Author note: be ready to squeal or squirm bc there's some cute moments...towards the end of the chapter. It's a bit bloody at first...

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Aries found herself in an exhilarating yet dangerous predicament. She had Jaxon Welts, her target's friend, in a headlock, and she relished the small victory of angering him. However, Jaxon had a gun pointed at her back, and Kalden, was forced to come out of the shadows with his own gun pointed at them. The tension in the air was palpable, but Aries couldn't help but erupt into a wide grin. It was a challenge, and challenges were what she lived for...the reason she was dangerous. 

She had warned Jaxon and his companion that any sudden move would result in her tightening the headlock. Surprisingly, they took her seriously when she revealed her identity. Unfortunately, in that moment, his companion turned off the safety of his gun and aimed it at her back, threatening to shoot if she made any sudden moves. Aries regretted not having armor in the back or calculating this possibility sooner.

Kalden stood to the side, holding Aries' gun, his finger tensely positioned on the trigger. The standoff left everyone frozen, each with a weapon pointed at someone else. It was a tense and intense situation, but Aries had a plan forming in her mind, even though it was risky. Risk was something she could not resist.

Breaking the silence, she spoke calmly, trying to defuse the situation. "So... what's going to happen now? We all have guns and threats pointed at each other. What are we going to do?" she asked.

Jaxon responded firmly, "Be quiet, or I shoot."

Aries laughed lightheartedly, trying to maintain some control. "Remember, I'm still in charge here. I issued the first attack." Slowly, she tightened her grip on Jaxon's friend. With her right hand, she discreetly retrieved a hidden knife from its sheath securely attached to her arm. She then swiftly grabbed another gun from her leg holster, releasing the safety, and aimed it at her attacker. Her left arm remained wrapped around Jaxon's friend's neck, the knife pointed threateningly in his direction.

Now, Jaxon had two guns pointed at him, and even if he managed to fire, he would still have to deal with Kalden. "You shoot, and the other shoots back. And your friend gets a knife in his throat," she said, her voice calm and composed. She flexed her fingers, ready to drop the knife if necessary. Kalden looked at her with understanding and quietly put the safety of his gun back on.

Then, Aries seized the moment. "NOW!" she shouted, kicking Jaxon's friend in the leg, causing him to fall to the floor. In the chaos, she dropped the knife, and Kalden fired his gun, creating the illusion that a bullet had been released. Jaxon froze in fear for a moment, giving Aries the opportunity to reach him and deliver a solid punch to his face.

Aries stood over Jaxon, her brass knuckles still on her hand, and blood dripping from his nose. She had knocked him unconscious with a powerful punch, and now she picked him up and carried him back to the inn they were staying in.

In their room, she tossed him onto a chair and slammed the table to startle him awake. Pulling the burlap sack from Jaxon's head, he slowly opened his eyes, disoriented. He glanced around the room and then focused on Aries.

"Why am I here?" he asked, clearly puzzled by the situation. Aries looked at him, her expression fierce and determined.

"I need to ask you some questions," she said firmly, her voice leaving no room for refusal. She wanted answers, and she wasn't going to let him go until she got them. "How old are you?" Aries said, sitting down. Jaxon cleared his throat. "Twenty-six," he replied.

Aries raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Jaxon's response. "Just a few years older than me," she noted, her tone thoughtful.

Jaxon shifted uncomfortably in his chair, avoiding Aries' gaze. "Look, can we get this over with? I don't have all day," he grumbled, still feeling the effects of the confrontation and the bruise forming on his face. Aries fixed her penetrating gaze on Jaxon as she leaned forward, placing her hands firmly on the table. Her violet eyes exuded an intimidating aura, capable of unsettling even the bravest of warriors. Jaxon visibly shrank back, overcome with fear at the prospect of what Aries might do.

"Jaxon, do you know what a Demhi is?" Aries inquired, her voice unwavering, yet carrying an underlying sense of danger.

"Y-yes, I do," Jaxon replied, his voice wavering with trepidation. "But only one is left, and no one has seen them in decades."

Aries nodded, absorbing the information with a measured expression. "Good. Well, you know what else? They are immortal," she stated, her tone steady and menacing. Without breaking eye contact, she deftly pulled out a knife and twisted it between her fingers, mesmerized by the glint of light reflecting off the razor-sharp blade.

The tension in the room was palpable, and Jaxon's nervousness only intensified. His legs bounced nervously under the table, and he was clearly more worried about Aries possibly harming him than being captured.

"no-no-nnoo. I did not," Jaxon stammered, trying to assure Aries that he was not a Demhi.

Despite the frustration of her prolonged search for the elusive Demhi, Aries maintained her composure. She knew she couldn't let her emotions cloud her judgment. It's not him. The voice said in her head. A sense of exhaustion washed over Aries as she set the knife down, her adrenaline-fueled encounter with Jaxon finally coming to a close. She couldn't help but acknowledge the persistent voice in her head that had guided her instincts throughout her journey. It had often proven right, even when she had doubted it.

"You may go, but do not say a word about me to anyone," she warned Jaxon with a stern gaze, ensuring he understood the gravity of the situation. With shaky steps, he hurriedly left the room, leaving Aries to her own thoughts.

Alone in the now empty room, Aries couldn't shake the feeling of unease. She had always been strong and self-reliant, but for the first time, she keenly felt the absence of Kalden's presence. He had gone off to run some errands, though she had no idea what they were.

After a day's absence, Kalden returned with a collection of goods, a lopsided grin on his face. Finding Aries at a small table, engrossed in her drawing, he was met with a quizzical raise of her eyebrows, silently inquiring about his endeavors. Returning her smile, he exclaimed, "I bought some remarkable items," as he set down the bags. From the assortment, he carefully presented a long, elegantly wrapped package, offering it to her with a curious expression. Encouraging her to unveil the gift, he said, "Open it," with evident eagerness.

Aries cautiously unwrapped the parchment, revealing a finely crafted sword within. Taken aback, she looked at Kalden, who watched her with anticipation. Drawing the sword from its sheath, she stood up, testing its weight and feeling the thrill of the weapon in her hands. "Wow...it's impressive," she remarked, examining the intricately adorned handle and sheath, which bore symbols honoring Thana.

Kalden's voice remained steady as he clarified, "It's...for you." A look of awe adorned Aries' face as she questioned in surprise, "Really? No one has given me a gift since my childhood." He sheepishly scratched the back of his head and nodded, "Thank you."

As they stood there, the contrast between the new sword and her old one propped in the corner became evident. Kalden explained, "Yours was rusty at the edges, and it was chipping. I came across a skilled blacksmith while I was out, and he had just finished crafting this one," referring to the sword he had just bestowed upon her.

Overwhelmed by the thoughtful gesture, Aries expressed her gratitude once more, still touched by the rarity of such a heartfelt gift. In this moment, their bond strengthened, solidifying their friendship and shared journey. The symbolic sword marked a turning point in their adventure, uniting them as allies, bolstered by trust and camaraderie.