Chapter 15: Rising from the Ashes

The underground arena was overflowing with energy, the air thick with anticipation and the smell of sweat and dirt. Alina stood in the dimly lit corridor, her fists clenched, her heart pounding in her chest. The roar of the crowd was a distant murmur, her focus entirely on the fight ahead. This was her new reality, a far cry from the majestic halls of the palace, but she was determined to make it work. Beside her, Lyra gave her a reassuring nod, her eyes filled with unwavering belief.

"Remember, Alina, you're stronger than you think," Lyra said softly. "You've faced worse and come out on top."

Alina took a deep breath, nodding. She stepped into the ring, greeted by the clamor of the audience's cheers and jeers. Her opponent was a hulking figure, muscles rippling under the harsh lights. How can a woman be this ripped? She thought. The announcer's voice echoed in the arena, but Alina tuned it out, her mind zeroing in on the task at hand.

The fight began with a storm of punches and kicks. Alina moved with agility and precision, her training with the knights surfacing instinctively. Her opponent was strong, but Alina's speed and technique gave her an edge. Each blow she landed was met with a mix of awe and skepticism from the crowd, many of whom doubted a woman like her could hold her own in such a brutal sport.

But Alina proved them wrong. She ducked and weaved, delivering powerful strikes that gradually wore her opponent down. The crowd's attitude shifted from mockery to admiration as they witnessed her prowess. Alina locked her opponent in a submission hold that came to be her signature submission hold, the "Princess's Embrace." Her opponent fought valiantly, but the pain was too much. With no escape, she tapped out, and the referee signaled the end of the match. The arena erupted in applause, chants of "Princess Warrior!" echoing off the walls.

Breathless but triumphant, Alina raised her arms in victory, her eyes searching for Lyra in the crowd. Her sister's beaming smile was what she needed to see amid the chaos. Alina stepped out of the ring, sweat trickling down her brow. Lyra walked up to her and helped her clean up.

As they collected their earnings, the sisters found themselves the center of attention. Fighters and spectators alike approached them, some with admiration, others with curiosity.

"Wow, Princess Warrior, that was an amazing fight! You were incredible out there," a young man called out, approaching them with his friend.

Alina nodded, still catching her breath. "Thanks," she said curtly.

The friend's gaze shifted to Lyra. "Hey, it's cool to see you supporting your sister. You must be proud!"

Lyra gave a brief smile, her eyes looking around the room. "Yeah, I am. We have to go now, though."

"Come on, just a quick chat!" the young man insisted. "How do you stay so focused?"

"Just practice," Alina said, already packing her gear. "Sorry, we really need to leave."

"Maybe next time then?" the friend offered, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Maybe," Alina replied, already moving toward the exit. "See you."

With that, Lyra and Alina hurried off, leaving the young men standing in the crowd, their excitement fading into mild disappointment.

Despite the attention, Alina and Lyra kept to themselves, cautious of drawing too much interest.

It was night and as they walked through the streets back to their small rented inn, trouble found them. A group of female local thugs blocked their path.

"Well, if it isn't the Princess Warrior," one of them who seemed like their leader sneered, her breath reeking of stale beer. "Think you can take on all of us?"

Devoid of emotion, Alina said to them, "Walk away."

The leader poked Alina's shoulder provokingly. "Or else?"

Lyra stepped forward. "What is this about? Please, we don't want any trouble," she said, her voice steady. "Let us pass."

The thugs laughed, closing in. "You think you can just walk away? No, not today."

Without warning, they lunged at Alina. The first thug attacked, but she dodged effortlessly, delivering a swift elbow to her jaw that sent her sprawling. Another swung a fist, but she ducked, countering with a powerful kick to her abdomen. The third thug hesitated, but Alina grabbed her arm and flipped her over her shoulder with a practiced move. In a few moments, they were groaning on the ground.

"Boo!" Alina made to catch the other two, but they moved back in fear. She and Lyra let out a loud laugh. Lyra picked up Alina's gear, and they left, still laughing.

"Great job, sis," Lyra commended her.

Alina winked at her.

The other two helped the ones on the floor stand up as they nursed their bruises and their wounded pride.

Back in their overcrowded room, Lyra tended to Alina's minor injuries. "We're making a name for ourselves," Lyra said, her voice filled with pride. "People are starting to notice us."

Alina nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "And not just for the fights. We're proving we can survive on our own." Alina put her hand out.

Lyra took it and smiled satisfyingly as Alina squeezed it tenderly.

Lyra pulled away after some seconds. "That will do." She said as she gave Alina's injuries one last touch.

"Thank you," Alina took a deep breath.

The following days saw Alina's reputation grow. More fights were scheduled, and each victory brought them closer to a mask of stability. Despite their success, they kept a low profile, scared of attracting too much attention in a world that was still unfamiliar to them.

Yet, their detachment only fueled the intrigue. People whispered about the mysterious sisters who fought their way to the top, their strength and resilience becoming the stuff of legend. Alina's prowess in the ring and Lyra's sharp mind as her manager made them a formidable team, respected and feared by those who dared to challenge them.

One evening, as they walked through the marketplace, a carriage blocked their path. The ladies were always ready for anything. Then, a servant opened the carriage and a well-dressed man who came off as an influential person approached them. "You must be the Princess Warrior and her manager," he said, his tone respectful. "I've heard about your fights. I'd like to offer you a more permanent arrangement, something that could bring you even greater success."

Lyra exchanged a cautious glance with Alina. "What kind of arrangement?" she asked.

The man smiled. "An exclusive contract with a well-known fighting league. It comes with better pay, safer conditions, and a chance to rise even higher."

Alina considered the offer, her mind weighing the possibilities. This could be the opportunity they needed to secure their future, to move beyond mere survival. She looked at Lyra, seeing the same hope reflected in her sister's eyes.

"We'll consider it," Lyra said finally. "But we need time to think."

The man nodded, handing them a card with an address. "Take your time. When you're ready, find me."

The servant opened the carriage door and the man went back in. As the carriage drove away, Lyra looked at Alina, her eyes shining with uncertainty. "What do you think, Alina? Could this be our chance to build a new life?"