Chapter 11

I paced in a circle, bouncing every few feet. Giving my arms a shake, I nodded to Daxx. She raised the pad again, bracing her feet for the hits. I stepped into it, threw a few jabs, then an elbow-jab combo. Pacing away, I rolled my shoulders.

“I prefer the upper body warmup.” She said, her voice echoing through the earpiece in my ear.

No one expected me to reply. I had the earpiece in just for distraction, so my nerves didn’t get to me.

Joe was sitting on the bench and watching. We were at the secret location now waiting on the go. I don’t know what it used to be, but it was and old stone building with arched entryways like a castle might have had.

Rafael was outside watching for my opponents, but they hadn’t arrived yet.

Troy and Michael stood just outside the makeshift dressing room I’d been given.

“I’ll go see what the holdup is.” Joe got up and hobbled out the door.

“Quinton you in place?” Troy asked in a quiet voice.

“Yeah, had to come in with the rush.” He said quietly.

“Then you’ll appear to be one of the pervs coming to see the chick fight.” Leone said with a distasteful tone in his voice.

“Crystal isn’t changing color, so no magic in the building.” Quinton said quickly. “Other than what is used on us.”

“No one familiar out here.” Alona reported. “They have lookouts on the corners watching for police.”

“As soon as the fight starts, you and cutie get to the building and watch the alley. Make sure they don’t have backup hiding somewhere.” Chase said.

“We will.” Crissy answered.

“Group of large bodies coming in the south entrance.” Arius said softly. “Heading to you.”

“Bert-Joe is talking to some nasty people.” Bethany reported. “Want me to blast them?”

I grinned to that. “He can handle himself. He’s old, but respected. He didn’t get that limp sitting behind a desk.”

“Okay, but I’m watching them anyway.” Beth said quietly.

Someone chuckled.

“Easy there, sparky, no stealing the limelight from killer.”

I turned to look at Daxx, she rolled her eyes.

“Less talk.” Michael said abruptly.

“Joe is heading back your way.” Beth said.

Michael walked in. I still couldn’t believe they were walking around with swords on their backs and dressed for war and no one noticed. I wonder how he looked to everyone else after Clairee’s spell. The vibes coming off Michal today were lethal. I unzipped the long hoodie I wore to warm up in and shrugged out of it.

“What the hell are you wearing?” He growled, as he took out his earpiece.

“Well.” Alona said.

I looked down at the tights and sports bra I was wearing, then looked back to him. “After I got stabbed, Joe insists on no bulky clothing—so no one can hide weapons.” I motioned down my body. “Can’t expect them to comply if I’m in a snowsuit. We wrap our hands in front of each other too.”

Someone chuckled in my ear.

Michael’s gaze was still locked on me.

I pulled out the earpiece and moved, stopping right in front of him. I touched his chest. “I can’t be distracted by your tense vibes.” I said quietly. “I need the iceman right now.”

The muscle in his jaw pulsed. He nodded and jammed his earpiece in again.

Troy stood in the door watching him carefully. He gave me a curious look.

I nodded. I was good.

“Okay guys, taking out my earpiece now.”

“You got this, sis. First one is a little guy, I don’t see the second yet.” Rafael said.

“Thanks. I’m not worried, I’ll just use the pent-up sexual frustration to my advantage.” I said, watching Michael as he turned to look at me. I pulled the piece out and handed it to Daxx.

Joe came in. “Second one,” he made quotes in the air, “is a surprise. First one is just a warmup.”

I nodded, bouncing up and down. “Take him down fast?”

“Yeah, conserve energy for the surprise.”

“Got it.” I rolled my shoulders. “Let’s do this.”

Joe turned and almost walked into Troy. He grinned up at him. “Sure you don’t want to fight?”

Troy smirked. “Probably wouldn’t be good at it.”

Joe snorted. “Your size doesn’t need skill.” He turned and led the way to the platform.

I kept my feet moving as Joe wrapped my hands and wrists.

