Bought by the Beast King (Katerina and hunter) novel Chapter 56

**Leaves Falling Like Promises**
**By Amara Grant**
**Chapter 56**

**ΚΑΤ**

What if I simply surrendered? What if I tore off this mask, this facade, and walked straight to Kostas? I wouldn’t even need to utter a word; Kostas would recognize me instantly, even with my altered hair and eyes. I could just return home and pretend that I had never crossed paths with Mr. Rivers. Or Hunter.

The thought of freedom washed over me like a balm.

I remained hidden behind the curtain, my heart racing as I awaited the announcer to call my name. Beside me stood Mr. Rivers, his expression a stoic mask. He had remained this way ever since he summoned me from the confines of his bedroom. I had likely angered him by resisting his attempts to charm me, if that was indeed his intention.

But I couldn’t allow myself to dwell on that. The pain from the night I fled my apartment still lingered, yet I felt oddly detached. The uproar of the crowd surrounding me failed to ignite my usual anxiety. Still, this night had twisted something deep within me. I felt like a mere pawn in a game far beyond my control—someone expendable. I had wrestled with similar feelings in my family, yet at least they had loved me. They must have had their reasons for raising me the way they did. It was never about wealth or amusement.

“Your brother’s got a ringside seat. Make him proud,” Mr. Rivers remarked, his eyes never leaving the ground as he delivered that jab.

“Or perhaps I’ll just head home tonight. I’m sure my father would be quite interested to learn about your little blackmail scheme,” I shot back, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

“You have no idea why I’m so self-assured, Princess. I’d love to see you try,” he retorted, but even his threat failed to pierce through my numbness. I had already surmised that he harbored some grudge against my family; otherwise, he would have returned me home the moment he found me.

Suddenly, music blared through the arena, jolting me from my thoughts. The announcer’s voice boomed, introducing me to the crowd. Unlike the last time, when I had stepped forward to silence, this time they erupted with my name, a chorus echoing like thunder.

I glanced down at my outfit once more, a heavy sigh escaping my lips. The shorts were scandalously short, barely covering me. Mr. Rivers had insisted on knee-high boots to complete the ensemble. Perhaps I would have appreciated them under different circumstances, but knowing they were a gift from my enemy soured them.

With one final check of the ridiculous mask, I pushed the curtains aside and stepped into the spotlight, avoiding eye contact with the audience. Yet I couldn’t ignore the fact that the crowd had doubled since my last appearance. It felt even less personal, more like a spectacle. Was Mr. Rivers deliberately trying to expose me?

My opponent loomed in the ring, a colossal figure, even larger than Nero. He prowled one side of the mat, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that sent chills down my spine. Nero had underestimated me, but this man seemed all too aware of my reputation. I had lost the advantage of surprise.

And that realization filled me with dread.

Still, fear of physical pain wasn’t what gripped me. It was the knowledge that my brother was mere meters away. The desire to seek him out surged within me, growing stronger with each passing second, drowning out even the chants of the audience. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Mr. Rivers moving around the ring, undoubtedly making his way to my brother’s side.

My heart raced with panic. I turned my head slowly, following Mr. Rivers’ path. His expression remained serious, his focus unwavering. And then he settled into a chair right next to Kostas. My breath caught in my throat. My brother looked worse than before, sorrow etched into his features, deep lines marking his face and making him appear older than his years. I could almost feel his anguish radiating toward me.

Did I—

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