CHAPTER 239: FREE OF MY PAST

Zilia and Idris slipped out of the palace under the cloak of dusk. She hailed a cab, paid the driver generously, and gave clear instructions: "Take us to the East border."

Idris climbed in silently, offering no protest. Though anxiety churned in his gut, he kept it hidden. He knew Casaio would never forgive this betrayal, but he also knew his sister’s decision wasn’t made lightly. She was chasing a future, one not haunted by the shadows of their past.

As the cab picked up speed, Zilia stared at her phone, her thoughts racing. ’I need to get rid of this. If I don’t, Casaio will find me. My scent is gone now, he can’t track me anymore. I’m safe... for now.’

She rolled down the backseat window, tossed the phone onto the roadside, and shut the glass firmly. Leaning back into her seat.

Idris shifted closer, resting his head against her arm. Without a word, Zilia slid her hand to his hair, gently stroking it.

The sun was setting down and the soon the dusk started took over. As the night fell, they were on the East Border. Zilia and Idris first had their meals in a local restaurant before they decided to rest for one night in a small hotel nearby. Zilia made sure it was safe for them to stay before taking a room.

"Ahh, it was such a long journey," Zilia said, lying down on the mattress. Idris, too, lay down on the big bed, smiling a little.

"I wonder what will Prince Casaio think of us," Idris mumbled.

Zilia heard him and sighed. "Idris, I can no longer stay by his side. The work I did was too dirty. It was unforgivable, that’s why leaving his side was important for me. Casaio doesn’t deserve me," she explained, feeling low as she uttered the last sentence.

Idris hummed. "I know, Sis." He didn’t say loudly that she chose to betray Casaio because she had to save him. Again, he was the reason for whom she chose to be selfish.

"Idris, I’m taking a short nap. You should do the same," Zilia said, removing her shoes and moving up before pulling out the blanket over her. Idris, however, sat on the bed, watching her carefully.

’But I know your joy is with Prince Casaio. You love him, Sister Zilia. Even if I want, I can’t let you ruin your life just to give me a better future. All your life you have only run. I don’t want you to keep yourself hidden from the man, who is still willing to stand by your side,’ Idris thought.

~~~~

Casaio and Dominick returned to the palace after reporting to their father. They succeeded in bringing Estelle back and gained Luke’s trust as well.

"I’ll make the arrest of these five officials. While we were on the jet, I made sure the team looks into it. Fifteen years ago, a boy did come to report the incidence of injustice to his omega family. Because they were mere omegas, no one paid heed to them. He sent numerous letters and petitions in the King’s name, but they never reached our father," Dominick explained.

"Our administration is indeed outdated then. These officials must have done such things to do many other people too. He was right. I never cared for the people with less comfort and money. Gabriel used to say the same to me," Casaio said, realizing the mistakes he had made so far.

"We can turn them right too. So, don’t fret. I’ll see you later," Dominick told him. "I’ll see you later. You should take some rest before continuing further."

"Thanks, Nick," Casaio said and headed to his quarters. He undressed himself, letting the trousers on before sitting on a recliner. He drank a glass of water before heading to the washroom.

After some time, he came out with a fresh shower and changed into another attire. He decided to see Zilia and Idris to tell them they were free of Luke.

However, as he arrived the quarters, he felt their absence. He rushed to the room and didn’t find them there. It was dark and no lights were switched on. He turned on the lights first, scanning his eyes around.

"Dane! Dane!" Casaio shouted, feeling panicked.

Dane finally showed himself and bowed to him.

"Where are Zilia and Idris?" asked Casaio.

"Your Highness, they aren’t in the palace," Dane replied, keeping his head low.

"What do you mean?" Casaio demanded an explanation, his fury rising.

"In the day, they had disappeared. I tried searching for him and even informed the King and the Queen about it. However, I was asked to stop the search. Please forgive me," Dane apologized, lowering his head.

Casaio dashed out of the room and went straight to see his parents. Arriving there, he knocked on the door. "It’s me, Casaio," he pronounced.

A moment later, his mother opened the door for him.

"Come in," Mabel said with a smile.

Casaio walked in and saw his father was on the call with someone. He remained quiet, but Mabel had already realized why he was there. He must have found out Zilia and Idris were gone.

Once Raidan ended the call, he turned to him, asking him to sit.

"I didn’t come here to sit. Where are Zilia and Idris? Did you two ask them to leave?" Casaio questioned.

"No," Mabel refused, walking past him. She sat beside Raidan on the sofa. "Zilia and Idris left on their own. We felt there was no need to stop them. Zilia mentioned in this letter that they don’t want to live among us," she asserted, picking the folded letter from the table.

Casaio was quick to take it and read the contents inside it.

"When you’ll find this letter, I’ll be gone. I hope you don’t look for us. I want to live a life, where I’m free of my past. I want to give Idris a better life, which isn’t possible here. Thank you for everything you’ve done so far for me, for us. And I’m sorry for betraying you. I’ll be forever grateful to you."

Casaio crumpled the letter in his hand, his eyes turning crimson, and he pivoted on his heels.