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—

The ring trembled beneath me, and my attention snapped back to my opponent, who had recovered and was charging toward me. My anger flared, and I saw red. My vision sharpened, catching the quiver of his lip as he snarled, the pulsing vein on his temple, the way his hand twitched just before he formed a fist. It felt as if he were barreling toward me in slow motion.

I had no time to contemplate my next move as I sprang to my feet and dodged him. Before he could pivot, I was upon him, allowing my fury to take control. Every punch, every elbow, every kick was directed at Mr. Rivers. My body moved instinctively, flowing into the various fighting styles Mal had drilled into me, each strike wearing the larger man down until he began to retreat, until I saw blood. Until he dropped to his knees before me.

I didn’t relent until he lay still. Until someone yanked me away from him.

Only then did the roar of the crowd pierce through my rage. The sound was so loud and sudden that it felt like a physical blow to my senses. My eyes widened as I scanned the audience, searching for threats, already poised to fight again. The dazzling lights overhead blinded me, and my skin began to itch. The overwhelming stench of hundreds of bodies assaulted my nostrils, and bile surged in my throat.

I stumbled backward until I hit the ropes. This felt all too familiar. This had happened before, just before my eighteenth birthday.

Someone gripped my arms, forcing my attention to them.

It was Mr. Rivers. Instead of his usual cold demeanor or a mocking smirk, I saw something entirely new on his face. His eyes searched mine, a frown creasing his brow. Was he… worried?

“I have to get you out of here,” he said, his tone urgent.