Michael didn’t take his eyes off my opponent as his hands were being wrapped.

The definition of small was still bigger than I was. Then again at five foot six, that applied to most of those I fought.

Joe finished, then turned to watch them. He shook his head. “They think twisting the wrap does more damage.” He glanced to Daxx. “It does, to the fighter’s hands.” He gave me a quick nod. “Do your thing.”

I bobbed my head, not in the mood for words.

“Second one arrived. No one could get a look at him.” Daxx said quietly.

I nodded and motioned to the stairs.

Troy leaned down and spoke next to my ear. “You get knocked off the platform, you lose?”

“Yeah.”

“Then don’t get knocked off.” He said in a low tone.

I grinned. “That’s the plan.” I looked at Michael. “Just keep iceman off the platform.”

Michael’s blue gaze was locked on mine. He gave me a slight nod, then followed Troy off the platform.

The raised platform was fifteen feet wide and just as long, not a big space if you stopped to think about it. Which I tried not to do. Rick, the guy that officiated these events didn’t even stay on with the fighters.

He turned and looked, asking if I was ready. I nodded.

He did the same to the man bouncing around like he was in dance class.

When Rick stepped off the platform, the fight began. I had a few seconds to assess my opponent and pick out his weaknesses.

Rick went down the steps.

The kangaroo across from me danced around the edge of the platform, slowly working his way to the center. When he got close enough, I decided it was time to disable that hop of his. I swung my left hand, then as he went to block, I did a sweep of his legs. He was down. Before he could get up, I executed a quick crescent kick and clipped him in the jaw. He fell back, then rolled dangerously close to the edge.

It was too soon to take him out though, I knew this. A dissatisfied crowd was more dangerous than the fight.

He was back on his feet, not bouncing, as he came at me. He was mad, which I could also use to my advantage. Emotions had no place in a fight. With a growl he lunged and swung for my face. I blocked with my arm and jabbed him in the face with my other hand. Stepping out of the way of his next wild swing, I faked a side kick, then ducked to sweep his feet out from under him again. He went down hard this time.

The crowd was yelling for me to take him down, so I knew it was time.

He got to one knee, I leapt toward him, and landing in the perfect position for a roundhouse kick. My foot connected. As I snapped my head around to follow though, I saw he was only a few inches from the edge. Adjusting quickly, I landed my foot under his chin and he toppled headfirst off the platform.

The crowd loved it. Even they recognized he was a complete novice trying to impress by fighting a girl.

Rick was on the platform now. He grabbed my wrist and held my arm up, turning us slowly.

Someone caught my eye, standing back in the shadows. I turned to glance that way again, then changed my mind. I didn’t want to draw attention to the fact I saw them. Pulling my arm free, I went over to the stairs. Joe reached up and handed me my water. I took it and stood up, taking small sips and checking out the crowd.

She was here.

Turning, I squatted down, handing the water back. Michael was the closet, so I grabbed the back of his head and pulled it toward me until our foreheads touched. “Red headed bitch is standing under the sign beside the entrance.” I said.

His blue eyes locked on mine.

Troy put his hand on Michael’s shoulder as I straightened. “We play it out, brother. Quint and Arius are close to her.”

Michael nodded, his eyes connecting with mine. He gave me a nod.

I stood up. I kept moving around the platform. Glancing to the entrance, I checked to see if the second guy was coming yet. Pausing, I rolled my head from side to side. I thought I’d seen little green lights in the dark hall. Then the second opponent walked out into the light.

“Shit.” I said softly. He was the size of a truck. A dump truck. I turned and frowned at Daxx. She came up the first few steps. I pranced her way, trying to keep my muscles moving. “Are there green eyes? I swear I just saw green eyes on that mountain walking to the platform.”

“Fuck. Next one has green eyes.” She said so the others heard.

