One Night with the Hybrid King

s, seems to suck all the air out of the room, transforming the small office into an even more suffocating and tension-filled place. It is impossible to ignore her proximity to the middle-ag

ood boil with contained anger, though I maintain my cold and implacable expression. The sight of the two of them so c

are audible to me, pulsating in a frantic and irregular rhythm, like drums in the midst of an imminent battle. The middle-aged man releases Aria's arm as

thetic bow, barely able to conceal the panic he feels at the sight of me. The bow is awkward, almost ridiculous, stirring i

fills my nostrils, bringing with it a sensation of intoxication that makes me long for something I should not desire. I cannot allow myself to be affected by this

the possibility of Aria being involved is something I cannot dismiss. The fact that our paths have crossed again, so quickly after the attack, cannot be mere coincidence. I am surprised that she works here, i

e is no room for evasion or lies. I observe her reactions carefully, every micro-expression, every change in her behavior, like a predator analyzing its prey. Aria's eyes widen in surprise, and I notice

y at the mention, her eyes displaying a mixture of fear and, strangely, relief. The idea of being removed from that room seems to bring her some comfort, as if the pre

I will interrogate her while you search the place fo

tween us is palpable, so thick it could almost be cut with a knife. Aria, visibly uncomfortable, sits in one of the armchairs, and I notice that her hands, placed on the table, are restless, her fingers moving nervously as if she is struggling against the urge to flee. I notice the absence of a wedding ring. Even after five years, the idea of Aria

h little reaction from her. This is the moment when she could bring up our past, reveal the secret that keeps our dest

has brought me nothing but headaches in recent years; I have been scouring the entire kingdom for their base, for whom they serve. But nothing. All the lycans we cap

I just wanted to survive, Your Majesty," Aria responds with a trembling voice, her fragility evident in every word. Her eyes, howev

. She swallows hard, and my eyes follow the movement of her throat, such a delicate and vulnerable sight that almost makes me hesitate. The birthmark on her neck is partially hidden by the silky hair cascading o

ice is now lower, but the tone of authority remains as my hand rests on the arm of the chair beside her. I know my closeness makes her uncomf

the money," she responds more softly, her voice now

with your boss? Lying with him to get more money, Aria? A prostitute behind the curtains?" My voice is venomous,

ook that could burn even the hardest soul, and in a swift motion, she raises her hand to slap me. I anticipated this move, and with ease, I grasp her wrist just inches from my fa