Chapter Text
Lee Sangwon's week had spiraled into an absolute train wreck, so when he found himself alone in a locked cell, it felt like a much-needed reprieve. It was a relief to be by himself, a relief to wear clothing—even if it was a sheer, easily untied robe—and a relief to escape the relentless touch of the giant Ovraethian hands.
This week had been an unmitigated disaster from start to finish, and as he sat in his cell, he dreaded the fresh horrors tomorrow might bring. As an S-Class Courier, Sangwon was supposed to be delivering classified messages and collecting his paycheck from the MW-23 Couriers Alliance, not trapped on an alien planet with no means to communicate with his home base, no ship, and no freedom.
He directed his anger inward, blaming himself, the pirates, and the Courier Alliance for sending him so far out that his distress signal had been nothing more than a futile Hail Mary—one that had yielded no results.
It had taken mere moments of negligence for his ship to be overrun by pirates. One second, he was focused on reaching his delivery point; the next, he was captured and sold—sold!—to an alien race known as the Ovraeth.
The Ovraeth wasted no time putting him through ‘testing,’ which stood out as the most violating experience of his life, the cherry on top of his already terrible week.
The testing had been… difficult. That was an understatement. It had been invasive, uncomfortable, and utterly humiliating.
He had been filled with a clutch of eggs—because this alien race reproduced through eggs—and then subjected to hours of mating with another Ovraeth to “properly fertilize” them.
Afterward, a series of medical examinations ensued, with several Ovraethian specialists coming in to scrutinize him. Through his haze of exhaustion and confusion, Sangwon gathered that he had undergone some form of compatibility test—or perhaps a fertility assessment.
There was a peculiar aspect to the eggs that required a third party to serve as a… vessel. No one was divulging any information to Sangwon, but it was clear that the Ovraeth had very few vessels among their kind. It seemed to be a rare and coveted trait, and apparently, they believed Sangwon fit the bill. Just fantastic.
He had passed some sort of test with unexpected success. While the Ovraeth hadn't explicitly stated it, the flurry of activity that followed the departure of several specialists spoke volumes. Every Ovraeth who entered afterward appeared excited, petting him and purring as if he had achieved something remarkable. Even in his sedated and restrained state, he did his best to bare his teeth in a semblance of defiance.
Then came the announcement: he had been matched with an Ovraethian couple and would be going home with them the next day. For forty million credits, they had purchased him as if he were a mere trinket or pet. They had bought him to serve as their vessel.
The disgust twisted in his gut. The price tag, their disregard for his obvious distress, and the way every Ovraeth he encountered fawned over him—calling him pretty or beautiful, commenting on his size and cuteness—made his skin crawl. They referred to him as a Human Omega, though he still didn’t fully understand what that meant. The emerging implications filled him with dread.
Sangwon slid to the far wall of the cell, gingerly leaning against it. His body was sore and aching from the brutal encounters he had endured, still reeling from the drugs that had facilitated the extraction of the eggs. He felt utterly exhausted, both mentally and physically. Despite the plushness of his cell—carpeted floors and a soft-looking bed—he curled into the corner.
Every Ovraeth he had encountered had regarded him with blatant desire, and he wanted to keep as much distance as possible from the bed. He didn’t need to encourage them.
Yet, the bed looked incredibly inviting. Even before the pirates had ambushed him, his body had longed for rest. He had pushed himself too hard for too long, and now it felt like he was running on fumes.
Sangwon was consumed by the fear that the moment he let his guard down, the Ovraeth would pounce on him again. Not that he had managed to fend them off before.
He swallowed hard, his throat painfully dry. He needed to escape this place as quickly as possible. If he could find a weapon, he could hijack a ship; he had the skills to navigate tight situations. All he needed was an opportunity.
His strategy was straightforward: remain hyper-vigilant, watch for openings, and look for anything he could use to his advantage. But as minutes dragged on, stretching into hours, exhaustion began to weigh heavily on his eyelids. He was tired to his bones, terrified that if the chance to fight arose, he wouldn’t have the strength to take it.
That’s how he had fallen to the pirates.
His eyes fluttered shut again, but he forced them open, hugging his knees tighter. The door to his cell was windowless, leaving him unable to monitor the outside. The only indication of what lay beyond were the shifting shadows beneath the door—a guard stationed to the left.
He needed to get out of here. He needed a plan.
