Page 152 of Knot Their Omega

Blair… meaning Astraea was there. She booked the studio, and Kenji got to access it. She had to have done that on purpose. Was she in on this? No… if she was, would she have even told us yet?

We’ve been so busy; would she really have the opportunity to let us know?

“This is fuckery! I didn’t do shit.”

“Oh, really? I’m just crazy, huh?” James counters and points my way. “Call Sterling. Ask what our current catalog for the album is.”

I frown at the command, hating taking orders from anyone, but the way the insides of my stomach are tossing and turning means something is wrong.

Pulling out my phone, I press the single button that has Sterling on speed dial. That’s how often I call the asshole who manages multiple bands across America. I’m thankful we’re friends and business partners because it gives me access to things no one else can manage to get, but if this shit is true, I’m gonna wonder why he didn’t tell me.

“Sterling speaking.”

“Hey. I don’t want to waste your time ‘cause I know you’re probably busy?—”

“Shut up, Icarus. I ain’t busy shit. What’s up?”

I have to try not to roll my eyes due to the seriousness of the matter.

“Been talking with Blooming Salvation members, and?—”

“I was going to call you about that,” Sterling interrupts. “Why the fuck did y’all sell your catalog? Didn’t some of those songs take months to create? Heck, probably a year.”

A chilled wave of dread runs through me.

“Fucking hell,” Rex whispers, clearly observing my expression that I’m not sure I’m hiding well at all.

“Icarus.” Kai’s voice is filled with urgency, which means I really don’t look well, but I need to process this correctly.

To acknowledge this isn’t some bullshit.

“Sterling. You’re not shitting me, right?”

“Why would I?” he questions in return. “Known your driven ass for years. I wasn’t in charge of the sale, or I would have called you immediately when it was happening. I was in Vegas that week for an emergency show. Only found out last night when the finalized contracts arrived. Are you boys disbanding because you can’t find an Omega or something?”

“No…” I mutter and slowly look at Nate Jr. to see the nervousness brewing in his eyes. “Not yet.”

“Not yet? What the fuck is happening? First, it was the tour being delayed, and now you sell your whole catalog? You realize if you go on tour and sing even one song from your backlist, the whole band will be struck with a lawsuit, right?”

“Icarus,” Kenji’s the one who speaks, but it’s not registering.

Nothing wants to register.

“It wasn’t my say,” I declare, realizing how cold my voice sounds.

Cold, and yet my insides are boiling.

“No shit. Sold to the highest bidder. Went for millions. Your bro honestly lowballed on such a massive catalog. Could have easily gone for billions with how you guys have been popular with these last few weeks and potential tour coming up. What was the name of the buyer…fuck. Sol…something. Ugh. I’ll get the name for you and call you back.”

I hear the door opening with a creak, but I’m trying to fight the prickling anger that’s coursing through me.

“Cool.” It’s the only word I can get out as Sterling hangs up. He doesn’t even have to say goodbye, or maybe I don’t hear it. My ears are ringing.

“What the…” Rex whispers while James chuckles.

“Oh, look. That was the next thing I was going to bring up,” James declares. “The only one who probably doesn’t know about Nathaníel 2.0 is Rex. Look at your real lead singer banished away because of our boy’s selfishness.”

“W-What the fuck are you doing here?” Nate Jr. demands before he growls. “And why the hell did you bring her?”

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