CHAPTER THIRTY THREE: UNLEASHED

The names on the digital display flickered before settling in bold, glowing letters.

Team One: Mack Remmick, Reyna Vael, Orin Graves.

Team Two: Liam Remmick, Nicole Valtoria, Heinzeln Ken.

Murmurs spread across the hall as students absorbed the matchups. Some teams exchanged nods of approval, others scowled, already anticipating clashes in personalities and strategies.

"This has to be some kind of joke." My arms crossed, I clicked my tongue in irritation as my red crimson eyes flicked from the digital display to Helen, my irritation growing by the second. "Tell me this is some kind of mistake." I said flatly.

Helen arched a brow. "Mistake?"

"You put me with them." I gestured lazily toward Nicole and Ken without even looking at them. "You expect me to work with dead weight?"

Ken smirked. "Starting to feel like a running theme."

Nicole lowered her gaze, her fingers clenching into fists. She knew I didn't acknowledge her, but hearing it so bluntly still stung.

Helen, unbothered by my complaints, rested her chin on her palm. "You don't like your team? Then win without their support."

I narrowed my eyes. "What?"

Helen's smirk was razor-sharp. "You're so confident, aren't you? So above everyone else? Prove it. If you truly think you don't need them, then go ahead—survive on your own, fight on your own, win on your own. No complaints. Just results."

The room fell into silence, all eyes flickering between Helen and I.

My jaw tightened, my irritation shifting into something colder. "Fine."

Ken exhaled through his nose, amused. "This is gonna be fun."

Nicole, however, stared at me, her heart sinking. She didn't want things to escalate like this—she just wanted me to acknowledge her, to see her as something more than a burden. But as I turned away, she realized that moment wouldn't come easily.

As I turned away from Helen, my scowl deepened. I didn't bother sparing Ken or Nicole a glance as I strode toward the exit.

Ken shoved his hands into his pockets, glancing at Nicole. "Well, that went about as expected."

Nicole let out a slow breath, trying to push down the sting of my words. "I just…" She hesitated, staring at the floor before shaking her head. "Never mind."

Ken tilted his head slightly. "You wanted him to acknowledge you, didn't you?"

Nicole stiffened, but she didn't deny it. She didn't understand why she wanted it so badly, but it gnawed at her. I barely recognized her existence outside of battle. It was infuriating.

Ken sighed, shaking his head with an amused smirk. "Well, don't hold your breath. That guy doesn't acknowledge anyone unless they force him to."

Nicole looked up at him then, something firm settling in her expression. "Then I'll make him."

Ken chuckled. "Atta girl."

Meanwhile, Helen watched them from her seat, an unreadable expression on her face. She tapped her fingers against her desk before glancing toward the display again.

The tension in the air lingered even after I had left. The digital display continued cycling through names, updating the next set of matchups. Other students moved around the room, some talking excitedly about their upcoming fights, others anxiously preparing. But for Ken and Nicole, the moment felt strangely still.

Nicole clenched her fists, staring at the doorway I had disappeared through. She didn't know what frustrated her more—my cold indifference or the way I so effortlessly dismissed her presence.

Ken exhaled through his nose, rocking back on his heels. "So, what's your plan?"

Nicole blinked, turning toward him. "What do you mean?"

He gave her a knowing look. "You said you'll make him acknowledge you. How?"

Nicole hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. She wasn't sure yet. But she knew she wasn't going to let me walk all over her like she was nothing.

"I'll figure it out," she said simply.

Ken smirked. "That's the spirit. Just don't expect it to be easy."

Nicole sighed. "Nothing ever is with Liam."

Ken hummed in agreement before shifting his gaze toward Helen, who was still seated behind her desk, observing them in silence. Her expression was composed, but there was something sharp in her eyes, like she was analyzing every move they made.

After a long moment, Helen finally spoke. "Nicole."

Nicole straightened. "Yes, Headmistress?"

Helen leaned forward slightly, lacing her fingers together. "You want to be recognized by Liam?"

Nicole hesitated before nodding. "Yes."

Helen's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "Then prove yourself. Not with words. Not with fleeting emotions." Her gaze darkened slightly. "But with strength."

Nicole swallowed, feeling the weight of Helen's words settle in her chest.

Helen glanced at Ken next. "And you, Ken? What do you think?"

Ken raised an eyebrow. "About?"

Helen's smile didn't falter. "About your new teammate."

Ken chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "He's an arrogant bastard, but he's strong. As long as he doesn't get himself killed, I'd say we have a shot at winning this."

Helen nodded, seemingly pleased by his response. "Then you both know what you have to do."

With that, she turned her attention back to the display, effectively dismissing them.

Ken sighed, stretching his arms above his head. "Guess we should start preparing."

Nicole nodded, stealing one last glance at the exit before forcing herself to look away.

If I wouldn't acknowledge her now, then she would give me no choice but to.

The academy grounds buzzed with anticipation as the second round of the tournament officially began. The students gathered at the designated starting points, some stretching, others checking their weapons or abilities, all preparing for the grueling three-day challenge ahead.

