Page 48 of Gladiator's Captive
“Whoever you are,” Rager’s voice was reduced to a low growl, “step away from my mate if you want to live.”
The threat hung in the air as Wylder turned around completely, ignoring Janet and me.
“Now this is becoming even more interesting! Two newcomers into my city in the same day. A Muharib warrior and a high-born lady to boot. And not just any Muharib warrior, but the champion of Valcan himself.” Wylder’s lips stretched with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He ignored all others and focused solely on Rager. “I have great use for a man like you under my command. I can make all your dreams come true, everything you and that lovely mate of yours desire. All I ask in return is your loyalty.”
I blinked, confused and stricken. My eyes locked with Rager’s for just a fraction of a moment, but it was enough. I knew he would never accept working for a man like Wylder.
“I must refuse your offer,” Rager said, not taking his eyes off Wylder.
“Ha... I see.” Wylder nodded like he agreed, but his eyes told another story. “You know, I’m tempted to throw the both of you into my dungeon until someone gives me a more satisfying answer.”
Sayk moved, positioning himself closer to Janet. His large body was an ominous reminder that violence was always close by in Tartarus.
Will we ever have peace?
“Not as long as I’m commander of the security forces.” Sayk spoke without hurrying, but his voice was strong and confident. “They came looking for the key to Tartarus and when the key found them, they asked for shelter. You know the law as well as I do.”
Wylder scoffed. “A law I shall soon get rid of.”
This time, it was Sayk who looked down with contempt on him. “Tartarus stood before you set foot in it, Wylder, and it will still stand a long time after you stop breathing. Its laws were made by its people. You can never change that.”
Wylder’s lips pursed into a hateful smirk.
“Now step away from Janet and her patient.” Sayk’s skin shimmered strangely and tiny points pocked out of it along his shoulders and arms. “This is the enforcers’ quarters. You have no authority here.”
Wylder’s mouth twisted into a grimace as his eyes reduced to slits. “Be careful, Huugwor.” He spoke softly, but there was no mistaking the threat. “I allowed you to keep this woman for yourself as a matter of honor, to repay my debt to you. I am the chancellor of Tartarus, not you. My men follow only me. You’re commander of the security forces, the people love you for protecting them, but they fear me. And fear wins over love, always.”
Wylder spit on the floor in front of Rager and Sayk.
As I watched, my chest tightened by another fraction. We had escaped my father and the dangers of the desert, but Tartarus was no heaven. It was a viper’s nest and sooner or later, we were going to get bit.
“You gave me Janet because I called you on the debt in front of the men,” Sayk retorted as his large, looming form inched closer to Doc. “You and I both know you have no honor.”
The air was heavy as Wylder sustained Sayk’s gaze, his face twisted until he looked old and mean, a beast with no soul. His eyes panned Janet and me, settling on Rager last.
“Be careful which friends you choose, Rager. They may be the last mistake you make.”
And then Wylder walked away under the watchful, heavy gaze of Sayk and Rager. Even long after he was gone, the room remained silent.
