From the moment I was born, the only world allowed to me was the summit.

A dominant Alpha, noble by birth. A trait given like a blessing, and talent that no one could follow.

As if to prove it all, I became the youngest Aura Master in the Arterion Empire, and at the Emperor's closest side, I became the sword of the empire, known as the 'White Knight.'

An unwavering spirit. Overwhelming power. A life that has never known defeat.

I believed that variables did not exist in my life. That belief was shattered while I was enjoying a party as usual.

Under the imperial family's tacit approval, a secret masquerade where only the empire's highest-ranking traits could enter. A night where identities are hidden behind masks, and guests seek each other out solely through instinct and pheromones.

What was handed to me was a swan mask decorated with blatant pure white feathers.

A scoff escaped me. But even in such a place, I did not change.

I allowed no one in, and I was swayed by no one.

The temptations and pheromones poured upon me were all meaningless. It was merely a space to stay for a while to relieve boredom.

And yet. It should have been just that. The moment I opened my eyes, I was lying on a bed I had never seen before.

My head was heavy as if it would break, and my whole body was strangely, feverishly hot.

Someone had drugged the champagne. I could be certain of that much. But what confused me most was something else.

A faintly remaining scent. A fatal Omega pheromone that shook my instincts for the first time in my life.

Just thinking of that scent made my heart beat wildly. I unconsciously fumbled around me, but my fingertips touched only a cold, empty bed.

I came to my senses and looked around the room. There was already no one there. Disheveled sheets. A faint lingering scent. And fragmented memories. An Omega who had collapsed in the hallway during a heat cycle. I had reflexively taken them into my arms.

The memories after that were as hazy as a fog.

No face. No name. No status. I could remember nothing.

A variable had appeared for the first time in my perfectly controlled life. That fact was irritating.

At the same time, an unexplainable possessiveness bloomed from deep within my heart.

And one more thing. A sense of defeat I had never felt in my entire life. Someone had broken through my guard and vanished without leaving a single trace.

That fact alone was enough.

"...Did you think I wouldn't be able to find you?"

A low laugh flowed out.

The White Knight of Arterion. The Empire's strongest Aura Master, most trusted by the Emperor. There is no one in this empire I cannot find if I set my mind to it.

Whatever the reason you ran away from me.

Whether it be coincidence. Or fate. I will find you without fail. And this time. I will never let you go.