Page 75 of Victoria's Discovery

Torn between alarm that was the only reason he could think of for not killing her and a rush of pleasure that Aria favored her, Victoria felt the blood drain from her face before it surged back in a flush, leaving her a little lightheaded.

“Right. Well let’s, uh, get started, hmm?”

After settling in a small grouping of chairs near the back wall, the men began peppering her with questions. Everything from favorite foods, sleeping preferences, and courting rituals, to gifts, anatomy, and mate bonds.

“Okay, slow down. Most of that stuff you’re going to have to find out for yourselves since it’s specific to Aria and her likes. I could tell y’all whatIlike, but that won’t help you with her. So, let’s just stick to the basics.”

An hour of courtship talk later, and both men’s expressions had run the gamut of emotions. From confusion, shock, and speculation, to doubt, anticipation, and scheming. By the time she finished, however, they were both staring at the floor, shoulders a little slumped, with frowns marring their brows.

“What’s wrong?”

Surprisingly, it was Thrasin who answered first. “I am… not good.”

“I don’t understand. What do you mean?”

A muscle ticked in his jaw and his frown deepened. “What the Masters did to me. I am broken. Without honor. She is deserving of better.”

Rellik began shaking his head before Thrasin even finished. “No. We have made great progress with your control over the beast in your soul. And you know you are not at fault for what they made you—what they madeus—do.”

“Yes. But—”

Victoria cut him off. “Do you love her?”

His eyes flashed up to hers, almost glittering with the ferocity of his devotion. “Yes.”

“Does she love you? And don’t give me a half answer or some evasion.”

“I– She… ”

“She does,” Rellik answered quietly.

Thrasin jerked his head to look at him, hope, surprise, and, oddly, something like grief flashing over his features.

“Do you trust her to know her own mind and heart? To know what she wants and what she’s capable of dealing with?”

Thrasin’s throat moved in a swallow as he focused on her, but he nodded once.

“So, then it’s not really up to you to decide for her what she deserves, is it? I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of horrors you’ve both endured. I know pain like that leaves a mark, a shadow on a person’s soul. But I think we all know Aria isn’t a stranger to pain. Are you unwilling to faceherdarkness? To help her with her trauma? To stand by her no matter what demons, internal or external, she has to battle?”

“I would give all for the honor,” Thrasin growled.

“Rellik?”

“She is my Queen. To stand by her is all I desire.”

“Do you think she’s better off without you?” At the nearly identical expressions they made, she held up her hand. “Let me rephrase. Is she safer without you by her side? Happier?”

Rellik started to speak, but paused and seemed to really think about it, his gaze going distant. Finally, he whispered, “No.”

“Thrasin?”

“Safer, no. I would slaughter any who threatened her. Happier? I– I do not know.”

“Aria is the strongest person I’ve ever met. So why, exactly, do you think she can’t handle your darkness?”

“She should not have to.” The words sounded like they were torn from him. It made Victoria’s heart hurt, but…

“That’s dumb.” At his offended look, she explained, “Do you honestly think Aria needs some guy who’s never experienced the kind of horrific shit the universe can throw at someone? The kind of person who’s never had to fight? Someone who’s never known loss or pain? Do you really thinkthat’sthe kind of person she needs in her life? Because I don’t. That person wouldn’t be able to help her, wouldn’t be able to understand why sometimes she looks haunted, wouldn’t be able to soothe her when she struggles with her own demons. That person isn’t capable of making the hard call or doing what needs to be done or supporting her as she tries to save us all. Hell, that person could easily makeherfeel broken and less than and, I don’t know about you, but I’ll be damned before I let someone make my friend feel like she’s a bad person. So, she’s a little murder-y! She needs to be. I’ve only been here for a little while, and even I know there’s no way any of us are going to survive if Aria is anyone but who she is.”

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