The tension in the room is palpable as we enter. Rion, Felix, Aksel, and Griffin stand in various spots around the living area, their eyes bore into me with a mixture of anger and disappointment.
“Really wasn’t the time for that, Blaze,” Aksel says, his voice cold and distant.
I clench my fists. Anna’s presence at my side keeps me grounded, reminding me of the promises we made to each other upstairs. My throat tightens, and it’s as if words are shards of glass.
“I… I want to apologize,” I manage after a deep breath. “For lying to all of you and putting everyone in jeopardy. Especially for putting our mate in danger.”
A hush falls over the room, the air thick with shock as they take in my words. I can feel sweat forming at the nape of my neck.
Rion is the first to break the silence, his green eyes searching mine for any hint of insincerity. “I forgive you, Blaze,” he says quietly.
Relief washes over me like cool water.
Griffyn steps forward next, hazel-green eyes softening as he extends an olive branch. “We all make mistakes, man,” he says,his playful demeanor momentarily replaced by solemnity. “I forgive you, too.”
Felix and Aksel exchange glances, their expressions still guarded but no longer hostile. I swallow hard, bracing myself for their verdicts.
Felix nods slowly before pulling me into a hug that I am not comfortable with.
Maybe a small part of me likes it.
A lot.
“If Anna has forgiven you then so have I. Love you, man,” Felix says.
I almost choke on nothing I’m so surprised. My eyes are huge as I stare down at him and he only smiles back at me like he didn’t just say something none of us have said before.
Anna wraps her arms around both of us and squeezes, making it a group hug.
I grunt and step back from them, looking at Aksel because I have no idea what to say back to Felix.
But I’m pretty sure I love him too, all the guys are like brothers to me. How could I not love them?
“Your actions have consequences, Blaze,” Aksel warns, his voice dark and serious like the shadows that cling to him. “But I know what it’s like to make a mistake. I forgive you, but don’t do it again.”
Anna gives my hand another squeeze.
“Thanks,” I murmur, feeling a weight I didn’t even realize I was carrying begin to lift. My gaze lingers on each of them for a moment longer before I turn away, retreating upstairs to gather my thoughts and prepare for the fight.
Anna’s soft touch on my arm stops me mid-step. “I’ll be right here when you’re done, Blaze,” she says reassuringly, her voice full of warmth. I nod, offering her a small smile before leaving her behind.
My heart pounds in my chest, a mixture of anxiety and determination pumping through my veins as I change into my fighting clothes.
“Ready?” Felix asks as he meets me at the top of the stairs, his snow leopard grace evident in his every movement. He’s dressed for the fight as well, his muscular form accentuated by the all-black attire.
“Let’s do this,” I reply, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling within me.
Together, we make our way to the fight, the air heavy with anticipation and tension.
As we enter the dimly lit space, I immediately notice that Hammer is nowhere to be found.
“Let’s just get through this, and then we can worry about everything else,” Felix murmurs, his voice barely audible as he claps me on the shoulder.
“Right,” I agree, taking a deep breath and centering myself.
The announcer’s voice cuts through the tense atmosphere, calling my name. I step into the ring.
I allow my scales to ripple over my body, displaying my strength for these idiots. The crowd goes wild and I see people shifting in response.