Michael was up the stairs in two steps. He grabbed my wrist, like he was fixing the wrap, in plain sight of everyone coming up the other side. “Green eyes mean one of two things.” He glanced at me briefly. “They want to weaken you to grab you later, or they have bet to win.” He turned my hand over, to appear he was checking the wrap. “Do not let him touch you.”

I glanced at the very large man. “Like hit me?” I scowled when I noticed he wasn’t getting his hands wrapped, wondering if I could use that to my advantage somehow.

Michael gave a slight shake of his head then put his hand on my shoulder. He squeezed. “Like that, on any bare skin.”

I nodded. “Okay, no touching.”

“Autumn, say the word and we’ll get you out.”

I dragged my eyes from his serious ones and glanced at Troy. He was talking, obviously giving orders. “I’m good. We have to play this out, right? To get her.”

I could see the indecision in his eyes.

“We can get her another time.” He clenched his jaw and looked down at Troy.

Troy looked at me, his face clearly showing it was my call.

“I’m going to do it.” I nodded. Michael wasn’t happy with that but didn’t say anything. I rolled my shoulders. “Stay close iceman in case I go down. Don’t let him touch me.”

Michael nodded and turned back to the steps.

I took a deep breath and let it out. Shaking my arms out, I turned and glanced at the crowd. If touching me would drain me, what exactly did he feed on? Bethany and Paisley stood not far from the platform now, Chase right beside them. They had my back. I turned and looked back to Joe, he nodded. I gave him a thumbs up.

Turning around, I motioned to Rick and gave him a nod. He went down the stairs.

Okay. Get through this one and then get the bitch that had me drugged and chained up. As motivation went, that worked for me.

I moved toward the middle of the platform. This guy’s arm was the length of my leg. There was no fancy dancing for him. He was hunched and leaning forward, his stance wide enough to balance his size. It was going to take an explosion to break that form.

He stepped toward me and swung up with his big paw. I stepped out of his reach and slapped his hand back.

No touching, my brain chanted.

With a snarl on his face, he came toward me again. Then dropped his shoulder and tried to use his size to slam into me and send me from the platform. He clipped my shoulder, but I managed to twist the rest of my body out of the way.

I moved back and to the side, trying to figure out where to hit him. Use your size to an advantage, he’s slower, my mentor would have said. I went back at him, ducked his arm and jumped, slamming my elbow into his throat.

He smacked me away with the back of his hand like I was a bug, catching me in the side of the face. Rubbing where I’d hit him, he bared his teeth and came at me again.

When he swung, I bounced up and caught him in the throat again. I didn’t clear him fast enough and he grabbed for my shoulder. Twisting, I went for a heel kick to knock him back. He didn’t move far, but his hand was off me.

If I could get him to lunge again, I could catch the back of his head and throw him forward. Kick that jaw a few times and maybe I’d make a dent. To get him to do that I was going to have to let one of his swings connect, so he’d get cocky and lunge for me.

I checked my position on the platform, making sure I wasn’t near the edge. He swung at me with a closed fist. I twisted at the waist so my shoulder would roll with the hit, and maybe do less damage. He caught me right in the jaw. The momentum of my own twist with the force of the blow took me to the platform.

I got to my knees fast, catching a glimpse of Troy holding Michael back. Turning, I waited until he was lunging, his center not balanced and jumped up, landing a spin kick on the back of his head. He fell forward and then caught himself with his hands, stopping himself from going over the edge.

Gritting my teeth, I turned and hit him under the jaw with a back kick. He still didn’t falter. Jumping up, I used both elbows on the back of his head as I raised my knee. That one finally affected him. He shook his head and braced himself on one hand to get up.

Shit, I didn’t want him back on his feet. Going around to the other side fast, staying clear of the edge—just as he straightened to stand, I twisted and touched the mat with my hand and landed a scissor-flip onto his shoulders.

Wrapping my legs around his head, I threw my body weight to the side and tucked in my arm. He went down like a tree. My entire side connected with platform, and I grunted from the force.

