With one knee pressing against Blake's chest, Erik stared down at him sharply, his breath still heavy from the intense battle. Sweat trickled down his temple, but more importantly, he was finally in control. Blake was pinned, and victory seemed just within reach.
"See? This is why you need to stay away from Helena!" Erik declared, his voice filled with certainty.
But Blake showed no signs of surrender.
"Since when did I agree to that?" He grinned, his eyes still burning with the thrill of battle. "Also, bro… I haven't lost yet."
The Duel Wasn't Over.
In a lightning-fast motion, Blake raised his knee and drove it hard into Erik's stomach.
"URGH!"
Erik was thrown backward, the air forced from his lungs. Pain radiated from his abdomen, making him stumble before collapsing onto the ground.
