“You’re right. It isn’t. I have no wish to get my arm chopped off while she’s learning.” Yuto frowned. “Was there something you needed, Orion?”
“I heard you were training Aradia. I wanted to offer my services, since I know you have more important things to address right now.”
Yuto’s expression hardened. “I am training Aradia.”
He stated this with so much intensity that I stood up a little straighter. Orion held up his hands, backing away.
“My lord, I’m only trying to help,” he murmured, casting his gaze to the floor. “Panos is on his way, and there are battle plans to form. I thought I’d help free up some of your time, but I can see now that was a terrible idea.”
“I appreciate your intent, but I am training Aradia.”
“I see.”
“Orion,” Yuto growled before stalking toward the male. “Get out of here. Now. I will not tell you again.”
Orion shook his head and backed up, raising his hands before him. “Okay, Yuto. You’ve made your point very clear. I made a mistake. I won’t make it again.”
“Trust that you won’t.”
Shaking his head, Orion spun on his feet and strode out of the Great Hall. He kept his head held high, but tension clearly rippled in his shoulders. As soon as he was out of sight, I whirled toward Yuto. He looked as though his friend had punched him in the throat instead of offering to help.
I stared at him, hands propped on hips. “Honestly, was that really necessary?”
“It shouldn’t have been. I’m sorry about Orion.”
I snorted. “What didhedo wrong?”
“I’m afraid he might get the wrong idea when it comes to you.” Yuto raised his brows. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed his reaction to you. He’s rather taken by your beauty and your bite.”
Shocked, I could do nothing but blink at him. “My bite.”
“Your fire,” he said. “I have no doubt he hoped training you would bring you two closer together.”
“Well, maybe I want him to get closer to me,” I spat back without even thinking. Orion was attractive, but I hadn’t thought of him that way at all. Hell, I’d barely spent much time in his presence. Not with the pesky wound in my neck, and Yuto constantly lurking around.
Yuto’s grip on the stick tightened. “You want Orion to train you then? So that you two might end up in bed?”
Flushing, I lifted my chin. “Maybe. Why should it matter to you? It’s not like that changes anything. Hell, maybe it would help your cause. Maybe I would be more willing to take you through that portal if there’s someone here I care about.”
“This is madness.” Yuto backed up and tossed the stick against the wall. It fell with a loud smack, a thundering that echoed through the hall. With a growl, he twisted on his heels and stormed out of the room, leaving a current of smoke and fire in his wake. All I could do was stare dumbly at his retreating back. I’d been poking at him. That I had to admit. But I hadn’t expected him to react so savagely.
“What the hell was that all about?” I mumbled out loud to no one but myself.
But of course I never truly was alone here. Callista whispered out of the shadows, wearing an expression of chagrined concern. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude, but I’m supposed to keep an eye on you.”
Sighing, I waved her away. “You don’t have to apologize. I know he’s scared I’ll try to run off again. You’re just doing what your Lord Master ordered you to do.”
“Askedme to do, Aradia,” she said. “The Lord Master doesn’t give us orders. Not unless we’re in battle.”
I sighed. “Fine. It doesn’t matter. Escort me back to my room then. Actually, you know what? Don’t.” I shook my head. “He can’t just run off in the middle of a conversation like that.”
Surprise flickered in Callista’s violet eyes.
“Can you take me to his room?” I asked.
A slight smile crested Callista’s lips. “You wish to seek out the Lord Master?”
“Yes, that’s what I just said.”
