Page 46 of Aria's Ascension

She felt like she’d been punched in the stomach. She’d hoped Zhrovni only blinded him temporarily for the tournament. Apparently not.

Goddamn that bastard.

“His thoughts are… fractured,” Kix murmured to her left. “Animal instincts dominate his mind. Rage, violence. Loneliness, pain. Yet, there is some higher awareness there.”

Glancing over at him when he paused, she saw him cock his head like he was listening to something before his jaw went tight and his nostrils flared.

Voice gruff, he said, “He believes we are here to take his food. He is amused by this as he has not had food in some time.”

Now she wanted to pukeandcry.

Unable to continue just standing there while he thought the worst, she called out, “We’re not here to hurt you.”

The low, thrumming growl stopped abruptly.

Taking that as a positive sign, she kept going. “Do you remember me? From the arena.”

No answer, but the silence felt rapt. She didn’t need Kix to tell her he was listening. Holding out a hand to her men to signal them to stay where they were, she took a small step forward.

“My name is Aria. I think we… know each other.”

A flash of movement in the corner preceded a dark figure slowly stepping forward. He was still half in shadow, but she could see him now. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped.

He was big, almost as big as Tirox. She hadn’t expected that from his picture. He had to be six-foot-eight, at least, and heavily muscled.

Tracking her gaze up his body, she took in the gleaming white claws tipping his four toes, his thickly muscled thighs, the impressive cock hanging between his legs, up the chiseled twelve pack of his abs, over to massive arms that were just a little too long to be human, and impossibly broad shoulders.

His outer thighs, ribs, arms, and shoulders were all patterned with beautiful, iridescent purple scales. Whether they served as armor of some kind, she didn’t know, but they were eye-catching and seemed to enhance his already impressive build.

Her pulse quickened when she finally looked at his face. His picture made him look savage, brutal, almost more animal than man. That was still there, but in person, it was tempered by beautifully symmetrical, regal features.

Under the scars and the fierce expression, he was… handsome, shockingly so. A square jawline and high, sharply defined cheekbones framed surprisingly sensual lips and a perfectly straight nose. His white eyes, bisected by two slitted pupils, were even more striking than she remembered.

He looked like a wild, untamed prince. Noble, but deadly.

Focusing back on his expression, she noticed his nostrils were still flared and his chin was tipped up.

Understanding she was too far away for him to smell her, she took a few steps forward and waved a hand, trying to waft her scent his way. She wasn’t anywhere near close enough for him to reach her, judging from what she could see of the length of the chain fastened to his ankle, but her men obviously thought it was too close.

They both moved with her, coming to stand on either side like wary, tense bookends. Unfortunately, she was already mid-wave.

Half a second later, he stiffened and growled. The curiosity and interest on his face disappeared and was immediately replaced with hostility.

Aria sighed, but bit back her frustration. She couldn’t blame them for being cautious, but she needed him to talk and, judging from that reaction, she thought it highly doubtful he’d feel safe or relaxed enough to do so while they were there.

Pulling her men back with her, she retreated to the entrance. “Okay, now don’t get angry. I know I just promised to stop the lone wolf shit, but I honestly don’t think I can get him to let down his guard now that he knows you’re both here.”

Tirox narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw. “You want us to leave.”

Wincing, she nodded.

“I need you both to wait outside. Please. Aside from whatever might be between him and me, he’s been here the longest. If anyone knows of a way out of here, it’ll be him.” Reaching out, she gently took both their hands. “This is a big ask. I know that. But, you could stay right outside the entrance. You’ll still be able to hear me if I need help, but you’ll be out of… sniffing range.”

“Should we also paint you with melted sweet stone to make you an even more appetizing snack for when he pounces?” Tirox growled sarcastically. “I have sorrow for his plight, but that does not mean I trust him. Forgotten mate, or no, he is dangerous.”

“He’s not going to eat me, Red,” she assured with a startled laugh.

He cut a dubious look at the snarling man in the corner. “I believe he would like nothing more.”

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