And then there’s Alexander. His dragon is as black as the darkest night, a creature of shadows and secrets. It’s a perfect reflection of him—moody, intense, and dangerous. His scales are a deep, glossy black, absorbing the light rather than reflecting it, as if the very darkness clings to him. When he shifts, a coldness seeps into the air and makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. His dragon form is as intimidating as it is mesmerizing, a living embodiment of the night, with eyes that burn like embers in the dark.
Standing there, I feel the restless energy around me as the three males continue their discussion, barely acknowledging my presence. The simmering annoyance in my chest grows stronger, almost like a second heartbeat, causing me to crack my fingers absentmindedly. Each pop echoes in the silence, a small release of the anxiety building within me. I don’t like waiting, especially not for them.
“I want out,” I finally blurt, the words escaping like a bullet from a gun.
Their heads snap toward me simultaneously, eyes narrowing as they straighten up from the desk. It’s unnerving having all three of them focus their attention solely on me. The weight of their stares is exactly like a predator sizing up its prey. I know they’re waiting for me to elaborate, but I’m not giving them anything more.
That’s it. I want out.
“Why?” Demitri’s voice cuts through the tension, demanding an answer.
I shrug, forcing myself to maintain a neutral expression. I’m not going to tell them about Kai. Falling in love in my line of work is a terrible idea. It means my enemies, even so-called friends, have leverage over me.
“I’ve had enough. I want to buy my freedom,” I state, my voice steady, even though every muscle in my body is tensed, ready for a fight.
The brothers exchange glances, their expressions carved from stone, giving nothing away. Demitri, the eldest and most authoritative, is the one who calls the shots. Nothing moves without his say-so.
“Ashwiyaa,” Demitri starts, his tone deceptively calm, “what makes you think you can ask this? Do you not have everything you could possibly want?”
“Everything but my freedom,” I retort, locking eyes with him.
Myresolve hardens under his gaze, my stubborn and steely willpower rising to meet the challenge. I won’t back down.
His head tilts slightly, his honey-colored eyes flickering with something unreadable, but I catch it. He’s considering it, weighing his options, just as he always does. But I know him. He’s a strategist, always thinking three steps ahead. And I know he won’t let me go easily.
“Why now?” Penn chimes in, folding his arms over his chest, his stance aggressive, yet curious. I sense that my request has upset him.
“Does it matter?” I snap, my patience fraying.
My defensive instincts flare, but I smother them quickly. I can’t afford to lose my temper. Not here, not now. It will only make them dig their heels in harder.
“The life I’ve lived has been one of servitude, masked by the illusion of choice. I don’t wish to be your weapon to wield anymore.”
A low growl rumbles from Alexander, the youngest and most volatile of the three. His body ripples, black scales shimmering beneath his skin, a subtle reminder of the danger I’m facing if I step out of line. They’re not just men; they’re something far more deadly. And they’re not going to let me walk away without a fight.
But I’m ready for it.
Demitri’s lips twitch, and in that fleeting moment, my senses sharpen. The soft sound of his breath draws my focus, while the dim light creates a delicate shadow across his face. I can feel his decision in the air and read it in his eyes.
“We will grant you your freedom,” he says indifferently.
My chest does not swell with hope at those words. Do they think I’m stupid? I can see it a mile off—there’s a catch. There’s always a damn catch.
“But?” I let out a resigned sigh.
Theair carries a hint of tension, making every nerve in my body tingle with anticipation.
“We need you to retrieve something for us,” he says.
I frown. “Can’t you send your men?”
Penn shakes his head. “Not for this, no.”
My gaze moves from Demitri to Penn, and I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes. “Why do I feel like this is either a trap or something I might live to regret?”
“How much do you want that freedom?” Alexander says in a bored tone.
I shoot him a withering look, and he responds with an eye roll that echoes with indifference. Asshole.
