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Chapter_212
Skadi tossed her long hair over one shoulder as she slotted the Maserati into gear.
“You’re too polite, stalking me out here,” she teased, one brow raised as the engine purred to life.
Nash simply opened the passenger door and slid inside. “I want to see what’s happening at your school,” he said, settling back against the leather seat.
Skadi laughed and accelerated onto the boulevard. “Suit yourself—but don’t get in my way when I’m sparring!”
They flew past the neon-lit storefronts of Jonford’s Rex District and out onto the quieter country road that led to Zabel Martial Arts Academy. In the moonlight, its traditional pagoda rooftops gleamed like silver blades.
“I’ve got a good feeling about tonight,” Skadi said, scanning the darkened windows. “This Sagen challenger—she’s supposed to be the Women’s Boxing Champion. Fierce reputation.”
Nash’s gaze clipped to her. “Two challengers in one afternoon, both from Sagen… it isn’t coincidence.” He reached across and tapped the Maserati’s dashboard. “The Green Bamboo Association has deep roots in Sagen. If they’re testing your school, it’s a message aimed straight at me.”
Skadi scoffed. “Let them come. We’ll send them packing—just like last time.”
“Last time,” Nash reminded her, “you nearly got caught in their fallout. If they target you again—”
Skadi cut him off with a confident grin. “I’ve learned a few new tricks since then.”
They pulled into the academy’s courtyard. Dozens of students in white gis stood in neat rows under the courtyard lanterns. Two figures—one in a sleek boxing robe, the other in a traditional kung-fu uniform—faced off in the center of the stone floor.
As Skadi and Nash climbed out of the car, a hush rippled through the onlookers. The boxing champion cracked her knuckles; her fists gleamed beneath her gloves. Skadi tightened her own belt and flashed Nash a victorious look.
“Showtime,” Skadi murmured.
Nash slipped an arm around Hera’s waist—she’d insisted on coming along, too—and together they moved to the front row. Lantern light danced across the polished stones as the two challengers squared off.
“May the best fighter win,” Skadi announced to the courtyard—and to the silent threat that lurked behind every challenge.
Nash closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. He’d stay by her side tonight, every step of the way.