He grabbed my leg as I rolled to get free of him. I didn’t know if the touch could work through the clothes, so I yanked on his fingers then twisted back. I heard the crunching as joints broke. He howled and pressed his hand into his chest. He should have wrapped his hands.

I scrambled away and got to my feet. As I did, he got to one knee, his broken hand clutched to his body. He had no hands out for balance. No time for proper form or footwork, I turned to the side and kicked out with all I could. My foot connected with his head and he toppled over the edge of the platform.

I dropped to my knees and tried to catch my breath. The pain was shooting through the side of my head.

Rick was beside me, holding his hand to help me up. “Had me worried.” He said as I got up.

I licked the blood from my lip. “Yeah, me too.”

Holding my hand in the air, he turned slowly. The crowd was going crazy.

The mountain was limping back down the hall he’d come from.

I looked down to see Beth and Paisley cheering as much as the betting crowd. Chase was holding his hand over his ear, nodding.

I pulled my hand free. “Thanks, Rick.” I turned and headed to the stairs. Michael stood at the bottom. Joe stood beside him grinning and shaking his head. I went down quickly and took the towel Daxx held out.

Joe patted me on the shoulder. “I don’t know how you figured taking that blow to the face was a good idea, but it worked.”

I wiped the blood off my mouth. “Had to do something to get him unbalanced.”

He looked me up and down. “You good?”

I nodded. “Nothing serious.”

He nodded again then grinned. “I bet the house on you, girl. The soup kitchen and shelter will be eating well for months.”

I blew out a breath. “Good. I need time off.”

“Of course.” He smiled again.

I glanced over to see two of the regulars from the gym working their way toward us.

One shook his head. “You’re insane, dynamo.”

I rolled my eyes. “You two make sure Joe gets his winnings back to the safe.”

He nodded. “We will. You coming to celebrate?”

I glanced to Michael and figured by his expression I had about a minute before he carried me out of here. “No. I have some things to do.”

He grinned at me and turned to Michael, tapping his shoulder. “Helluva woman you got here.”

Michael gave him a quick glance. “I’m aware.” He said making it clear he wasn’t in the mood for conversation.

“Okay, Joe, go with the guys, get your money and get home.” I squeezed his shoulder.

“What about your cut?” He asked, holding up his hand for the guys to wait.

I shook my head. “Keep it. I don’t need it.”

He frowned, then nodded. “I’ll see you later. Ice that shoulder.”

I dabbed my mouth again. “Yeah.”

Michael lost his battle for control then and grabbed my elbow gently, steering me toward the dressing room.

We barely got out of sight, when he pulled his earpiece out and spun me around to face him. He touched my chin and looked at my face, then shoulder. When he reached for the button on his jacket, I stopped his hand.

“You can’t.”

He scowled down at me.

“I can’t walk out of there healed up—they’ll know you are with me then.”

Troy stood in the door. “She’s right, brother. Eunice is still out there, let’s play this out.”

“Fuck.” Michael scowled at Troy. “Give us a minute.”

Daxx came over and handed me my shoes, hoodie and phone, then she hurried out to stand with Troy.

I bent down to put on my shoes and winced. That drop on the platform was going to hurt later.

Michael hissed out a sound of frustration and knelt down, taking the other shoe and holding it out. I put my foot in and he quickly tied it. He looked up at me, pain clear on his face.

“I’m good.” I told him. “Nothing is broken.”

He clenched his teeth and stood up.

I pulled the hoodie on and zipped it up.

Reaching into his pocket, he held out one of the devices I’d seen on the women.

Without a word, I put it on right over top of the wrap. I’d worry about taking it off later. “How does it work?”

He popped it open. “Push that and it will take you back to a room in the underground chambers.”

I nodded. “Good. Thanks.” I looked up.

He reached and gently touched my face. “We’re discussing this when we get back.”

I smirked. “Whatever you say.”

Leaning down he kissed my mouth softly, then licked over my lip.

