Ann's stomach seemed to tie itself in knots as they descended the stairs together and made their way into the dining room.

　　She had felt Adam's tension increase as he readied himself for a confrontation with the elders... but it never materialized. The hallway and dining room were empty apart from the usual Omega's scurrying about.

　　The tension seemed to dissipate almost immediately from Adam's shoulders and he pulled a chair out at the dining table for Ann to sit at with a tight smile.

　　They hadn't chosen to dress any differently, assuming that it may arouse suspicion if their usual styles had changed. Ann sat in a pale blue...