Suddenly, a chime startled him awake, and the door swung open. He hadn’t intended to fall asSangwonp, and the spike of anxiety that accompanied his awakening made him feel lightheaded. It took far too long for his sore, exhausted body to rise, and by the time he managed it, two Ovraeth in official-looking uniforms had entered the room.
Pressing his back against the wall, Sangwon instinctively raised his arms. “Don’t touch me,” he hissed.
“It’s okay, little one,” the Ovraeth to his left said soothingly, stepping closer. He held something in his hand. “We’re just here to help make your journey to your match mates easier.”
“No!” Sangwon bared his teeth and kicked out defensively, but he was cornered, tired, and uncoordinated. The Ovraeth were enormous, strong, and utterly unyielding.
It was utterly pathetic how easily they managed to restrain him, holding him still with little effort. Sangwon fought against their grip, twisting his body in a desperate bid for freedom. “Let me go!”
“I know this is uncomfortable,” one of them said, attempting to soothe him. “This room isn’t suited for you. But don’t worry, your mates will provide a proper room at your new home, with plenty of sunlight and greenery—everything a Human needs.”
Sangwon felt a tiny prick in his arm and snarled in protest. “I’m not an Omega—I’m not what you think I am.” He had been repeating some variation of this for what felt like an eternity, but no one was listening. He needed them to understand.
The Ovraeth who wasn’t holding the sedation device gently stroked his hair, making a hushing sound. “It’s all right, little one. Your new mates will adore you.”
He turned to the other Ovraeth with a resigned sigh. “I know the testing is important, but they always get so distressed in holding. Humans are so fragile about their environment. It’s hard to see them so upset.”
“They are our most delicate Omega,” the other replied, his voice now distant. “But also the best. That’s why we need to act quickly. We must get them into the right environment where they can finally relax.”
“I know.” The words echoed in Sangwon’s ears, lulling him into a haze. “I just wish there was some way to soothe them.”
Everything began to blur. Sangwon felt his anxiety and anger starting to fade, slipping through his fingers like sand. He desperately tried to cling to those emotions, knowing they were essential for keeping him alert and ready to escape. He needed—
It was the same sensation he had experienced when they removed the eggs, his mind growing fuzzier, panic battling against the sedative coursing through him. He had remained conscious, but just barely. He hadn’t been able to fight back, only able to feel what they did to him with an overwhelming sense of detachment. Yet, the memories didn’t vanish. Once he regained lucidity, the full horror of what had happened crashed over him.
The world around Sangwon dimmed as he surrendered to the effects of the drugs. Blearily, he wondered if this time would be any different. When he regained consciousness, would he find himself with the pair who had purchased him? The very couple that intended to use him for their eggs?
A shudder ran through him at the thought, though it manifested more as a soft sigh as he slumped against the strong arms that held him.
“That’s it,” a voice floated into his awareness. “Just relax, sweetling. You’re safe, and you’ll be in your new home soon.”
Then, he felt himself being lifted, carried out of the room.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
The journey passed in disorienting flashes. Sangwon was still aware, but keeping his eyes open felt like an insurmountable task. He was carried out of the cell, down a corridor, and through another door. Snippets of conversation floated around him, but they slipped away before he could grasp their meaning.
Then, he was outside, the wind and sunlight brushing against his skin. He struggled to move, to force his eyes open and assess his surroundings, but it felt like he was trapped in sleep paralysis; no amount of effort could get his limbs to obey.
He tried to focus on the steps as he was gently jostled. But everything else faded as a door opened and closed, followed by the roar of an engine starting.
In a fleeting moment of clarity, he managed to crack his eyes open. He saw that he was still cradled in large blue arms beneath a clear dome, with a sky rushing past. Buildings and structures flashed by, but they were mere blurs he couldn't remember. His eyelids grew heavy, slipping shut against his will.
Eventually, the movement ceased, and he was lifted once more. He attempted to protest, but his words emerged as a weak mumble; his tongue felt too heavy to articulate anything meaningful.
“It’s okay, little one,” a soft voice reassured him. “You’re almost there.”
He heard the gentle sounds of doors opening, followed by a soothing purr.
“Oh, look at him,” another voice whispered. He felt something warm and smooth caress his cheek. Sangwon tried to turn away but could only shift his head slightly. “Leo, isn’t he lovely?”
A low, deep rumble echoed from another Ovraeth. “Lovely,” it said in response.
“Is there anything else we need to know that wasn’t included in the missive?” the first voice inquired.