I pulled my head back to see his eyes were red. Licking my fat lip, I didn’t taste blood. “That’s cheating.”

He grinned as his eyes went back to blue.

I looked at the phone and tapped the group call button, then put the earpiece in. Pulling up the hood, I moved toward the door.

Michael grabbed my hand. “Take no chances, we don’t want them getting their hands on you.”

I nodded.

He put his earpiece back in. “We’re heading to the North exit, then we’ll split off from Autumn and circle around to follow her.”

“Nothing happening at the entrance.” Alona said.

“So—dynamo is it?” Chase asked.

“You heard that? Yeah that’s what the guys call me at the gym.” I followed Troy through the crowd.

“I like it.” Chase said. “It works better than killer and I must say, after tonight, I shall strive to never upset you—ever.”

“Autumn, you must teach me this fighting that frightens my mate into good behavior.” Alona said quietly.

I stepped around a group of people shouting at the platform. “You’re too graceful and beautiful to get dirty the way I do, Alona.” I nodded to a few that gave me a thumbs up as we weaved through the people. I didn’t even know who was fighting. I just wanted to get out of here.

“I adore you.” Alona answered.

“Eunice is on the move. She’s got five with her and the one Autumn broke.” Quinton reported abruptly.

“Circling back to follow them.” Rafael whispered.

“Those moves, sister.” Arius said. “From now on you spar with Leone.”

“Me?” Leone sounded like he was running. “Hell, no. Victor would be better.”

We were at the entrance now. I hugged Daxx and smiled up at Troy like we’d discussed earlier. Then turned and stopped in front of Michael and patted his chest.

“Take no chances.” He said quietly.

I nodded. “Taking the alley now.” I said for all to hear.

“We can see you.” Crissy said.

“I’m at the first break in the alley.” Victor said. “And it would be an honor to spar with a warrior such as Autumn.”

Someone snorted.

“Suck up.” Quinton mumbled.

“One of their guys is taking the broken one in the other direction.” Rafael said quietly. “The others are standing here. Including the red headed bitch.”

After I reached the alley, I paused and stretched to the side and twisted a bit.

“Are you all right, Autumn?” Alona asked, concerned.

“Yeah.” I said softly. “Just stretching out some aches. When he dropped I hit that platform, hard.”

“You said you were good.” Michael’s tone was low.

“I am, just hurting a little. That guy was a mountain.”

“He was that big?” Crissy asked.

“About the size of that guy Arius chased on the island.” Paisley said.

“And you beat him, Autumn?” Crissy asked.

I grinned and started walking. “Yeah, barely.”

“He wasn’t as big as the one on the island.” Arius didn’t sound happy.

“Really? Guys, it’s not about the size.” Daxx said.

I put my hand over my mouth, so I wouldn’t laugh out loud. I was supposed to be walking home alone, not giggling like a schoolgirl.

“Emil, you still able to stay close to them?” Troy asked.

“Yes.” Emil whispered.

I didn’t know where he was, but he’d been silent since before we arrived at the site, so whatever he was doing, he couldn’t talk.

“Someone just came running over to them. I don’t know what they told her, but she looks very pleased.” Rafael said. “They’re heading to the corner. I can’t follow them around it, the crowd breaks up.”

“We can see where they go.” Crissy said.

“We can see half the city from here. I’ll be porting home from here by the way. I am not climbing down.” Alona informed us.

“Okay.” Crissy said. “Down isn’t as much fun.”

“You’re telling me.” Bethany said softly.

“They’re in the alley.” Alona reported.

“Passing the first street.” I told them. “How far do you want me to go?”

“Alona, tell us when they’re catching up to her.” Michael sounded out of breath. “Almost to you, Victor.”

“Autumn just passed. I can’t see her followers yet.” Victor reported.

“Beth and I are heading down the adjacent alley, we’ll be at the first street soon.” Paisley huffed out a breath.

“Two streets down.” Quinton said breathlessly, “will be at the alley in two.”

