Page 27 of Knot My Wonderland

The bracelet was invaluable, guiding my instincts until I began to develop a natural feel for the flow of energy. By the time the sun reached its zenith overhead, I could deflect most moderate commands without conscious thought, my body responding automatically to the approach of foreign magic.

"Impressive," Chi purred, circling me with evident appreciation. "Most Omegas would still be struggling with the basics."

I wiped sweat from my forehead, breathing hard. Despite the mental rather than physical nature of the exercise, I felt as exhausted as if I'd run miles. "It's getting easier, but the stronger commands still feel like they're... sticking to me and I can't quite shake it off.”

"That's because they're designed to," Varik explained, offering me a small glass vial of shimmering liquid that seemed to change colors as it caught the light. "Alpha commands aren't merely suggestions—they're crafted to resonate with Omega biology. Like a key fitting a lock."

I uncorked the vial and sipped cautiously. The liquid tasted like mint and starlight, instantly cooling the heat that had built beneath my skin from exertion. "So how do I overcome something that's literally designed to control me?"

Chi dropped gracefully to sit cross-legged at the edge of the circle, his tail materializing and curling around his body. "That's where the real work begins. Basic redirection is useful against casual commands or those from weaker Alphas. But against a truly powerful Alpha intent on claiming you?" His grin turned sharp. "You'll need more."

"Which is why we need to practice with something more challenging," Chi said, a dangerous glint in his teal eyes. Hisform shimmered slightly, becoming more solid, more present. The air around him seemed to thicken with intention.

I took an instinctive step back. "What are you planning?"

"A real test," Chi replied, his smile sharpening. "I won't hold back this time."

Before I could protest, he locked eyes with me and spoke a single word: "Submit."

The command hit me like a physical blow. Unlike the controlled exercises we'd been practicing, this carried the full weight of Alpha dominance behind it. The word seemed to burrow into my very bones, pulling me down. My knees buckled instantly, the silver bracelet flaring hot against my wrist as it absorbed some of the impact.

"Chi!" Varik snapped, stepping forward, but Chi held up a hand to stop him.

"She needs to know what real intent feels like," Chi said, his voice still thrumming with power, “No one will go easy on her if they try to command her.”

The instinct to submit was overwhelming, my body trembling with the effort to resist. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I fought to stay upright, to redirect the crushing force of Chi's command. The silver bracelet burned against my skin, crystals flaring like miniature stars as they absorbed what they could.

"Find your center," Varik urged from somewhere beyond the roaring in my ears. "Remember the currents. They're yours to command as much as his."

I closed my eyes, desperately seeking the flow of magic beneath me. There—a thread of silver-blue energy that responded to my distress. I mentally grasped it, drawing it upward like pulling on a rope. Power surged through me, cool and clarifying, pushing back against Chi's command.

"That's it," Chi purred, his voice both taunting and encouraging. "Fight me, little Alice."

I struggled to stay on my feet, legs shaking but defiant. The silver thread I'd grasped multiplied, more currents rising to meet my call like loyal subjects answering their queen. They wove around me in a protective cocoon, pushing Chi's command outward. The pressure eased, though I could still feel his influence trying to find purchase, probing for weaknesses in my defense.

"Better," Chi acknowledged, his eyes glowing brighter. "But not enough."

He stepped closer, the air shimmering around him as he concentrated his power."Kneel before me, Omega."This command slammed into me with even greater force, carrying not just dominance but a primal sexual energy that made my body flush hot with unwanted response. The bracelet flared again, but even its protection couldn't fully shield me from this more targeted attack. I faltered, one knee hitting the ground before I could even try to move.

"No," I managed through gritted teeth, as I pushed myself back to a standing position, my vision blurring as I did so, "I won't submit."

Chi's eyes widened slightly, a flash of genuine surprise crossing his features before his grin returned, wider and more delighted than before.

"Magnificent," he breathed, easing the pressure of his command. The relief was immediate, like a vise loosening from around my chest.

I staggered slightly, drawing deep breaths as the world steadied around me. The moonglow's effects were beginning to fade, the vibrant magical currents dimming to subtle threads rather than rivers of light.

"That was cruel," Varik said but was cut off by Chi.

"But necessary," Chi replied, watching me with renewed interest. "She resisted a full Alpha command with sexualundertones. Few Omegas could manage that, especially this early in their training."

I wiped sweat from my forehead, my limbs still trembling with the aftermath of resistance. "It felt different from the others—heavier, more personal."

"Because it was," Varik explained, his expression grave. "Chi wasn't just commanding an action but attempting to trigger your Omega response directly." He shot Chi a reproachful look. "Which was not part of today's planned exercises."

Chi shrugged, unrepentant. "The Queens or Kings won't politely stick to basic commands if they find her. Better she experience it now, with us, than unprepared in the wild."

Despite my lingering anger at being blindsided, I had to acknowledge the logic. "He's right" I dusted off my clothes as I took a deep breath.

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