CHAPTER 60
Falling Hard
ARIENNE CALLOWAY
I pressed the back of my glove against my mouth, subtly wiping away the blood before stepping back into my corner. My breathing was ragged, my body screaming at me to stop.
My leg throbbedâthe pain sharper nowâbut I forced myself to stand tall.
Across from me, Kade smirked. He thought he had me.
He thought I was done.
The bell rang for Round Three.
Kade lunged, aiming straight for my ribs again. I tried to dodge, but my ankle gave out for a split secondâjust enough time for his punch to connect.
I choked on my breath as pain exploded through my side. My vision blurred at the edges, and my knees buckled.
I was going to fall.
Noâ
I couldn't fall.
Not here.
Not now.
I clenched my jaw, pushing through the pain as I staggered back. My father's voice echoed in my head.
"You are strong, Ari. But strength isn't just about how hard you hitâit's about how hard you fight when you're at your limit."
He had built thisâthis legacyâfrom nothing. Had spent his life making sure I had the skills to carry it forward.
I refused to let it slip through my fingers.
I met Kade's gaze, straightening my stance.
His smirk faltered.
I exhaled slowly, shaking out my arms.
Then, I charged.
He threw a punch, but this time, I saw it coming.
I dodged, twisting at the last second, my body moving on pure instinct. Before he could react, I slammed my fist into his gut, my entire weight behind it.
He staggered.
I didn't let him recover.
A sharp roundhouse kick to his ribs had him gasping for air. His guard droppedâ
I spun, throwing a final, brutal strike to his jaw.
His head snapped back. His body swayedâ
And then, he collapsed.
The arena fell silent.
The referee stepped forward, counting.
"One... Two... Three..."
Kade didn't move.
"Four... Five... Six..."
I took a shaky breath, my hands still raised.
"Seven... Eight... Nine..."
The crowd began to murmurâ
"Ten!"
The bell rang.
Round Three: WinnerâGoddess.