Chapter 9 The Condition

"You have ten seconds! Ten seconds to make it down to the duelling hall, or you will face the Calypso!"

I stood up, my eyes wide. I had barely slept all night, and now that I was starting to doze off, this rather cryptic announcement started.

I could hear the sound of people running, and before I got to the door, it suddenly swung open. Knox was on the other side, breathing hard.

"We need to get down," he said, his voice breathless.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me out the door. I ran with him down the spiral stairs, along with a hoost of other students who were all going to the exact same place. It was as unnerving as it was exciting, and I broke into a small laugh as we ran down the last flight of stairs towards the duelling hall.

My smile, however, broke as my eyes fell on the open hall. Alpha Eros was right in the middle of the hall, his hair slicked back in a rough bun, with a few strands of hair falling in front of his face.

My breath stopped in my throat, and I froze in place, my eyes resting on his frame. He was tall. Taller than I even thought. He was wearing a black tank top that pushed a little further down, his tattoo that spanned from his neck down to his right hand.

He was standing above a bloodied man on the floor, his muscles flexing as he gently moved his head, a small, wicked smile lifting his lips.

"Kian."

I turned to Knox, then swallowed hard as I turned back to Eros. It felt like he suddenly realized I was there because he suddenly turned towards me, his eyes holding mine.

I took a step back, and his eyes darkened as he looked down at the hand Knox was still holding, then slowly at Knox. He broke into a small laugh, then turned away and slowly wrapped the black glove around his hand.

"Settle down now," the instructor yelled, but I don't think he even needed to. Just seeing Eros there and the limp man at his feet, everyone was rather calm.

Knox pulled me, and we sat on the spread out carpets.

"We meet again," someone said beside me.

I turned, and Eugene gave me a small smile. I tried to smile back, but I was far too afraid, and I could almost feel my face breaking.

He turned away, and my eyes fell on the other two of the group. One of them looked extremely cold, and his eyes were simply fixed on Eros. The other looked almost unfazed by it all.

"Today, we are going to explore the various dulling styles. Remember, this does not include shifting. We have the best fighter in the pack here, thankfully, and we need one or two volunteers."

"Don't even breathe," Knox whispered to me. "You can see the man on the floor."

I nodded, but hell, I knew I would have to. If I don't want Knox to be the one to end up that way for simply being kind to me.

I looked up, and Eros was downing a glass of wine, and a much smaller man was gently wiping his neck with a towel. Once it was done, he walked back to the open space, then turned to us, his eyes cold.

"One person!" The instructor yelled, and the place went deathly silent. No one even moved, and hell, I could feel that a few even stopped breathing.

"Don't worry," Eros said, waving his hand. "I have a partner in mind."

My heart immediately sank, and I grabbed unto. Knox's hand tight.

"Point them out, then, Alpha."

Eros turned to me, his head slightly lifted as a wicked smile played on his lips. I swallowed hard, tears filling my eyes. I have never even fought before. He would absolutely kill me if I went in there. But I can't also let Knox get beat up for nothing other than being associated with me. The guilt would kill me, too.

"Alpha?"

Eros smiled, then started to raise his hand. I child already see his finger heading for Knox. Knox held my hand tighter, and I could tell he knew Alpha Eros was coming for him, too.

Tears ran down my cheeks, and I patted my wig down a little. My lips parted as I let out a small, shaky breath. I have already felt enough pain. Seeing Valerian die would definitely be worse than whatever this man had in store for me. No matter what it was.

His hand slowly reached Knox, and I immediately let go of Knox's hand, then stood up, sligjtly blocking Knox with my body.

"I... I want to duel with you."

"Kian," Knox said, and I heard the other three snicker, like they knew exactly what would happen.

Eros raised a brow as he clasped his hands behind him again, his smile darkening. Did he feel it too last night? Does he know that I am his mate? Did he feel it? Does he smell my real wolf and not this alpha scent I am masking my real scent with?

"Who are you?" The instructor asked, and I turned to him.

"I... I am Kian. I was admitted as an extra yesterday."

"I don't think you understand what you are volunteering for."

"I think he does," Eros said, meeting my eyes again. "It is refreshing to have an actual volunteer once in a while."

I swallowed, then walked forward.

"Kian, don't do this," Knox said, desperation in his voice.

"I have a few conditions," I said simply, ignoring Knox.

Eros slowly nodded. "Come forward."

I walked down towards him, my head tilting higher to meet his eyes. For a very long minute, everything seemed to pale in comparison as I looked up to those eyes. I feel drawn in, crushed. I felt all sort of ways.

"I... if I win this duel..."

Everyone started to laugh, and I hated just how far-fetched that dream was. Even I knew it was impossible.

"Go on," Eros said, chuckling a little.

"I want to be your roommate," I said firmly, and his smile dropped, his eyes immediately darkening. "If I win, I want to move in with you."