“Not at this time,” another voice replied from above Sangwon. “The sedation was short-acting and will start wearing off in the next few minutes. There should be no adverse effects, aside from some disorientation. You can obtain his biometrics from his chip; the missive outlines what his readings should be during his settling period. So far, he’s been within the expected stress levels for a Human during rehoming. If he exhibits any concerning symptoms, contact the match office for help until you have your first consultation with his assigned physician. You received the training kit earlier, correct?”
“Yes, this morning.”
A gentle rocking motion followed. “Perfect. For now, he just needs a comfortable place to gather his bearings.”
“We have his room ready,” the deeper voice chimed in. “Just this way.”
Moments later, Sangwon was eased down onto something soft and supportive that cradled his aching body. A soft sigh escaped him as he sank into the comfort.
Gentle fingers began to run through his hair. “Look at him,” the first voice said again, warm and possessive. “Worth every credit.”
“I’ll just need you both to biosign to confirm delivery,” the voice that had been carrying Sangwon instructed.
“Oh, of course.”
There was movement above him, accompanied by electronic tones.
“Excellent. Do you have any other questions?”
“Not at this time,” the first voice replied, still playing with Sangwon’s hair. “We’ve both read through the Human missive and have the videx for reference. But if we have further questions, we won’t hesitate to reach out.”
After a brief farewell, heavy footsteps retreated, followed by the whoosh of a door opening and closing.
Which meant that Sangwon was now… wherever he had ended up. He forced his eyes open, trying to assess his surroundings.
Above him stood two Ovraeth. One was a deep shade of dark blue, tall and broad, while the other was slightly shorter, adorned with bright green spot across his cheek like a dimple. This one was gently stroking Sangwon’s hair.
They seemed unaware that he was awake.
“We’ll need to run him a bath after he eats,” the dimpled one said, his tone filled with anticipation. “What do you think he would like for his first meal?”
A deep hum emanated from the other. “Didn’t the missive say that Humans will eat anything?”
“I know, but I want it to be special, especially since we don’t know his preferences yet. Maybe a kizza platter? It’ll offer a good variety for him to try. They mentioned he resisted food in holding—poor thing, he must be hungry.”
The thought of food made Sangwon’s stomach clench, bringing back memories of his hesitation to eat, too suspicious of whatever they had offered him. Not that it had mattered in the end.
“My clever mate,” the darker one said. “That’ll be easy for him to eat, too. Should I order it now?”
“Please. If he’s waking up soon, I want it ready.”
“Of course.” The darker one lifted his wrist, where a band with a screen rested. He swiped across it a few times. “A Lunara Crème for dessert?”
“Good idea,” the dimpled one replied with a smile. “Humans love their sweets.” He glanced over at Sangwon, his eyes widening in surprise as he bent closer. “Oh,” he said softly, “Leo, look, he’s awake.”
He smiled warmly. “Hello there, little one.”
Sangwon attempted to respond with something sharp, but while the fog was lifting, it was still difficult to form words. All he managed was a low, grumbly noise.
The dimpled Ovraeth’s smile widened, and he tenderly traced a knuckle over Sangwon’s cheek. “Still a bit out of it? That’s alright. You’re home safe now.” He turned to his partner, Leo. “His eyes are amber brown,” he remarked, a note of delight in his voice. “How beautiful. I can’t believe we got so lucky.”
The Ovraeth, Leo, nodded, his tail curling around the other’s tail in a gesture of affection. “We did get lucky.”
“What do you think, sweetling?” the dimpled one asked Sangwon. “Are you hungry?”
Sangwon couldn’t speak yet, and the heaviness in his limbs made quick movement difficult. However, he was regaining his senses enough to realize he could probably manage some food and drink. He needed to eat; he would require all his strength for whatever plans he had for escape now that he was in a place that felt… less secure.
So, perhaps it was best to acquiesce for now and bide his time.
Summoning his will, he managed to nod.
The dimpled one let out a pleased hum. “Good. We’ll take care of you.” He turned to Leo and asked another question about food while Leo tapped at the screen on his wrist. Sangwon's focus wavered as he struggled to shake off the last remnants of sedation.
“—and excellent, that’s the food,” the dimpled one said, glancing at his own wrist device. “Would you take him to the dining room, my flamesong? I’ll go out and fetch the delivery.”
A gravelly sound followed, and suddenly Sangwon was lifted from the bedding. His eyes flew open to see Leo effortlessly cradling him in his strong arms.
Now a bit clearer-headed, Sangwon could better observe Leo’s features. He was scaled in a dark, pearlescent blue, save for his ears, which sported tufts of matching blue fur. His almond-shaped eyes were dark, and his nose was short and stout, reminiscent of a cat's.
