A pair of cunning eyes shimmered with barely concealed fear and unease.
He was charming without being delicate, alluring without being ostentatious—every movement carried a quiet, dangerous magnetism.
Dax was simply impossible to ignore. Rory could practically hear the thundering rush of her own heartbeat, loud enough to betray her thoughts.
"Ahem!" She cleared her throat sharply and turned her gaze aside, forcing herself to look anywhere but at him.
"It's not that I don't like you," she said, carefully choosing her words. "I just feel guilty. You've clearly been through a lot, and I think you should rest first."
From the very beginning, Rory had doubted that this man had truly come to be her partner. Yes, he was strikingly handsome—but looks alone meant nothing in the beast world.
Beauty didn't guarantee survival. Five harsh years among the stars had carved caution into her bones. She'd been deceived too many times to lower her guard now. Until she fully understood Dax's real intentions, distance was her safest option.
"Really?" Dax's eyes brightened instantly, as though her explanation had poured warmth straight into his chest. His expression softened, almost boyish, the kind that tugged at sympathy without effort.
"You really don't hate me?" he asked eagerly. "But I'm only Rank 5. My talent is weak, my family ignores me, and I don't have any assets. I won't be able to help you in the future at all."
In truth, he was Rank 8—his strength deliberately suppressed with drugs so he could present himself as harmless and useless. He knew that females liked to abuse strong beasts, thus, he was eager to do anything to prevent it from happening to him.
Rory studied his anxious, pitiful expression closely. His performance had improved tremendously.
Nearly flawless. Beneath his self-deprecating words, though, was a subtle implication: he was poor, powerless, and intended to rely on her entirely.
Mooching, she could tolerate. With a face like his, even keeping him around as decoration would be worth an extra sandwich at dinner.
What she feared were hidden motives lurking beneath the surface. Keeping her composure, Rory offered a faint, measured smile. "I don't mind," she replied calmly. "Once we're together, I'll earn star coins and take care of you."
No partnership, no benefits. The terms were clear.
Dax was left momentarily speechless, his thoughts stalling.
She's really selling me a dream, he thought grimly. Take care of me once we're together? So if it never happens, I get nothing? A sharp, humorless laugh echoed in his mind. I'm used to handing out illusions—not being trapped by one.
He stepped closer anyway, visibly moved, and gently took Rory's hand. Her scent was intoxicating, warm and clean, and her fingers were soft beneath his touch.
"You're incredible," he murmured sincerely. "I'm so grateful the Beast God matched me with you. I wish we could be together right away." His voice dropped regretfully. "But I'm still injured. I can't stay by your side yet. You won't be angry, will you?"
"Of course not," Rory answered without hesitation. "I feel terrible about your injuries. Just rest for now. There's no rush for us."
Acting, huh? she thought coolly. Fine. I can play along too. Let's see who slips first.
Just as Rory finished speaking, her light-brain vibrated with an incoming message from Gina, asking her to come over.
Rory glanced back at Dax. "You traveled all the way from Central District while injured. You must be exhausted," she said gently. "Aside from the largest rooms on the second and third floors, you can choose any other room in the villa to rest."
Dax's sharp gaze swept across the villa interior. The furnishings were modest, functional at best.
Definitely broke, he concluded.
With so many empty rooms, it was obvious the other matches hadn't arrived yet. He curled a finger lightly around Rory's, his tone hesitant and shy. "If I choose a room, I won't be taking someone else's, right? Even if we're all like brothers, it wouldn't feel right."
Rory smoothly withdrew her hand. "Most of them aren't here yet. Just pick whichever room you like."
Dax chuckled inwardly.
Just as I thought—the others haven't shown up. Maybe they didn't want this "broken" partner either. That wouldn't do at all. He still intended to wring star coins from every one of them. They had to appear.
"Can I take a room on the second floor?" he asked softly, eyes wide and hopeful. "I want to be closer to you."
"Sure," Rory replied evenly. "All the rooms are clean. Pick one and rest. I have something to take care of and need to head out."
Dax froze mid-step. "You're leaving? Where are you going? I'll come with you."
"I'm visiting another female," Rory said calmly. "It wouldn't be appropriate for you to come. Stay here and rest."
Males were territorial by nature—they despised outsiders encroaching on their space. Since Gina was female, it wouldn't be an issue. But if Dax went along, he'd be stuck waiting outside. The thought made his irritation flare instantly. There was no way he was standing in the heat like a guard dog.
"…Alright," he said at last, forcing a gentle smile. "Be safe. I'll wait for you to come back."