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“Vasta!” he cursed, seeing Axilla and Nadzia down below.

I better rescue her.

As he headed downstairs, he noticed the way his matron and his weakness sat talking on the window ledge. Their expressions were serious. That much he expected. But the way they leaned in as they spoke was more conspiratorial than contentious, and totally unanticipated.

“I’ll do it, if you really think this will draw out the assassins?” Nadzia said to Axilla as he approached.

“I do. And no one will dare question your bond.” Axilla nodded.

“No!” he snapped as it dawned on him what they were discussing.

Both females’ heads swiveled to stare at him and he scowled at their surprised expressions.

“Were you not just conspiring to hold the Trials?” he demanded.

His mouth gaped at how they both guiltily glanced at each other.

His gaze narrowed on the pair. He wanted the Conclave to accept Nadzia and for them to get along, but this was more than a little disturbing.

“Just hear us out.” Nadzia stood and approached him. “Those assassins are expecting the Trial. If it doesn’t happen who knows how or when they’ll make their next attempt. This way we can control the situation,” she reasoned.

“And if you want the people to accept your untraditional bond with a foreigner, you need to maintain some traditions,” Axilla added.

This is my matron’s doing.His fists clenched in anger.

“You want to put my weakness in danger to catch those slave merchants, and subject her to a contest that could kill her?!” he bellowed at his matron.

“Aculus! You know this is the best way.” Nadzia placed a hand on his chest.

He backed up, refusing to let her lull him into accepting this ludicrous scheme.

“It’s Jyk, the same scaly vasta that tortured Providence, sold Riley, has enslaved and murdered countless people. He’s dangerous.” His jaw clenched.

“All the more reason we need to get him,” Nadzia insisted.

“I won’t fight you,” he rumbled, as he pictured them squaring off in the final round of the Trial.

“I don’t want to fightyoueither!” Nadzia snapped then sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I get it. I’m weak and delicate. It was the same back home. Do you know what it’s like growing up as a woman? Constantly having to worry about being seen as an easy target, being raped, or just taken advantage of?”

Torment, he cursed seeing her dejected expression. He had no idea she’d constantly lived under threat from her own people. He was accustomed to one species dominating another, but not what she described. He wanted to growl at the thought of some human male forcing himself on Nadzia.

“My dad was constantly worried about us girls and made damn sure we could defend ourselves,” Nadzia continued. “I may not be a badass like Pro, but give me a gun and I will kick ass. I told you about getting held up at gunpoint, but I didn’t tell you I killed that man. Yes, you’ve rescued me. But last I looked, I just saved your shell. If we plan this right, I know I can do it. I have to try,” she implored.

I’m such a cracking imbecile! She knows she has weaknesses and yet she rises to the occasion in spite of it. And she certainly doesn’t need me beating her over the head with it.How many times had he ignored his own failings and forged ahead, because that’s what had to be done? He closed his eyes, frustrated with himself. Even now he was doing it again.She saved your pathetic shell.Nadzia was capable of quite a lot.

“I’m sorry.” He pulled Nadzia to him. She was stiff but relaxed as he held her close. “I’m sorry for underestimating you.”

“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gotten defensive. And we shouldn’t be talking about this without including you. It’s just that I don’t want anything to happen to you.” She smiled apologetically up at him.

Axilla started laughing and they both turned to look at her. His brow cocked questioningly.

“Pardon me.” His matron covered her mouth, repressing the laugh. “This conversation is disturbingly familiar. You have no idea how Tellar and I have cracked shells over the years. You two will do well,” she snickered as she nodded her head.

His matron was in a rare jovial mood. And considering everything that had happened, that was saying something. He had a feeling Nadzia was responsible for this surprising turn of events, too.

How did I get so lucky?He looked down at his weakness in amazement.

“Fine. But if I don’t likeanythingatanypoint, itdoesn’thappen,” he conceded.