I came to this dust-choked yard to sponsor a fighter capable of winning the imperial purse and anchoring my position against rivals, yet Willa Eldridge's corded strength and rare softened smile have cracked the poise I rely upon to survive in a man's world.

Her protectiveness emerges in sudden intensity during our hidden moments, where the noblewoman who funds the ludus submits to the fighter whose command erases every title and leaves only raw need between us.

The line we cross next will either buy our freedom or expose the secret that could destroy everything we have fought to protect. I tell myself I hold the purse and the power here. Then the armory door locks behind me.