Fallen General's Omega (BL)

Noelle’s POV

I can’t stop the gasp that escapes me.

The grand hall is enormous. Bigger than I imagined. My footsteps echo as I step forward, my eyes sweeping across the unfinished space. The walls stretch high, the ceiling soaring above with intricate carvings. Sunlight pours through tall arched windows, casting long golden streaks across the polished wooden floor.

Dust lingers in the air, stirred by the movement of workers as they adjust chandeliers, still wrapped in protective coverings. The place isn’t complete yet, but it doesn’t take away from how breathtaking it is.

I turn slowly, taking it all in. The intricate patterns on the floor, the massive double doors leading to other wings, and the unfinished mural on the ceiling, waiting for its final touches. Even in this state, it’s easy to picture what it will become—a place full of music, dancing, and warmth. Whether it’ll be used is another matter, seeing as how neither Thorne nor I are fond of social events, maybe one of our children will.

Thorne’s heavy footsteps approach from behind, and before I can say anything, his arm drapes over my shoulder, pulling me into his side.

"You’re staring," he murmurs, his voice laced with amusement.

"Can you blame me?" I say, my eyes still fixed on the grand space before me.

Thorne chuckles, his breath warm against my hair. "It’s still dusty."

I snort, nudging him lightly. "It doesn’t take away from the beauty."

I turn to him, meeting his steady blue eyes, and his lips twitch, his amusement growing.