Page 17 of Taming the Lion
I glance at Alex briefly, the tension between us still thick, still unresolved, but it’s different now. It’s not about mistrust. It’s about something deeper—something I’m not ready to name, but it’s there, undeniable.
Zeus lets out a low growl as one of the masked figures reaches for him again, but I’m quicker.
“Back, Zeus,” I command, and the lion moves away from the man, his huge frame dwarfing the clumsy crew member.
I know we’re winning. I can feel it. The tide has turned, and the villains are retreating, their plan crumbling under the weight of our combined strength. For the first time in this nightmare, I see a way out. A way to keep Zeus safe, to protect what I’ve built here.
And more than that—I see a future where I’m not constantly running from my past.
Alex steps beside me, his hand brushing mine for just a second. The touch is brief, but it sends a jolt through me, a reminder that there’s more to fight for here than just the circus.
As the last of the crew scrambles to escape, I turn to Alex, breathless but steady. The adrenaline is still coursing through my veins, but it’s not fear anymore. It’s power. I’m in control, and for the first time in a long time, I feel it.
“You did it,” Alex says softly, his voice filled with admiration.
“No,” I correct, my eyes still locked on Zeus as the lion paces beside me. “Wedid.”
He gives me a look—one filled with something deeper than just gratitude or relief. It’s something that makes my heart beat faster, something that makes me feel seen in a way I haven’t allowed myself to be in years.
The crowd, still mostly unaware of the true danger, erupts into applause, thinking they’ve just witnessed an extraordinary act. But I know the truth.
I’ve won something more important than just this battle. I’ve won against the fear that’s haunted me for so long.
And as Alex stands beside me, that tension between us still simmering, I know this fight—our fight—is far from over.
The roar of the audience fills the tent, a sound that should feel familiar, comforting even, but tonight it’s laced with something darker. The circus is alive with chaotic energy, a frenzied pulse that matches my own racing heart. The performance still swirls around us, oblivious to the storm about to break. Zeus is back by my side, his body radiating strength and calm, but my mind is locked on one person.
I see the villain across the ring, the one who betrayed me—betrayed all of us. My pulse spikes, anger curling hot and sharp inside me. I trusted them. We all did. And they used the circus,used me, to further their twisted plans. They wanted Zeus. And they nearly took him from me.
The thought of it turns my stomach.
For a second, there’s disbelief. I spent years side by side with this person, shared laughs, trusted them like family. And now… now I see the truth. They manipulated everything. The entire circus. Me.
But the disbelief doesn’t last long. It’s burned away by something stronger. Resolve.
I won’t let them win.
They’ve stopped trying to hide now, standing on the edge of the ring like they belong there. A mask of calm on their face, but I can see the flicker of panic in their eyes, the way they’re watching Zeus. They know it’s over, but they won’t go down without a fight. I take a step forward, feeling Alex move beside me, his presence a steadying force even as the tension between us simmers, unresolved.
But right now, that doesn’t matter. We’ve got bigger things to deal with.
“Stay with me,” I murmur to Zeus, my hand brushing his fur. He’s a mountain of muscle beside me, protective, waiting for my command. He knows something’s wrong—he’s known all along.
I glance at Alex, and our eyes meet. There’s no need for words. We’ve fought side by side enough times now to understand what needs to be done. This isn’t just about strength. It’s about outsmarting the villain, using everything we’ve got at our disposal. And we’ve got the whole damn circus.
I nod once, and Alex gives a sharp, almost imperceptible nod in return.
Time to end this.
I take a deep breath, my gaze locking back on the villain. I know they’ll try to make a run for it, use the chaos of theperformance as cover. But I won’t let them slip away. Not after everything.
“Get ready,” I whisper to Alex, and we move as one.
The next few moments blur into motion. The villain’s eyes dart from me to Zeus, calculating. I can see the gears turning in their head, the desperate plans forming. They’re looking for an escape. Too bad I’m not giving them one.
With a subtle signal to the stage crew—people I still trust—I see the performers spring into action. We’ve planned for this, anticipated every possible move. Trapeze artists swing low, distracting the audience and the villain just long enough for us to shift into position. The lights flicker, and the villain hesitates.
That’s all we need.
