Is this destiny?

Iskra saw that Igor is furious and she took a step back reflexively. So far, Igor never talked back and she didn't expect this. "Igor, it's not like that."

"And how is it? Do you really care if it's me or Dusan or Lazar or anyone else from your base? As long as one of us gets into top ten, your status will be elevated." Igor turned to Dusan and Lazar (aka his teammates). "You are OK with this? Now it's me and the next time, it will be one of you. You know that Iskra made deals with Branko, Davor, Olivera, and Zorka? And she probably made deals with a few others as well. They each want a spot in top ten and Alex is a problem because he is climbing the ranks as an outsider."

"Those are some big words, Igor.", Iskra squeezed through her teeth. How dares he oppose her in front of all these people? "Are you sure you can handle the consequences?"

Igor straightened his back and towered above Iskra. "And what can you do?"

Iskra opened her mouth and closed it, unsure what to say. Igor is glaring at her and if he hits her, she will be instantly hospitalized. She would be bolder if she has her guns, but they took them all away when they reached this blasted base.

Iskra watched as Igor walked away and she could not believe that he rebelled.

"Well, it seems that Igor is not willing…", Branko said. "Now what? If we can't eliminate Alex, who will lose their spot?"

…

While drama behind the cafeteria was unfolding, Sarah and Aiden were in their room.

Since they don't have much to do until the fight starts, after lunch they decided to be lazy in bed.

Sarah snuggled next to Aiden and listened to his ideas about their second wedding that ranged from something intimate on a private island to a massive event where half of the country will be invited.

Sarah was not sure if Aiden is serious because every day he would give her several options, one more over the top than the other, but she knew that he is enjoying, and she loves the sound of his voice that is soothing her soul. He has the power to make every place feel like Heaven on Earth, even when they are in the middle of the Voronin territory.

"I'm not sure if we want so many people on our property... we can ask Anna to use her Golden Ocean Resort. It has a lot of space, accommodation and it comes with restaurants and a spa… We can have one thousand guests… We will invite friends, family, allies, the Army of Chaos… everyone who is someone and who touched our lives in any way will be present… You will wear a massive princess-style gown embellished with diamonds from our mines… And Felix can design a crown for you… Kids will perform… We will get your favorite band…"

"Will you sing for me?", Sarah interrupted him.

Aiden paused and Sarah could see that he is undergoing internal agony.

"Yes.", he said after a long silence. "I will do everything you like."

Sarah giggled, happy that he is ready to indulge her, even though she would not ask him to sing in front of others because she knows that he is uncomfortable. His enchanting deep voice is something only for her to hear and Sarah sees that as one ultra-secret, never to be revealed to anyone else.

Sarah kissed him and spoke against his lips. "We will not do everything I like in public. Some things are only for the two of us."

His mischievous expression betrayed that he is thinking about carnal pleasures. "The private things will be for after-party."

Aiden rubbed her belly and reminded her: "It will be the three of us."

Sarah placed her palm over his hand and hummed in agreement.

"Continue, please.", she urged him.

"I will pick you up in a carriage pulled by four snow-white stallions… I would pick you up while riding on a mighty steed, but because you are pregnant, we will go with a safer option…" Aiden stopped talking because Sarah was giggling uncontrollably.

"What's funny?"

Sarah wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes before responding: "A mighty steed?"

"Of course! Only a mighty steed can carry your mighty husband."

Sarah had another fit of giggles.

Aiden laughed with her. Her happy-sounds were music to his ears.

"Sorry, sorry…", Sarah said when she caught her breath. "Continue please…"

Aiden faked that he is offended by her giggly interruption. "Hmph! Where was I? … Ah, yes… Butterflies during the day, and we will release a million of fireflies at night… We will dance… Massive fireworks…"

Aiden frowned at the sound of knocking at the door. Who could it be? This is their relaxing lovey-dovey time! But the only person who came to that room other than Sarah and Aiden was Hong, and they can't ignore Hong.

Out of respect, Aiden sat up on the edge of the bed. "You stay down and rest…", he urged Sarah.

"I'm fine.", Sarah said while taking a seat next to Aiden. "Come in…"

Both Sarah and Aiden froze at the sight of the mountain-man peeking through the gap when the door cracked open.

Aiden bolted to his feet and blocked Sarah with his body before asking in a stern voice: "Why are you here?"

Igor lifted his hands defensively. "To talk. Nothing more."

Sarah put her hand over Aiden's. "Let's hear him out."

Aiden remembered that Hong and Sarah have a theory that Igor will abandon Iskra and want to join them, but Aiden is not so optimistic. How Aiden sees it, everyone is a threat. And after hearing Hong's story, he does not trust him completely either. Actually, Aiden does not trust anyone because this is about Sarah and his child and he needs to be extra-vigilant for all three of them since Sarah is too easy-going.

After a long session of scrutinizing the intruder (how Aiden saw him), Aiden responded with a reserved nod before allowing Sarah to pull him back on the bed, next to her.

Igor introduced himself and sat on the bed opposite from Sarah and Aiden. There was no other furniture, and he knows that when he stands, he looks intimidating due to his height (and width).

"Uhm… You were right.", Igor broke the silence. He saw that Sarah and Aiden are observing him expectantly and he continued: "Iskra asked me to provoke you so that we get into an open quarrel and we get disqualified. She has a deal with several other bosses on who will claim the top ten positions and you are jeopardizing those deals. They are in a rush to get rid of you because they fear that as the number of fighters is reducing, big shots will start paying attention and you will catch someone's eye. I refused to let her use me, but that does not mean that someone else will not take my place."

"Why are you telling us this?", Sarah asked.

Igor fidgeted. He was obviously uncomfortable. "You said that if I want someone who will appreciate me… I can come…"

Sarah shot a side-glance at Aiden and he knew that she is telling him 'I told you so…'.

Aiden rolled his eyes. Sarah is enjoying this too much. He narrowed his eyes at Igor. "How can we trust you?"

"I don't know what it takes to earn your trust. You are welcome to test me."

Sarah was ready for serious talk. "What are your expectations?"

Igor was confused by this question. "My expectations?"

---

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