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She turned away from the market, her feet carrying her back toward the main road that led to Raxen's estate. The logical part of her brain knew she should head back, apologize for storming out, and find a way to work together despite their rocky start. The emotional part whispered that she was setting herself up for another disappointment, another betrayal.

But what if I'm wrong? What if⁠—

Suddenly, a low, rumbling growl froze her blood.

Amara spun around, her heart slamming against her ribs as she spotted the lion stalking toward her across the purple grass. Not the magnificent golden creature she'd expected, but something darker, leaner, with eyes that held a malevolent intelligence that made her skin crawl.

"Help!" The word tore from her throat as she stumbled backward. "Someone help me!"

But the market was too far behind her now, and the estate stretched at least a mile ahead. The lion's lips pulled back in what could only be described as a snarl, revealing teeth that could tear her apart without effort.

I'm going to die on an alien planet because I was too stubborn to stay put.

Her legs moved before her brain caught up, carrying her in a desperate sprint toward the estate. Her heels caught on the uneven ground, and she kicked them off without breaking stride, her bare feet slapping against the stone pathway as the lion's heavy paws thundered behind her.

I can't outrun a lion.

Her lungs burned as she pushed herself harder than she'd ever pushed before, but she could hear the creature gaining on her with every step. The estate's elegant facade grew larger in her vision, but not fast enough.

This is how I die. Alone on Nova Aurora because I was too proud to⁠—

Another roar suddenly split the air—deeper, more powerful, and somehow familiar in a way that made her chest tighten with recognition. A massive golden lion burst from the direction of the estate, his black-golden mane flowing like liquid metal as he charged toward her with single-minded determination.

Even in his lion form, Raxen's piercing blue eyes were unmistakable. Relief flooded through her as he launched himself at her attacker, the two lions colliding in a tangle of claws and fangs that made the ground tremble beneath her feet. She skidded to a stop, breathing in harsh gasps as she watched Raxen fight for her. His opponent was smaller but vicious, landing several deep scratches across Raxen's shoulder and front leg, drawing bright red blood against his golden fur.

No. He's getting hurt because of me.

The dark lion twisted, trying to sink its teeth into Raxen's throat, but Raxen was faster and stronger. He pinned the creature with his massive paws and delivered a killing bite that ended the threat with brutal efficiency.

The silence that followed felt deafening.

Then Raxen's lion form shimmered, the golden fur and powerful muscles melting away like water until he stood before her in human form, naked, bleeding, and absolutely magnificent in the Nova Auroran sunlight.

Don't stare. Oh my God, don't stare.

But how could she not? The man was built like a warrior from an ancient legend: broad shoulders, lean muscle, and tan skin that seemed to glow in the golden light. Blood trickled from the scratches on his shoulder and arm, but he seemed completely unconcerned about his nudity or his injuries as he stepped toward her.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

His deep voice carried the same protective edge she'd heard in the conference room, but this time it made her chest flutter instead of her temper flaring. Without thinking, she shrugged out of her white blazer and held it out to him, trying to keep her gaze fixed on his face instead of... other things.

"I'm fine, but you're hurt." Her words came out shakier than she'd intended. "We need to get back to the estate and treat those wounds."

Raxen accepted the blazer with a sheepish grin that transformed his entire face, making him look younger and less intimidating despite the blood streaking his skin. "It's nothing. Just minor scratches."

"No." She stepped closer, her protective instincts overriding her physical awareness as she examined the wounds. "You're bleeding. These need attention."

"It's minor," he repeated.

She looked up at him. "Raxen, are you always this stubborn?"

Something shifted in his blue eyes—surprise, maybe, or recognition. "Alright. Let's head back, and I'll tend to these wounds first thing."

"I'll help you," she said before she could stop herself.

He didn't argue, and they began walking back toward the estate. The adrenaline faded, leaving behind a strange mix of gratitude and guilt that made her chest feel tight.

"Amara." His voice was quiet, almost hesitant. "I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry I didn't give you a chance to prove how great I know you are. And I'm sorry I didn't rush after you."