Elysia, you have feelings for the Duke—”
“Emotions aren’t important. Not for him, and not for me.”
The Viscount exhaled deeply, realizing that any words he said would likely hurt her rather than comfort her. It was obvious she was struggling to hold back her tears.
“This is what benefits the family,” Elysia added.
As soon as she finished speaking, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway. Heavy, deliberate, and slightly rough, they grew distant toward the door. Both of them turned to look at the door before meeting each other’s gaze again. It had to be Kian.
