1107 vs. the Askan Elite

General Darius's icy blue eyes swept over Aria, his gaze cool and calculating... like he was assessing a malfunctioning machine.

His face was set in stone, chiseled features so sharp she might cut herself just looking at him.

And that suit? Immaculate.

Not a single thread was out of place, with the House Volkaris insignia stitched discreetly into his sleeve—a quiet flex of power, understated but unmistakable.

He was handsome, sure… tall enough to make her feel like she was craning her neck to look up at him, even in her heels.

But that expression? Yeah, it wasn't exactly rolling out the welcome mat.

His gaze flicked to Niall, acknowledging him for half a second before his attention flicked back, dismissive.

To Darius, Niall was barely a speck on his radar.

Aria drew in a slow breath, spine stiffening, willing her own gaze not to falter as he moved closer—closer than she'd anticipated. Close enough that she caught the faintest hint of metal and frost wafting off him. She could see every icy fleck in those blue eyes as they raked over her like she was some piece of equipment he wasn't quite sure was worth his time.

"Good evening, General." 

A brow lifted, and he barely acknowledged her with a single, cold word.

"Evening, 1107."

Of course, it was just "1107" to him. Not Aria. She was a number, not a person. He took another step, the kind of step that told her he knew how close he was, that he could tower over her, make her feel small if he wanted. He tilted his head, inspecting her like she was some peculiar find on display.

"I hear you had... quite the victory. Impressive for a Terran woman. Tell me, what was it exactly that inspired you to fight? Surely the Kherosi offer… plenty of other options for someone like you."

That head tilt, the mocking lift of his brow, his amusement—she could practically feel it radiating off him, and it was anything but charming. Behind him, the nobles had gathered, clearly listening in, like hawks waiting for her to slip up.

Aria returned his stare, not missing a beat. She'd rehearsed her response to this kind of bait. Her lips curled in a small, practiced smile.

"I have the highest regard for the Askan realm, General. And I respect the Kherosis who—" She inclined her head, giving the assembled nobles a respectful nod, "—rescued me from the chaos of the Terran world. I'm honored to serve in any way I can. A low-born Terran like me has every reason to be grateful to the Askan nobles."

There was a smattering of approving nods from the crowd—Well, she had one more line up her sleeve.

"And I must say, it's an honor to be among such… generous souls. The ones who've so graciously allowed… a lesser race like the Terrans… to serve this kingdom."

The murmurs of approval from the nearby nobles told her she'd hit the right note. But then, there it was. That one intrusive word slipped into her thoughts, almost like a whispered curse: LIAR. 

Her jaw tightened ever so slightly, a reflex she fought to keep in check. Her eyes flickered, for the briefest second. And of course, Darius caught it.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

"Mm. Quite the patriot, aren't you? And this, training of yours—who taught you to fight?"

Without hesitation, she answered, "I taught myself. Working in the mines gave me strength. Adaptation was survival. The guards… they helped too."

His brow rose, just a hair. "Oh? And how exactly did they help?"

She looked him dead in the eye. "When they beat me, I learned to fight back."

For the first time, something other than arrogance gleamed in his eyes—a faint spark, maybe respect, not possible, maybe… curiosity.

"So, you rebelled?"

Her lips curved, ever so slightly. "No, General. I simply didn't let them beat me for certain things."

His gaze sharpened. "Such as?"

"Like stealing food."

A few of the watching nobles glanced at each other, eyebrows raised.

And Darius? His eyes narrowed to slits, jaw tightening. 

"You're telling me that stealing food is not a crime?"

"Not when a ten-year-old hasn't eaten in a week."

The hall went silent, a tense, prickling quiet, as her words settled into the air like a challenge, daring anyone to call her wrong. Every eye in the room swung between her and Darius, holding their breath, waiting to see who would flinch first.

He didn't look away. Neither did she.

A muscle jumped in Darius's jaw, his lips thinning, but his stare didn't waver. Instead, he took a step closer.

"You're aware that females in your position have... other paths to choose. Why didn't you? I mean, really—becoming a paramour might suit you better. Fighting doesn't seem like your cup of, well, whatever you drink."

Aria's jaw tightened. If she could've cracked his teeth with a glare, she would have. 

"General Selene is a fighter. And an heir to the Askan throne. You know, someone who proves women can do more than peddle their bodies for attention. Or would you have asked her the same question?"

The smile faltered for a heartbeat.

Then, without warning, Darius's eyes flared with something darker—rage, raw and brutal.

His hand shot out like a viper, wrapping around her throat before she even had time to flinch. The pressure was immediate, suffocating. His grip was like iron, rough calluses scraping her skin as he yanked her closer, the world spinning out of focus.

"You filthy Terran! You dare speak to me like that?"

Aria's fingers clawed at his wrist, struggling for air, but the world was narrowing, turning black at the edges. Her lungs screamed, but it was like her breath had been stolen away. All she could hear was the pounding of her heart, thundering against her chest, drowning out everything else.

But in the distance, she heard the soft shuffle of silken feet, the high-pitched voices of the paramours rushing forward, their faces plastered with fake concern, hands clasped in plea.

"Please, General! She didn't mean to offend. You're known for your... kindness—"

Another piped up, nodding so eagerly she looked ready to snap her neck off.

"Yes, yes, surely, she meant no harm! It's your forgiving nature—"

Aria couldn't even muster the strength to bat them away. Her vision dimmed, the world spinning like she was caught in a vortex.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Niall, his face twisted in a grimace, fists clenched tight as he stalked toward her, a force of nature ready to tear Darius apart. But Aria gave him a single shake of her head, stopping him in his tracks. He froze, jaw tight, looking like he wanted to break something, his whole body taut with the urge to act. But all he could do was watch, helpless.

Then—thank the gods—a voice, deep and gravelly, cut through the rising tension like a blade through silk.

"Darius. Unless you want a scene, I suggest you let her go. Selene just arrived."