Reza slowly awoke, taking his time to assess his surroundings. He kept his eyes closed, realizing he wasn’t bleeding out or dead but in a much more comfortable place. Though his body was still exhausted, he surprisingly felt no pain from the cuts or stab wounds he had sustained during the attack.

However, the tranquility of their situation was shattered as he sensed movement at the foot of the bed. Instinctively, Reza summoned his power, finding himself in the corner of the room. His eyes darted across the room, searching for the intruder who had crept up on the bed. Elana crouched on the bed, staring at an unfamiliar man. Reza remained silent in the corner, observing the unfolding scene. He quickly relaxed when he witnessed the horrified expression on the man’s face as he gazed upon Elana. The man froze for several seconds before breaking free from Elana’s hold. Wide-eyed, he scanned the room before finally locking gazes with Reza in the corner.

“Who are you?” Reza whispered, his throat still throbbing. However, his discomfort was swiftly overshadowed when he realized he was completely naked. A quick search revealed that none of his clothes were nearby, and nothing was within reach to help him dress.

The man let the bag in his hand drop onto the bed. He raised his hands in a placating gesture. “I apologize, sir. My name is Damon. Lord Sulli has had my colleagues, and I heal you for the past day.” He glanced at the bed again, noticing Elana’s glare. “I hope that doesn’t cause any inconvenience?”

The Sulli’s estate made sense. From the ambush site, it was the closest allied house to Sabine and her father, and it could also have a healer arrive within minutes. Reza surveyed the room. It was sparsely decorated, but every piece of furniture—from the bed to the dressers to the lounge chairs in the corner—was crafted from the finest dark red-heart wood. Some pieces were so dark they appeared almost black. Reza knew it wasn’t locally sourced; Sulli likely had it imported from another continent. The cost of procuring just this set was astronomical, and Reza couldn’t fathom how many more rooms were even more lavishly decorated. Why was his mind wandering to furniture at a time like this?

Reza stood up as someone burst through the door. Sabine rushed in and quickly scanned the room, first taking in Elana lying on the bed. A frown creased her face, and an almost frantic energy emanated from her. She turned to Damon, who had been standing behind her.

“Where is he?” she demanded. Sabine hadn’t noticed him yet.

Damon pointed over to the corner where Reza stood. Sabine turned and didn’t even react to his nakedness. Instead, she examined him up and down before rushing over and guiding him back to the bed.

Reza didn’t even argue; he quickly slipped under the covers to conceal his body from her and Damon. Why did they have to take all his clothes? He pushed those thoughts aside, knowing that continuing would only make him more embarrassed.

“That’s better,” she said, sitting in a chair beside the bed, with another chair on the opposite side.

“Sure,” Reza replied quietly. “Sabine, you don’t have to worry. I feel better than I would have expected, given everything that’s happened.”

He finally took the time to examine his body, having not felt a thing since he awoke from the horrific gashes on his forearm and chest. Only faint, pale white lines remained to mark how close he had come to death. He felt around his neck and noticed a slightly raised line that encircled his entire neck.

"How's it look?" Reza asked, extending his neck to show Sabine.

Her eyes dropped after she realized what he was indicating. "Same as the others, worse even. They did a number with that garrote."

Reza settled back down. The exhilaration of waking up and the surge of energy that coursed through him were fading, leaving him feeling heavy. He dismissed Elana, not before she gave him one final disapproving glance. Despite the smile on his face, he was aware that she would scold him the next time she was called. Nevertheless, he accepted it, knowing that she had been the reason behind his survival of the attack.

The healer and his wraith, a man in a white robe, approached Reza and stood beside him. “If you permit me, sir, I can resume treatment, and the scar can be completely removed. You never know if they were there.”

Reza gazed down at his scarred chest and traced the scar on his neck. These scars would forever be etched in his memory, serving as a poignant reminder of how perilously close he had come to death. After a moment of contemplation, Reza made a resolute decision and shook his head.

“No, I’d like the scars to remain for now. Do you still need to heal me beyond just the scars?” Reza asked, glancing over at Sabine. She raised an eyebrow in question before shrugging.

Damon nodded, examining each scar. “Well, yes, I’d like another session to ensure each wound has fully healed. My colleagues and I made significant progress, but you’ll still need to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a day or two.”

“What day is it?” He glanced urgently between the two. His duel had been scheduled for the next day when they were attacked. Even though he likely had been healed multiple times throughout the day, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had been out for at least a day. Sabine grabbed his hand and held it tightly.