“They’re catching up quickly. I’m going to say slow down before you reach the second intersection, Autumn.” Alona said quickly.

“We’ll be there.” Chase said. “Those with porters make sure you have them ready. I want Eunice sucked into one.

I blinked, wondering if I’d heard right. “The what?”

Beth giggled. “They don’t get sucked in, but it does transport them to an intake cell that they can’t get out of.”

I glanced over my shoulder, without making it obvious. “Yes porters at the ready please.”

“Figures it’s one of the few spots in the city I don’t know and can’t port to.” Daxx said in a choppy voice.

“Heading down behind them now.” Rafael said. “What’s the count?”

“Four, plus the lady.” Crissy answered. “Are they only fighters?”

“We don’t know.” Rafael said.

“Piece of cake.” I said, fighting the urge to turn around and look.

“Save some crumbs for us, sister.” Arius said quickly.

“Don’t underestimate Eunice.” Victor stated.

“She fights dirty.” Michael was breathless and must have been running too. “Take no chances.”

“I hate people that fight dirty.” I whispered.

“Autumn.” Michael’s tone left no room for argument.

“I got it. Just saying if she were to accidentally fall on her face near one of you with the porter box things—it wouldn’t be a bad thing.” I was almost standing still now, I was walking that slow.

Someone growled through the earpiece.

“That would be a no, Autumn.” Paisley said quietly.

“I got that.” I smirked then remembered my swollen lip. I could hear what I thought were footsteps in the alley. “Is someone close to me?”

“I don’t see anyone.” Alona said. “Crissy, do you?”

“It’s me.” Emil’s voice came through the earpiece. “Clairee cloaked me. I hurried ahead, so Autumn wasn’t alone in case they ran for her.”

I paused and looked around. “Freaked me out, guy.”

“Sorry.” He said.

“So, you were with them all along?” I whispered.

“Since they walked up to the place. Sorry, I couldn’t warn you about that mountain. I couldn’t speak.”

“That’s fine.” I looked around again. “I managed.”

“Indeed, you did.” Emil sounded like he was grinning. “This cloaking is tricky business. I have to avoid touching anyone. That was a chore in that crowd.”

I turned my head again trying to see him.

“They’re catching up.” Crissy said.

“How close are you to the second street?” Michael asked.

“Fifty feet.” I rolled my shoulders, trying to keep them from stiffening.

“Slow down. We don’t have time to get to the third street.” He said quickly.

“Okay,” I whispered.

“Dammit.” Alona hissed. “There’s a small group moving up the East alley. They’re almost at a run.”

“There’s five of them.” Crissy chimed in.

“She called for backup.” Leone said.

“Should I feel flattered?” I paused and stretched my legs.

“I would. Ten people to take me down.” Daxx snorted. “They’re definitely afraid of you.”

“No, no, no.” Crissy whispered. “That’s bad.”

“Cristy?” Victor said firmly.

“Purple eyes.” She answered.

“She’s right.” Alona groaned.

I knelt down like I was fixing my shoes, not sure what this meant.

“How can you see that from up there?” Chase asked.

“I brought binoculars, Chase, knowing Criss would pick the tallest building.” Alona told him.

“What’s purple mean?” I whispered.

“Magic user, probably a mage.” Quinton growled.

“Okay, and?” I stood up, stretching my arms above my head.

“Babe, you and Beth find the one with purple eyes and keep them under wraps until one of the porters reach you.” Arius said quickly.

“Will do.” Paisley answered hurriedly, “hands, mouth, what?”

“Everything.” Beth said.

“Got it.” Paisley huffed out a breath. “We’re at the corner now, behind a dumpster.”

I lunged and stretched my leg muscles, glancing at the dumpster.

“Let the backup go by you,” Leone said, “then I’ll drop down after they do.”

I frowned; he was somewhere on the building?

“I can see her.” Emil whispered.