A large, holographic timer appeared above the battlefield, counting down from ten. Helen's voice echoed across the field, smooth yet commanding.

"This round will test more than just your combat skills. Survival, adaptability, and teamwork are key. Those who fail to meet the requirements will be eliminated."

I stood with my arms crossed, my expression unreadable as I eyed the vast arena ahead. It had been completely transformed—dense forests, treacherous cliffs, and shadowed ruins stretched across the battlefield, creating an unpredictable landscape.

Nicole, standing beside me, exhaled slowly. She could feel the weight of the challenge ahead, but her resolve didn't waver. Ken, on the other hand, looked unfazed, cracking his neck as he scanned the area with mild amusement.

Across the field, other teams were preparing. Mack stood with Reyna and their third teammate, a menacing smirk on his lips as his gaze locked onto me. Reyna twirled a dagger between her fingers, grinning in anticipation.

The countdown reached three.

Two.

One.

A loud horn blared across the academy, signaling the start of the round.

And just like that, chaos erupted.

As soon as the horn blared, I wasted no time. My form flickered, and in an instant, I was gone, vanishing into the thick of the battlefield without a word.

Ken blinked. "Seriously?"

Nicole's eyes widened. "Did he just—"

Ken let out a short laugh, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah. He did."

She clenched her fists, frustration bubbling inside her. "We were supposed to work together! What the hell is he thinking?"

Ken sighed, glancing in the direction I disappeared. "He's thinking exactly like Liam would. No surprises there." He then turned to her, his expression shifting to something more serious. "Guess it's just you and me now."

Nicole exhaled sharply, forcing herself to focus. "Fine. Then we'll just have to win without him."

Ken smirked. "That's the spirit."

Around them, the battlefield was already in motion—students clashing, shadows darting between trees, distant explosions lighting up the landscape. The second round had truly begun.

Nicole took a deep breath, forcing herself to push aside her frustration. Now wasn't the time to dwell on my selfishness. If I wanted to fight alone, so be it. She and Ken would just have to survive without me.

Ken tapped his chin, surveying the battlefield with a sharp eye. "Alright, since we're down a man, we need to rethink our approach." He glanced at Nicole. "How confident are you in taking on a fight head-on?"

Nicole straightened. "I can handle myself."

Ken chuckled. "I figured. But let's not get reckless. We don't know what kind of traps or surprises are waiting for us."

As if on cue, a sudden blur shot toward them from the trees—an ambush. Nicole barely had time to react before Ken yanked her back, a spear piercing the ground where she had just stood.

"Tch. They don't waste time." Ken's eyes locked onto the two figures emerging from the shadows.

Nicole recognized them immediately—Reyna Vael, Orin Graves and Mack Remmick.

Reyna smirked, twirling a dagger in her hand. "Look at that, we didn't even have to go looking for you." Her gaze flickered behind them. "Where's your fearless leader?"

Nicole gritted her teeth, but Ken stepped forward, his hands still in his pockets. "Gone. Guess it's just us."

Mack cracked his knuckles, his grin sharp and eager. "Good. Then there's no one to get in my way." His eyes locked onto Nicole. "I owe your teammate a beating, but you'll do for now."

Nicole narrowed her eyes. "You can try."

Ken sighed dramatically. "Well, this escalated fast." His gaze sharpened as he exhaled. "Guess we're doing this the hard way."

Reyna's smirk widened. "The hard way is more fun."

Without another word, the battle erupted.

Ken tightened his grip on his gun, eyes flicking between his opponents. Mack, Reyna, and Orin had the numbers advantage, and they weren't wasting it.

Mack lunged at him, fists crackling with energy, while Reyna danced around the battlefield, waiting for an opening. Ken sidestepped Mack's blow and countered with a bullet aimed at his shoulder, but Mack twisted mid-air, narrowly dodging the shot.

Nicole, on the other hand, was locked in a duel with Orin Graves. His dark, jagged markings pulsed with energy, and every surface he touched began to wither and decay. She had to keep moving, knowing that a single misstep could be disastrous.

Orin smirked as he swiped a hand through the air, his ability making the very ground beneath Nicole's feet crumble. "You're quick," he mused, "but I wonder how long you can keep running."

Nicole clenched her fists. She was breathing hard, but she wasn't backing down. "Long enough to put you down."

Ken fired off another round at Mack, forcing him back before glancing at Nicole. "We need a plan, fast. This 3v2 is getting out of hand."

Nicole nodded, dodging another one of Orin's attacks. "Where the hell is Liam?"

Ken scoffed. "Off doing his own thing, obviously."

Nicole's jaw tightened. Typical.

Mack, seeing her moment of distraction, charged forward with a wild grin. "Gotcha!"

Nicole barely had time to react.

Just as Mack's fist was about to connect with Nicole, a blur of motion cut between them.

A sickening crack echoed through the battlefield as my fist drove into Mack's jaw, sending him staggering back with a curse.

Nicole's eyes widened in shock. "Liam—?"

I didn't spare her a glance. My crimson gaze locked onto Mack as I cracked my knuckles, irritation rolling off me in waves. "I leave you two alone for a few minutes, and you're already struggling."

