09 – IN THE BEAST’S ARMS

POV: AIRYS

“What the hell was that?!” I shouted, catching my breath as I pounded the floor. My body trembled—I wasn’t sure if it was from fear or rage. I stood up abruptly, my eyes scanning the room. “What did you do to me? Where was I?!”

The women glanced at each other, but neither answered. Their gazes fell on Daimon, who remained impassive, as if my fury was nothing more than a minor annoyance.

“You!” I stormed toward him, blood boiling in my veins. Daimon didn’t move. He kept his hands in his pockets, posture relaxed, but his eyes followed every step I took. As if he already knew exactly what I would do.

I raised my finger, pointing it at him.

“Do you think you can hunt me, throw me into that hell with a beast, and toy with me?!”

His eyes slowly lowered to my raised finger. His brow furrowed slightly and one eyebrow arched, his expression carrying a silent warning.

“I won’t be your prey!” I continued, adrenaline fueling my courage. “If you plan to kill me, be an honorable Lycan and do it already!”

Silence fell over the hall. The air grew heavy. The moment I saw his eyes turn cold and sharp, I knew I had crossed a line.

In one swift movement, Daimon lifted me off the ground, gripping my clothes with ease as if I weighed nothing. My body swayed in the air while he tilted his head to the side, studying me with that predatory gaze.

“You seem eager to meet death, little one.” His voice was low, almost a growl.

I thrashed against him, punching his arms and trying to break free. It was useless. He didn’t even flinch.

“Put me down!” I demanded, feeling my heart race.

Daimon only smiled—a dark, unhurried smile completely devoid of patience.

“No.” The word rumbled deep and almost lazy. He pulled me closer, his eyes burning into mine. “I am your owner, Airys Monveil. And you seem to have trouble understanding that.”

“I’d rather die than serve you.” My voice came out firm, but it couldn’t hide the tremor. A tear slipped from the corner of my eye, yet I refused to look away. I knew my words could seal my fate, but I wouldn’t bow. “I don’t know why you bought me, and I don’t care about these tests. But I, Airys Monveil, am not the Supreme Alpha’s slave!”

Daimon didn’t react immediately. His gaze traveled across my face, assessing every feature, every unsteady breath.

“Interesting.” He pulled me even closer, our faces so near that I felt his cool breath against my skin. His stare was intense and predatory, analyzing every detail of my expression. “You’re brave, little rabbit. I appreciate that.”

My body stiffened.

“What?” I murmured, confused.

Suddenly, he released me. Strangely, with gentleness. My feet touched the floor, but I still felt the crushing weight of his presence over me.

“The third test?” Daimon asked, not even looking at me, his attention turned to the hooded women.

They kept their heads lowered, not daring to meet our eyes.

“She is too weak to endure it, my king.” The blind woman raised her hands in my direction, her voice soft yet carrying something unknown. “But her spirit is strong. She is the first to survive the Soul Test.”

My stomach twisted.

“My dear…” The one with celestial eyes intervened, her gaze analyzing every detail of me. “Why did you choose the Lycan door if you are only human?”

I opened my mouth but hesitated. Before I could form an answer, I saw her pupils dilate. Then she smiled, far too widely, as if she had just uncovered a secret.

“Oh, you didn’t choose.” She stated. “You were chosen.”

A shiver ran down my spine. Something inside me whispered that nothing would ever be the same from that moment on.

I swallowed hard and lifted my gaze to Daimon.

“I don’t understand what that means.” I whispered, confused, straightening my posture and facing the Supreme Alpha in defiance. “I don’t deserve to be treated like this.”

His eyes darkened, and a smile loaded with something indecipherable appeared on his lips.

“This isn’t about deserving, little one.” Daimon licked his lips, letting a fang flash into view. “This is about what you will become.”

I clenched my fists as more tears rolled from the corners of my eyes. I lifted my head, forcing myself to hold back the sobs.

Showing fear was weakness. Crying was weakness. Feeling anything was weakness—it was too human. I swallowed hard, wiped my face roughly, and started walking, determined to get out of there.

I took two steps before a firm hand grabbed my wrist, stopping me from going any further.

“If you’re not going to take my life, let me return to my room, Lycan King.” I whispered, head lowered, trying to ignore the shiver that ran down my arm at his touch.

Daimon didn’t let go. His grip tightened slightly.

“Only cowards prefer death over fighting for what they want.” His growl reverberated through the space. His other hand touched my chin with absurd gentleness compared to the strength with which he held me. He forced me to look at him. “I know what I desire, human. And you? Do you truly know what you want?”

My lips parted in surprise, my breath faltered, and my eyes traveled up and down his hard, marked features. Before I could answer, a loud sound broke the silence. My stomach growled.

Daimon arched an eyebrow.

“At the moment, Supreme, I only desire a meal and a long bath.” I yanked my wrist from his grip with force. “And your hands off me!”

A dangerous gleam crossed his eyes.

“Bold.” He whispered with delight. Daimon leaned in a little closer and slid his tongue over his exposed fangs, like a warning. “Symon will take you to your room. Clean yourself up. The governess will come for you for dinner.”

I frowned, confused. I cast one last glance at him, but Daimon had already turned away, talking to the two mysterious women.

Symon indicated the way. I walked in silence, absorbing every detail around me. The structure was solid, impenetrable. It felt like a fortress.

“There are no escape points.” A deep growl drew my attention in predatory warning.