“Reza, don’t worry. You didn’t miss your fight. We need to have a serious talk about that, but let’s give the healer some time to work his first.” Sabine said softly.

Reza nodded, but his mind remained occupied with the implications of the situation. Damon diligently continued his work, his hands emitting a soft, white glow, mirroring the aura of his wraith. The scars itched on his body were a testament to the healing process, and he felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins. While he craved another day’s rest, he was determined to avoid falling asleep during conversations.

“It seems we don’t require another session; the wounds have fully healed. I’ll send someone to verify, but you appear to be in good condition. Two more days of rest would be beneficial; he looks healthy enough to leave the bed.” Damon turned to address Sabine next.

“Don’t worry, doctor. I’ll ensure he adheres to your instructions. Be certain about that.” Sabine settled into her chair and fixed her gaze directly on Reza, her tone completely serious.

If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

Reza was well aware that attempting anything under her watchful eye would be foolish. Moreover, he would be twice as foolish if he risked injuring himself again before the contest concluded. The stakes were too high to take chances, and he would take all the time he needed to continue.

“I’ll take the time to rest. Thank you, doctor. I’m certain you saved my life,” Reza said, genuinely expressing his gratitude. He understood how close he had come to death when he lost consciousness after the fight. Sabine and everyone else had saved his life. Now, he felt a deep sense of debt to each of them, and he was determined to repay them somehow.

The healer nodded and bowed. “Very kind of you. I’ll send someone, but I have more patients to attend to before the day ends. I’ll see myself out. Have a good day.”

He gathered his bag and left the room. Sabine and Reza remained silent until the door closed.

“Now, what in the abyss had to wait until after he left? And if I’m not mistaken, weren’t you supposed to be fighting today? Or did the attack also erase my memory?”

Sabine shook her head. “It’s been an insane day, and I barely have half the information. All I know is that Sorana has postponed my fight until tomorrow's meeting. However, I know we weren’t the only ones attacked yesterday. Lucius was also attacked, but he survived and killed his assassin like us.”

Reza felt numb. This was more than just an attack on him and Sabine; there were so many factors to consider that he was at a loss for where to begin. He sat there for a moment, trying to process what she had said and gather his thoughts. “What about the others? Do you know if anyone else was killed?”

She nodded, her eyes filled with sadness. “I’m not certain about everyone, but Illian is dead. They caught him leaving his estate. He had no chance.”

He squeezed her hand tightly, and she leaned into him. “I’m so sorry. I know he was a friend of yours.”

He kept her close, just being there for her. She stayed silent for a time before leaning back into the chair but didn't let go of his hand. It dawned on him that he should have dueled the man today, but instead, he was dead. What would happen now? Would they choose someone new to take his place? Would he go onto the next round of the fighting? Reza pushed the thoughts out of his mind; he should not be thinking about the contest or what came next. Illian had died, and his friend was in pain. She needed to be the one he focused on.

"I'm sure the meeting is to let us know their plans going forward, and we will know who survived their attacks because I have no doubt that everyone who was still part of Sorana's contest was attacked, " she said firmly. Reza had no doubt that she was probably right, but who had sent the attackers?

"Was it Kejek? Did he attack us?" He asked. He was the first name that came to his mind from the warning Sabine had given him. But it easily could have been someone else or the invisible enemy that had killed Marcellus. There were many questions, and there seemed to be few answers.

"No, Reza. He would not go that far to outright betray the council," Lord Sulli said, coming from the doorway.

Reza whipped his head towards the door; he had not heard it opening. Lord Sulli glanced over to Sabine, and by the look on her face, she hadn't either. She let go of Reza's hand as Sulli sat in the other chair.

"No, I have already heard from him that he is as surprised as we are of the attack." He said, glancing towards both of them. "We have already called a council meeting and will meet as soon as possible. But, the Praetor has already decided you must have a guard for the rest of the contest. A dozen men are stationed outside; at least three will be with you at any time by order of the Praetor and closed council."

Reza only nodded; there seemed to be no arguing about this if he had the notion of doing so. While he did not like the idea of being guarded all day and night, he would not be mad at having more eyes on his protection. Reza had nearly died in the street because he had been complacent within the city, and he had not been focusing on his surroundings. He had thought the city safe, but likely, it was more dangerous than the Legion. One second longer, and they would have killed him before he could summon Elana and the magic that kept him going. Sabine also did not argue, and Reza could only assume she had the same or similar thoughts running through her mind.

