Aurora's POV
The room went silent. Every drunk man's eyes looked at the stranger standing in the doorway. Rain dropping from his dark coat onto the wooden floor.
The boss's face twisted with anger. "Who do you think you are?"
The stranger walked forward, water under his boots. "Someone who doesn't tolerate slavers."
"Slaver?" The boss laughed. "I'm a businessman. This one came into my territory."
"She is a not property." The stranger's voice was cold and deadly. "Let her go."
The boss snapped his fingers. Five men stood immediately, hands moving to weapons. "I can see you have courage coming here alone."
"I was not asking for permission." The stranger removes his hoody.
My breath caught in my throat. His face was sharp and dangerous, with dark hair and eyes. Something about him felt ancient, powerful.
"Darius Shadowmere," the boss whispered, his confidence cracking completely. "I did not know she was yours…"