“Come along,” Leo said softly, his voice deeper than the dimpled one’s. He seemed less talkative, perhaps more serious than his mate. Despite the sternness of his features, he handled Sangwon with surprising gentleness.
Leo gave the impression of someone who didn’t tolerate foolishness, and Sangwon felt acutely aware of his vulnerable position. For now, he decided it was best to keep quiet. If he hoped to escape, he needed information. He had to assess his surroundings and formulate a plan.
If he failed his first attempt, a second would only be harder. He needed to execute everything perfectly the first time.
Leo carried him from the room and down a hallway, and Sangwon focused intently on their surroundings. The house appeared to be constructed from stone, with warm red and orange striped hues in the walls. They passed several rooms with closed doors and entered a large sitting area.
Nothing about the space seemed drastically different from other alien homes Sangwon had encountered. There were seating areas, tables, bookcases, and art. Fabrics adorned the space—blankets, window coverings, and rugs. The main distinction from Human terran homes was that most furnishings were made of stone or metal rather than wood.
It felt inviting and lived-in, a stark contrast to the sterile, controlled environment of his last location. This appeared to be a normal residence, which was helpful to know.
What struck Sangwon most was the sheer amount of space. This place was expansive. If he recalled snippets of conversation correctly, there were outdoor grounds as well, which might mean more territory to cover during an escape.
Soon, they arrived at a room that was clearly designated for eating. At one end was a hearth with a crackling fire, while the other featured a large window overlooking the landscape. A table dominated the center of the space, surrounded by what looked like squat boulders with hollows carved into them.
Chairs, Sangwon realized—big enough to accommodate an Ovraeth.
Leo settled into one of these chairs, cradling Sangwon in his lap as he did so. Suddenly, Sangwon felt terribly small. He was still groggy from the sedation and now found himself perched on the lap of a large Ovraeth at their dining table.
What was he doing here? Was he their… pet? Their… sex slave? How had his life changed so drastically in such a short time?
From deeper within the house, he could hear doors opening and closing. He guessed it was the other Ovraeth who had gone to fetch the food.
Unless there were more Ovraeths in the house, which would complicate matters. The thought of food approaching made his stomach ache with hunger. Sangwon knew he needed to eat to regain his strength, but he had no idea what the Ovraeth consumed. He vaguely remembered them discussing their knowledge about Humans, which suggested they were aware of what he could and couldn't eat. Still, the idea of food poisoning worried him. Dying from accidental poisoning before he could even attempt an escape would be a foolish end.
“How are you feeling, sweetling?” Leo asked, his gaze fixed on Sangwon. His voice was a low rumble. “Are you ready for some food?”
Feeling the weight of Leo's attention made Sangwon acutely aware of his dry throat. He nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Leo gave him a gentle squeeze, producing another deep, rumbly sound.
“Good. Anxin put in an extra order for groceries, so we’ll have plenty for you.”
Just then, the other Ovraeth—Anxin—strode into the room, arms loaded with three large containers stacked high. He set them down on the table.
“Don’t you two look cozy,” he greeted with a smile. Sangwon took a moment to study him.
Anxin had similar dark eyes to Leo, but his tufted ears were pointier and his nose slightly flatter. Sangwon knew nothing about their species, but he briefly wondered which of the two conformed more closely to the beauty standards of their people, if such standards even existed. Some alien cultures didn't prioritize physical appearance in reproductive choices; for them, endurance, skill, or even monetary standing could hold more weight.
Not that either of these two seemed to lack in any of those areas. Sangwon had seen a few different Ovraeths, and it was clear this couple was well-off. Their clothing, though simple in design, featured dark colors edged with shimmering details. Anxin’s outfit was adorned with bright green stitching that complemented the dimple on his face, while Leo’s clothing boasted bright blue accents. Both wore what appeared to be gold jewelry: earrings perched high on Anxin’s ears and a necklace draped around Leo’s neck.
Not to mention the fact that they had paid forty million credits for him.
They were wealthy, likely holding high status to accompany their riches. From the snippets of conversation he had overheard, Sangwon understood how rare and coveted Humans were to the Ovraeth. He had to assume he wasn't given to these two lightly, which meant he was also an investment—something to be protected.
It couldn’t just be easy. Apparently, when Sangwon messed up, he really messed up. He had been kidnapped, enslaved, and omega-ed all in one fell swoop.
And he didn’t even know the half of what that last part entailed.
Great.