Ivaim gave Darian a slow, easy grin.
"You know, with that whole secretly-caring personality of yours, you don't have to fight in the arenas to help people."
Darian glanced at him briefly, his expression unreadable.
"I was born with the talent to fight. And I have my reasons for cultivating those skills... not just because I want to help people."
The words were steady, but there was an edge to them, one that made Ivaim hesitate for a moment before speaking again.
He rubbed the back of his neck, unsure of how far he wanted to push.
"If I told you that continuing to fight would get you killed... would you believe me?"
Darian's jaw tensed.
"No."
Ivaim frowned and looked off into the distance, his voice softening.
"The man who killed your father—he's planning to curse you."
Darian's brow furrowed, but he remained quiet.