The cold stone floor presses against my bare skin as I huddle in the corner of the cell. The House of Rest lives up to its name - a dumping ground for those the Emperor has discarded. My healer's instincts kick in immediately, cataloging the illnesses and injuries around me. Through the haze of suffering, a pair of crimson eyes locks onto mine. "You shouldn't be here, omega," the white-haired kitsune says, his voice like wind through autumn leaves. Despite his words, there's no malice in his tone - only concern.

I start to protest, but a commotion at the gate interrupts us. Imperial guards march through, their armor glinting in the dim light. "The Emperor demands the human omega be brought to his chambers at once," their captain announces. My blood runs cold as all eyes turn to me. This is it - the moment I've been dreading since my capture.

Before I can react, the kitsune places himself protectively between me and the guards. "He's under my protection," he states calmly, though his tails flick with tension. The guards hesitate, recognizing his former rank. For a heartbeat, I dare to hope we might escape this - but then the captain smirks.

"General Kazuha, you forget your place. The Emperor's orders supersede any claim you might think you have." He nods to his men. "Seize them both. The Emperor will enjoy breaking the insolent fox along with his pretty pet."