I straightened up and turned to look down the alley. Sure enough, Eunice was walking toward me, two men on either side of her.

She started clapping. “I admire the hell out of your fighting abilities.” She slowed down.

“Yeah? I’d say thanks, but your opinion doesn’t matter to me.”

She lifted her hand. “Fair enough. He was supposed to weaken you and win. You cost us a great deal of money tonight.”

I shrugged. “He was sloppy. Not much skill.”

“He was.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she studied me. “So where are my guards that were to take you?”

I realized she didn’t know they had.

“No idea. They let me go.” I couldn’t be sure if she had a weapon or not, the dark jacket she wore hung to her knees.

“Just like that?” She tilted her head.

I shrugged. “After I beat on them some.”

She smiled, that smile that looked painful. “They’re such cowards now, men, not like they used to be.”

I could hear her voice echoing through the earpiece and wondered if Emil had moved closer. “Some still have honor. Maybe they didn’t want to be part of whatever you’re planning.”

She shook her head, her long red hair shifting with the movement. “I don’t think that’s it.” She took a few steps closer. “What man would not want a chance at taming you?”

A growl went through the earpieces. I actually recognized it at Michael’s. “They can try.” I told her, trying to assess the men with her.

“I think,” she said looking at me from my feet up, “because of my great fondness for you, I’ll make you off limits.” She shrugged, “after you give birth to the next Hubert heir.” She watched me for a reaction.

I raised my eyebrows. “You know you’re a bit sick in the head, right?” I tapped mine. “Not quite right up there?”

I heard footsteps from the alley and turned to see her backups running at me. Shifting, I made sure I could see all of them.

“In three.” Troy said softly.

“No chances.” Michael whispered.

“Two.” Chase said.

“Now, Emil.” Arius growled.

Michael and Troy came out of the alley behind me at the same moment Emil appeared behind Eunice, grabbing her by the hair.

The men in either side of her turned to him, weapons drawn.

With a sound of annoyance, Emil released her and pulled a sword from his back.

Michael moved past me to take on one of the backup guys.

“The one waving his hands, Paize.” Alona said quickly.

“Got him.” Paisley said.

“I’ll cover her.” Bethany reported.

I turned to see a man with purple eyes frozen like a statue, his arms in the air.

“Give me a sec,” Leone grunted.

The brother’s appeared from all directions, weapons drawn. The sound of metal on metal rang out.

I turned to look for Eunice and saw her trying to sneak away quietly. I went after her and was almost to her when she spun around, a sai in each hand. If the main blade didn’t get you, the curved ones surrounding her hand would. “Were you leaving without saying goodbye?” I held my hands away from body.

“I should have drugged you again and carried you out of here.” She said looking quickly over my shoulder.

I reached slowly and flipped the hood off, so I could see any movement beside me. “Where’s the fun in that?”

“You would have lived like a queen with us. I’m going to hate killing you.” Eunice widened her stance.

I did the same. “You can try.”

She came at me fast, no tells on her direction that I could see. She jabbed at me with the sai. I kicked her hand away. She kicked out and caught me on the hip with a sloppy kick of her own. That told me she hadn’t fought her own battles in a long time.

I ducked under her next swing and hit her with and elbow-fist combination.

She recovered fast and caught my side with the sai in her other hand.

It stung, so I knew it had reached my skin. I had to get rid of those, I thought.

“You’re not better than me,” she hissed.

I used a crescent kick and knocked one weapon from her hand. “I don’t need to be.” I told her.

She snarled and rushed toward me. I blocked her arm with my elbow and used her own momentum to toss her over my body. She hit the pavement hard, the other sai scuttering across the ground.

I spun to kick as she started to get up, but she rolled out of reach. Stepping into it this time like I meant business, I went down and swept her feet out as she had been trying to stand.

She howled in fury and jumped to her feet.

I stepped back and waited for her to make the next move.

She bent her knees, fists raised.

I respected that she was willing to exchange blows that way, and raised my fists as well.