The Tyrant's Pet

"Lord Darkmore, please don't kill me."

Aries' grip around her lance trembled before Isaiah. Even from this distance, she could feel his superior aura fitting for a war general like him. Although she had already taken part in a war in the past, she couldn't stop her body from trembling.

Isaiah was akin to a war god, and she felt like an ant before him. Just how was she supposed to block an attack from him?!

"I…" He trailed off and when Aries blinked, her eyes dilated when he suddenly appeared below her with his sword going up from her side. "... won't."

CLANG!

Aries's brain went blank for a second as the defeating clang of two metals colliding rang in her ear. It created a strong gust of wind, blowing past her hair.

"I knew you would do that." Aries snapped her blank eyes, raising them at Dexter, who appeared on her side to block Isaiah's blade with a knife that had the same size as the palm of his hand.

Dexter chuckled before he cast her a knowing look while Isaiah drew his sword back.

"See? I told you, Dani. You're too optimistic." He averted his eyes to Isaiah. "Every time he draws his sword, he just cannot stop."

"Marquess Vandran. I will appreciate it if you don't interfere with our lesson." Isaiah voiced out with his classic toneless voice. He glanced at Aries indifferently before shifting his eyes back to Dexter.

"I came here to teach her a lesson, not you."

Dexter smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes at the double meaning of Isaiah's remarks. "Teach her how to wield and protect herself, not that kind of lesson."

"Experience is the best instructor anyone could ever have. You and I… know this very well."

"Experience… how would she learn from experience if she is already dead?" Dexter tilted his head while playing with the knife.

As silence dawned on them, Aries blinked countless times. She barely recomposed herself, darting her eyes between the two of them. Her eyes fell on the short knife in Dexter's hand and then gazed at Isaiah's heavy sword.

'Amazing…' she looked up at Dexter. For this man to stop Isaiah's attack with a mere knife, it made more sense why he became the leader of the aristocratic faction. Dexter was not only wealthy and influential, but he was also skilled.

But Isaiah…

Aries gazed at Isaiah and took little steps to hide behind her brother. She glared daggers at the man in question. That man planned to kill her. She felt it. If Dexter didn't stop his attack, he would have split Aries in half!

Crazy! There was no shadow of a doubt he was definitely one of Abel's people!

Dexter arched a brow and glanced over his shoulder, chuckling seeing her glare daggers at Isaiah. Meanwhile, Aries flinched when Isaiah locked eyes with her.

"Don't spoil her." Isaiah raised his sword, pointing at her, who was hiding behind the marquess. "She won't learn if you keep defending her."

"I'm not spoiling her. I am simply asking you to be a little nice to her."

"I am, in fact, being nice to the both of you."

"I see you have a heart of gold then…" Dexter's eyes glinted dangerously, letting the front layer of his calm facade disappear.

As the two had a calm exchange of words, Gustav, who was standing on the sidelines, darted his eyes between Dexter and Isaiah. And then his eyes settled on Aries, who was fanning the flames by mischievously whispering in the marquess' ears.

"His Lordship will kill me if I tell him he and the duke look like Lady Aries's parents." He sighed and spoke under his breath, still catching Dexter's and Isaiah's attention as they looked in his direction. Even with how low his mumble was, the two heard him loud and clear.

"Gustav, you should've kept your thoughts in your head," said Dexter, making Aries tilt her head, as she was the only one who didn't hear Gustav.

"Please respect my time with the lady." Isaiah also spoke, ignoring Gustav's provocation. "Unless we call it a day and you do not want me to come in here again."

"Don't come, then. I'll teach her instead." Dexter shrugged while Aries frowned.

Although she was annoyed at Isaiah for nearly killing her moments ago, she couldn't really burden Dexter even further. Following him around the past few days already told her he was a busy man. At this rate, Dexter would be the one who would fall ill.

Aries cleared her throat, straightening her back as she took a step out of Dexter's back. "Brother, it's alright. Lord Darkmore had already spared me some time to come in here and share his knowledge." She then faced Isaiah squarely.

"My apologies for my childish behavior just now. I was simply taken by surprise, for I was complacent." She tilted her head down slightly. When she raised her head, her eyes showed clarity. "Please give me another chance to prove myself worthy of your time."

She pressed her lips and smiled meekly, glancing at Dexter. The latter arched a brow before a deep exhale escaped his nostrils. Meanwhile, Isaiah simply shrugged, not moved by her actions or words because that was just the bare minimum for being a baby.

"Brother," Aries called once again and gazed up at Dexter. "I'll be fine. If you think I will be in real danger, please do come and save me."

"Dani…" he let out another sigh and shook his head. "Fine. But don't blame me if you get hurt a bit."

"Yes!"

Dexter stared at her for a moment before he sighed once again. He had been sighing a lot lately—ever since Aries stepped foot in the mansion. In the end, he couldn't really fight or kill her spirit. He walked away, joining Gustav on the sidelines, only to receive a knowing look from the butler.

Aries huffed as she set her determined eyes on Isaiah. She held her lance in front of her, taking a stance to spar with him.

"Experience is the best instructor anyone can learn from," she repeated Isaiah's words. "I cannot disagree with that. Please don't be easy on me."

Isaiah narrowed his eyes, listening to the soundless breeze that suddenly blew past them. His eyes went from her head to toe, studying her stance and the determination in her eyes.

"I definitely…" he whispered in a level only he could hear before his foot caused a shallow crack on the ground, bolting towards her like a lightning. "... won't."

CLANG!