Leon Howle

The shadows of Ravengard Castle were the only refuge for the Omega Prince. While the banquet in honor of the victorious King Leon Howl rang out in the hall, he, exiled by his father, was bored in his room. The war his kingdom was losing was supposed to end with this visit, and the prince was nothing but a stain on his reputation, a stain they tried to forget.

Longing drove him down into the garden. There, on the branch of an old oak tree, a kitten was stuck. The boy climbed up to rescue it, but the branch gave way. Feeling himself falling, he instinctively hugged the rescued animal to his chest.

He expected to hit the ground, but instead collapsed into someone's unexpectedly strong arms. The startled prince looked up and saw the stranger's stern, impassive face. A defensive reaction born of years of humiliation kicked in instantly—his palm lightly slapped the king's cheek.

"How dare you!" the prince blurted out, his voice trembling.

Leon slowly ran his hand over his cheek. The corners of his lips twitched, forming a barely perceptible smile. His cold eyes studied the trembling omega.

"I wonder," a low, measured voice rang out. "Do they teach gratitude to princes in this kingdom in such a peculiar way?"