"Of course, I would think nothing of the sort," Reza said.

"Now your sisters are here. They came in late last night, and we have given them rooms here for the holiday and however long you are in the contest," Sulli explained. I know you have rooms with the Rewans, but you can also stay here."

Reza glanced over at Sabine; it took him no time to decide. "I'll stay with the Rewans, but thank you for the offer. Are my sisters here now?"

He might have taken the offer, but he could not bear it if Sabine was hurt and had not been there to help her. He would stay with them, and maybe she would move into the guest house so they could watch each other back. He'd talk to her later about it, though he had no clue how to broach such an idea.

"Lady Sulli and Marie were keeping them occupied with tea, I believe." Sulli looked to the door. "I would be surprised if they didn't come to visit you soon.

They were by your side most of the night, as was Sabine. You have very caring people on your side."

Reza felt hot, and Sabine would not meet his eyes. "Yes, my sisters have been the world to me, especially in the last few years with my mother and father having passed away. They are my only family left. Tavia and Cassia did everything while I had to be in the Legions."

They were the only reason he had a house and estate to call his own and a name worth something to build on. Hell, even without winning the contest,

Tavia's business deals would make enough for them to purchase a promotion to the centurionate. But Reza needed not to think like that; the competition was still within his grasp, and he had to focus on that.

"Well then, Sabine, did you tell him about the meeting tomorrow?" Sulli asked, and Sabine nodded. "Good, I will have the carriage ready to bring you two. Do you feel well enough to walk, or should I procure some men to help you?"

He wasn't sure if Sulli was genuine, but Reza decided not to worry. He tested his body, feeling out his legs. They felt tired, but he would be able to walk with no difficulty. His body felt stronger as he walked, and he knew he would fully recover in a day or two. But for now, he would have to allow his body to heal, and as the healer said, he would re-injure himself.

"I will be fine; thank you for the offer," Reza responded, turning to Sabine. I’m going to rest. Please let my sisters know when they have time; I would like to talk with them."

"I will," Sabine left the room. She glanced back just as she walked through the door, a look of concern flashing across her face before she left without another word.

With Sabine gone, Reza turned back to Sulli. "Now, about the healers, what do I owe you? I cannot thank you enough for ensuring I got the best care, but I feel honor-bound to pay the cost of the debt incurred."

Lord Sulli smiled and shook his head. "There is no bill for the healing."

Reza frowned. "I must. I can not imagine the cost of so many healers, but you must allow me to pay for the bill."

Lord Sulli shook his head again, his tone more serious than before. "I'll not allow it. I have already paid the balance for it, and there is no money I will accept for it. Call it an investment in the future if you must, but there is no debt."

Reza did not like feeling indebted, but what could he do? "Well then, I will not accept payment for Lukas's training. Call it an investment."

Sulli laughed, the sound filling the room and surprising Reza. He had not thought the man could show this much emotion. "If you must. While we were on that topic, I postponed Lukas's training because of the attacks. Desmond will start the training in a day or so, but you may start whenever you can," Sulli said.

Reza nodded. "I will. I may try to attend the first training to form a plan for my part of the training. I want to know Lukas's skills, how comfortable he is, and his attitude toward everything. I haven't been around him enough to get a total picture, and that will tell me how far to push him and his wraith."

Lord Sulli nodded in agreement. “I believe he has the potential to impress us all. The servants and Marie have spoken highly of his leadership when you were brought here. He swiftly took command and demonstrated the confidence I had anticipated. We may have discovered a promising individual in him.”

Reza saw the pride Sulli showed for his heir. It seemed almost fatherly, not something in his few meetings with the man would show. Every time he met with Sulli showed something new to him; he was more complex than the coldhearted man he'd met the first time. "I will get to work with him right away. Even if I can't train him in the dagger for a few days, it won't matter; I wasn't going to start any of that before he trained him to work with his wraith."

He would have to alter his plan for the initial training. He had intended to engage Lukas in a spar while he channeled his wraith, using blunted weapons.

However, he was certain that would be a foolish move, as he needed to rest and recover as long as he could before his next duel.

“Good, though that wasn’t the reason I brought it up. I merely wanted to express my belief that he can be pushed beyond his limits. He possesses a strong mentality and possibly abilities surpassing my expectations.” Sulli walked towards the door and paused. “Get some rest; your sisters will probably come visit soon.”

He departed, and Reza settled himself comfortably. He fell asleep, waiting for his sisters to visit.