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“You’re breaking a curse,” Tony repeated, trying to make sense of the words. Most of the times gladiators were in the arena because they were cursed. This was unexpected. “And you’re still here because you haven’t fulfilled the terms.”
Strange took another sip of his drink. “Essentially.”
Tony pursed his lips. “Right. So, we need to break the curse and then your contract breaks.” He paused. “What is the curse?” That gave Tony somewhere to start, at least, in his bid to give Strange his freedom.
Strange’s gaze went distant. “My sister is… trapped,” he said. “The details don’t concern you.” Annoying, but fair enough. “And…” Strange sighed. “I can’t actually tell you how to break the curse.”
“You can’t tell—” Tony cut off, frustration welling in his chest. “That doesn’t help.” How was he supposed to free Strange if Strange couldn’t tell him how to!? “No hints?”
That earned him a wry smile. “None I would be willing to risk.”
Of course Strange wouldn’t risk it if his sister’s freedom was on the line. Still entirely inconvenient for Tony, though.
“Just tell me this,” Tony said. “Is there anything I can do?” Or would he and Strange both be better off with Tony gifting him onto another owner.
“Don’t trade me on,” Strange said. “Let me fight for you.”
Tony stiffened. “I told you, I will have no more innocents dying for me.”
“I don’t plan to die.” Strange said it as though it were truly that simple.
It was entirely besides the point, however. Tony shook his head. “If there’s nothing I can do to help—”
“I told you, don’t gift me on to someone else,” Stephen said. “That’s how you can help.”
Tony rubbed at his forehead, exhausted. “Strange...”
“Please,” Strange interrupted, voice quiet. “Let me fight."