The Velstara Armory

Zayn wanted nothing more than to walk out of this mansion, or — if necessary — jump out the nearest window and flee into the evening.

But he couldn't.

Not without the payment he had worked so hard for.

And now, instead of signing a quick receipt and collecting his gold, he was being dragged through a long, overly decorated hallway by the Duke of Velstara — an absolute mountain of a man who had taken a sudden interest in his supposed boyfriend.

'Fake. It was fake.'

Zayn shot a glare at Celestia, who walked beside him, way too cheerful about this.

"What's that face for?" she whispered.

"That face," Zayn muttered, "is me realizing that I'm about to be handed a weapon by the father of the girl I'm 'dating'."

She giggled. "What's wrong with that?"

"Who the hell just gives a stranger a weapon?"

Celestia shrugged. "You're not a stranger, you're my boyfriend."