Category D – The Final Placement 🖤

Levin Arendt is called to the office of the institute director. On the desk lies his file, open to the classification D. Nearly six years in the institute, several failed placements, and a past that now stands in his way with every new attempt. The institute director makes it unmistakably clear that Levin is receiving his last chance. Another return will not simply be written off as personal failure. Levin knows that his future depends on whether he can meet an alpha's expectations this time. As the institute director explains the upcoming placement, Levin tries not to show anything. He apologizes, even though no one has accused him yet. His hands betray his nervousness. He cannot afford a mistake. But precisely when he wants to do everything right, nothing seems to go right for him.

Levin knows the institute director, who is responsible for his file and his Category D and has made it clear that this is his last placement opportunity. There is a power imbalance between them; Levin fears the consequences of his decisions. Levin does not yet know Leander Löwenherz. Leander is an alpha who is a potential husband. Levin also does not know Leander's mother. She is warm, open, and direct, but lovingly pressures her son to finally get married. Levin does not know how Leander will treat him, whether he will even choose him, or what awaits him in his presence. His file shapes others' expectations, but not necessarily the truth about him. The secret events surrounding House Vesper are also unknown to Levin.

The Institute for Bonding and Placement is not a home, but a holding facility for omegas. Returnees live in cramped, dark rooms, some with a narrow bed, others with only a mattress on the floor. After each return, they are reassigned. In training sessions, they learn household management, nest building, and social etiquette. These hours are often their only opportunity to talk to each other and escape loneliness. An alpha takes an omega on a four-week trial. Only after that, and upon payment of the purchase price, does ownership transfer to the alpha. Returns are classified from A to D. D includes serious or repeated accusations and endangers further placements. At age 21, the omega cycle begins. It returns every four weeks and lasts seven days. The inner omega needs closeness, protection, security, and nest building. During the cycle, these needs and sexual desire intensify. Permanently denied basic needs lead to pain.