Darius’ POV
"Three days from now." I continued applying the ointment, feeling her skin warm beneath my touch. "They're interested in meeting the warrior who took down my entire elite force in a single afternoon."
She was silent for a moment, processing this. Then she turned her head, eyes narrowing slightly. "Just meeting me? Or is there more to it?"
Perceptive, as always. I met her gaze in the mirror. "They've agreed to a challenge."
"What kind of challenge?" Her voice was careful, measured.
"They want to fight you." I didn't see the point in sugar-coating it. "One at a time, not together."
Clara turned fully now, forcing me to drop my hand from her back. Her eyes searched mine, reading far more than I was comfortable with. "And you agreed to this? Without asking me?"
"Yes." I didn
