The dinner unfolded amid an atmosphere laden with unresolved tensions and hidden rivalries. Ethan, although still feeling like an outsider in that place, began to understand the complexities of the relationships between the chosen ones. Yassmin, always composed and self-assured, did not let Aria's provocations affect her, but Ethan could see the effort it took for her to maintain her calm.
As the main courses were served, Aria did not miss an opportunity to make sarcastic comments directed at Yassmin and, by extension, at Ethan.
"It must be hard for you, Yassmin, to keep such a weak man by your side. Well, I suppose he has a pretty face; how about lending him to me for a while so I can have some fun with him?" said Aria, her voice dripping with irony.
Yassmin smiled serenely, although her eyes shone with restrained defiance.
"Sorry, but I'd feel bad for him, you know how they say, those who delight in Osiris's feast see every day's bread as a tasteless stone," replied Yassmin, her voice soft but cutting.
Tariq, for his part, continued to watch the scene with a calm attention, as if he were spectating an interesting show.
Rashaad, however, could not resist joining the conversation in a desperate attempt to win Aria's approval.
"Yassmin, not everyone has the privilege of having Aria's wisdom and beauty. You should take her advice," said Rashaad, his tone ingratiating.
Ethan felt an urge to respond, but Yassmin gave him a subtle signal to remain calm.
"Thank you for the advice, Rashaad. It's always interesting to hear different points of view," said Yassmin, not losing her composure.
However, Rashaad, seeking to impress Aria, decided to take his comments a step further.
"Of course, I suppose some people like to settle for what they can get. Not everyone can have someone as... refined as Aria," he added, casting a disdainful look at Ethan.
Ethan, who had maintained a reserved attitude up to that point, could not help but respond to such a slight.
"Perhaps you should take their advice, dear," said Ethan with a calm smile, "you shouldn't be greedy and let your friend have a taste of a real man, poor thing if she has to settle for something so... small," he concluded, looking directly at Rashaad.
The room fell silent for a moment as Rashaad blinked, trying to process the public humiliation he had just suffered. His face turned red with anger and embarrassment, and the restrained laughter of some attendees did not help ease his frustration.
"You...!" exclaimed Rashaad, his voice trembling with fury. "We'll see if your words carry as much weight when we face each other. I challenge you to a duel!"
Ethan straightened up, looking at him with a mix of pity and disdain.
"I have no interest in wasting my time with someone who only seeks to 'inflate' his ego," said Ethan, taking advantage of the situation.
"Are you afraid?" responded Rashaad, his voice laden with contempt. "Is it that you know you're no match for me? I suppose those who bark the most bite the least."
Ethan sighed, aware that he could not ignore a direct provocation in this setting without losing the respect of those around him. He looked at Yassmin, who nodded slightly, giving her approval to accept the challenge.
"Alright, little one," Ethan finally said. "I accept your challenge. But remember, there are consequences for every action we take, and I hope you're prepared to face yours."
The tension in the room was palpable, and all eyes were now fixed on Ethan and Rashaad. The promise of a duel filled the air with dangerous anticipation, and Ethan knew he would have to be prepared for what was to come. As the night progressed, the duel between Ethan and Rashaad became the main topic of conversation, and the dinner, which had begun with silent tensions, ended with a promise of confrontation and challenges ahead.
At the end of the night, as they retired to their rooms, Yassmin turned to Ethan with a tired expression. She did not understand why Ethan had ignored her signal to remain calm, and she scolded him for it.
"I know, I apologize for my actions. It's a problem I've had since Ethan and Apophis merged; my emotions get out of control easily," he said, his voice heavy with seriousness.
Yassmin nodded, aware that merging with a demon would not come cheap. But in these statements, she saw an opportunity. She knew that Ethan had agreed to come with her and even marry her only for the benefits such a union would grant him. And if she really wanted him to be part of her forces, she had to bind him with something more than just benefits.
Now, knowing that Ethan had trouble controlling his impulses, Yassmin was going to take advantage of it to seduce him. She approached him with a captivating look and a smile that promised more than it said. She slid her fingers gently along his arm, getting close enough for him to smell her intoxicating perfume.
"Ethan," she said in a silky voice, her eyes shining with a mix of desire and cunning, "I know tonight has been intense, but I want you to know that I'm here for you, in every way. We may be surrounded by challenges and enemies, but we can find comfort and strength in each other."
Her words were laden with a clear insinuation, and her proximity was deliberately intimate. Yassmin moved her hand to Ethan's chest, her fingers lightly brushing his skin through the fabric of his shirt.
"You don't have to face all of this alone. Together, we can overcome anything," she continued, leaning a bit closer, her lips just a few inches from his.