---
A circle formed in the center of the inn, tables shoved aside as onlookers gathered to watch. The air buzzed with excitement, the scent of ale and sweat thick in the room. Some murmured bets under their breath, while others watched in amused curiosity.
Luna stood in the middle of the space, her cloak discarded, revealing her lithe yet powerful form. Her night-colored eyes gleamed under the dim lantern light, unwavering as she faced her opponent.
The man—who had yet to give his name—rolled his shoulders, his movements fluid and practiced. He was a seasoned fighter, no doubt about it. But Luna was not intimidated.
Ahava stood at the edge of the crowd, arms crossed, his sharp gaze locked onto the man. "If he so much as breathes wrong, I'll gut him."
Kiran chuckled beside him. "I don't think she needs your protection."
Ahava's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond.
The bartender, who had apparently decided to be the referee, raised a hand. "Rules are simple. No killing. First one to yield or be knocked unconscious loses."
Luna smirked. "Sounds fair."
Her opponent grinned. "Let's see if you can back up all that confidence, little queen."
And then he lunged.
---
The Fight Begins
Luna anticipated his first move. He was testing her, throwing a quick jab to gauge her reflexes. She dodged effortlessly, tilting her head just enough for his fist to cut through empty air.
The crowd murmured in approval.
The man didn't give her time to breathe. He shifted, aiming a powerful kick at her ribs. Luna twisted her body, catching his ankle mid-air. With a sharp yank, she sent him off balance.
But he was fast. He rolled with the momentum, landing on his feet instead of hitting the ground.
"Not bad," he admitted.
Luna smiled. "I know."
He attacked again, this time faster. His blows were heavy, controlled—each one meant to break through her defenses. But Luna had spent her entire life training. She wasn't just strong; she was precise.
She blocked a punch and countered with a sharp elbow to his ribs. He grunted but didn't falter. Instead, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her forward, throwing her off balance.
For a split second, she was vulnerable.
The man capitalized on it, sweeping her legs out from under her. Luna hit the ground, but instead of staying down, she rolled back onto her feet instantly.
The crowd erupted into cheers.
Kiran whistled. "Damn, she's quick."
Ahava remained silent, but his sharp gaze never left Luna.
Her opponent smirked. "You're better than I expected."
Luna dusted herself off. "You're still holding back."
His smirk widened. "Fine. Let's go all out, then."
He charged at her with full force.
Luna met him head-on.
---
The Moment of Victory
The battle intensified, their movements blurring as they exchanged blows. Luna ducked, weaved, and struck with calculated precision. She absorbed his hits, using his strength against him.
Then she saw her opening.
As he threw a punch, she twisted her body, letting his fist graze past her. She moved with deadly grace, using the momentum to slam her knee into his stomach.
He staggered.
She didn't hesitate.
Luna spun, delivering a swift kick to his chest that sent him crashing to the ground.
The room fell silent.
The man groaned, lying flat on his back, staring at the ceiling. Then, after a long pause, he let out a breathless laugh.
"Shit," he muttered. "You really are something."
Luna extended a hand. "Yield?"
He chuckled, taking her hand as she helped him up. "Yeah. I yield."
The crowd roared in approval.
The bartender smirked. "Well, that was entertaining."
Kiran clapped. "Alright, I officially don't want to fight you."
Ahava exhaled, tension finally leaving his body. "Smartest thing you've said all night."
The man dusted himself off, shaking his head in amusement. "Name's Dain. You've got my loyalty, little queen."
Luna grinned. "Good. Because this is just the beginning."
And with that, her army began to grow.
---