Chapter 19: Dark and Twisted

As I stand in front of Selene, memories flood back of the anger I felt when she left me bleeding in that hotel room. It's as if she knows what I'm thinking, taunting me with her eyes. In that moment, I realize how much I both loved and hated her. They say there's a fine line between love and hatred, and in this moment, that line feels blurred.

Can't help but admire her deadly agility. Her movements are swift and calculated, each step imbued with a sense of danger.

But I'm not one to back down from a challenge. I may not have possessed her level of agility, but what I lacked in finesse, I made up for in sheer strength and intelligence.

the only sound being that of our heavy breaths.

We circled each other, eyes locked, waiting for the other to make a move. And then suddenly, she launched herself at me, her fist aimed right at my face.

I dodged just in time, narrowly avoiding her attack. But before I could counter, she had already spun around, aiming a kick at my side. I blocked her kick with my arm, the impact sending a jolt of pain through my limb. She was strong, I had to give her that.

As we continued to exchange blows, I couldn't help but admire her fighting style. It was flashy and filled with intricate martial arts moves, each strike precise and lethal. But I was not one to be outdone.

I threw a punch at her, but she expertly evaded it with a quick somersault. She then followed it up with a roundhouse kick, which I managed to deflect with my forearm. Our movements were fluid and almost dance-like as we traded strikes, each one more ferocious than the last.

Angry at how evenly matched we were. Every time I thought I had the upper hand, she would surprise me with a swift and powerful move. It was as if we were two sides of the same coin, perfectly balanced in our strengths and abilities.

The adrenaline is pumping through my veins, my heart racing as we continued our fight. I could feel the sweat dripping down my face, my clothes sticking to my body.

But I can't up, not when my opponent was like a snake, the slightest opening she'll strike.

Finally, we both jumped back, giving each other some distance. Our chests heaved as we caught our breath, our eyes never leaving each other. And then, in a split second, we were at it again.

*

The SeThan fan club was on edge as they watched Nathaniel and Selene engage in the deadly dance of combat. They were evenly matched, each displaying skill and determination as if they were sworn enemies. Despite the exhaustion evident on their faces, neither was willing to give in. The members of the fan club watched the fight with bated breath, their eyes fixed on the intense battle unfolding before them.

*

Deciding to give a final blow with all my energy, she must have thought the same. We go at each other and the exchanged blow is so perfectly matched that they both stumbled back, their bodies exhausted and their breathing heavy.

They looked at each other, both knowing that they had reached a stalemate.

"It's a tie!" One of the bald men announces, breaking the tension in the arena as cheers erupt from the spectators.

I walk over to Selene, and she leans into me, both of us exhausted from the intense battle. We embrace each other, and without another word, we both pass out, the adrenaline finally subsiding.

*

I wake up feeling groggy, realizing I'm in my room. Beside me lies Selene, peacefully asleep. Memories flood back of our tumultuous past, from the day she left me bleeding in a hotel room to the countless attempts on my life afterward always staying one step ahead of my every move.

The anger and frustration I felt towards her for constantly making a fool out of me was strong, but so was my desire to have her body under mine. Those conflicting emotions soon evolved into something dark and twisted.

I lean in and kiss her forehead, the complex mix of emotions still swirling within me, before settling back down to sleep.