Ken let out a dry chuckle, keeping his gun trained on Reyna and Orin. "Well, look who finally decided to join the fight."

Mack wiped a trail of blood from his mouth, his grin twisted with fury. "You bastard…" He clenched his fists, his energy crackling violently. "You're gonna regret that."

I smirked, shifting into a ready stance. "Go ahead and try."

Ken and Nicole barely had time to react before I launched myself forward, straight into the three opponents.

Mack, Reyna, and Orin tensed, but Mack's grin widened. "Seriously? You're just gonna charge in alone?"

I didn't answer. My fist was already swinging toward Mack, but Reyna intercepted, her rapier clashing against my arm. I twisted, aiming a brutal kick at her side, but Orin stepped in, his decayed aura flaring as he caught my leg mid-strike but I quickly swapped out with a clone to avoid his decay touch.

My eyes narrowed as I wrenched free, flipping backward to create space. But Mack was already closing in, capitalizing on the brief moment of vulnerability. His fist struck my ribs with a concussive force, sending me skidding back.

Ken winced. "Dumbass."

Nicole stepped forward, worried. "We should—"

Ken shook his head. "Not yet."

I, however, didn't hesitate. I shot back into the fight, ignoring the throbbing in my ribs. I ducked under Reyna's blade, narrowly avoiding Orin's outstretched palm, but Mack was relentless. The three of them moved in sync, adapting to my aggressive style.

I was fast. I was strong. But they had teamwork.

And they knew how to exploit my arrogance.

Mack feinted a punch, drawing my attention just long enough for Orin to graze my shoulder. The fabric of my sleeve disintegrated instantly, and a sharp burning sensation shot through my skin. My instincts flared, forcing me to retreat before the decay spread.

"Tch." I rolled my shoulder, but the damage had been done. My movements slowed just enough for Reyna to slip past my defenses, her rapier slicing a thin line across my side.

Mack grinned. "What's wrong, tough guy? Having a hard time?"

I scowled, realizing my mistake. They weren't just good—they were using my lone wolf mentality against me.

And for the first time in this tournament, I was actually at a disadvantage.

My breath came in ragged gasps, my body battered and bruised. I had underestimated them.

Mack's fist slammed into my gut, forcing the air from my lungs. Before I could recover, Orin was already on me, his decayed aura crackling as his hand pressed against my shoulder. Searing pain exploded through my body as my skin blistered under Orin's touch.

I staggered, but Reyna was there to meet me, her rapier slicing across my thigh. Blood spattered the ground as my leg buckled, and for the first time in a long while, I felt my body betray me.

My vision blurred. My knees threatened to give way. I could barely lift my arms to block as Mack grabbed me by the collar and delivered a brutal headbutt. My skull rang, my body swaying like a broken marionette.

Mack smirked, gripping my collar tighter. "Not so tough now, are you?"

Orin cracked his knuckles, his eyes dark with amusement. "You should've worked with your team, but your arrogance got in the way."

My vision pulsed in and out, my instincts screaming at me to move, to fight—but my body wouldn't listen.

Then—

A gunshot rang through the air.

Mack barely had time to react before Ken's bullet grazed his cheek, forcing him to drop me.

Nicole was already moving, her body a blur as she intercepted Reyna, forcing her back with a rapid succession of kicks and strikes.

Ken strode forward, spinning his gun before aiming it directly at Orin's head. "I think he's suffered enough."

Orin frowned, stepping away from me as Ken and Nicole positioned themselves between I and my opponents.

I groaned, forcing myself onto one knee as I spat blood onto the dirt. My body ached, but the fight wasn't over yet.

Ken glanced at me, smirking. "Looks like you need us after all."

I let out a heavy sigh, rolling my shoulders as I reset my stance. "Tch… Just don't get in my way."

Ken chuckled. "No promises."

Nicole didn't say a word, but she stole a quick glance at me, relieved that I was still standing.

The fight was far from over. But this time, we were in it together.

I cracked my neck, rolling my shoulders as I squared up against Mack. My body still ached from earlier, but I shoved the pain aside. Mack grinned, wiping blood from his chin.

"You really think you can take me?" Mack taunted, flexing his arms. "You're barely standing."

I smirked. "I don't need to stand. I just need to hit you harder than you hit me."

Mack lunged first, his movements like a boulder crashing forward. I dodged, barely avoiding the full force of the punch, but the shockwave still sent a shudder through my bones. Mack was strong. Unreasonably strong.

I retaliated with a swift kick to Mack's ribs, but the guy barely flinched. Instead, he grabbed my leg midair and slammed me into the ground with brute force. The impact sent dust and debris flying.

I coughed, rolling to avoid Mack's next stomp. I flipped up onto my feet and rushed in, ducking under a haymaker before driving my fist into Mack's jaw. The hit connected solidly, but Mack grinned through the pain, grabbing my wrist and twisting it.

"You hit like a damn mosquito," Mack sneered before throwing Liam across the battlefield.

I skidded to a stop, my arms trembled as I pushed myself up. My usual tactic—overwhelming my opponent—wasn't going to work here. Mack could take my hits and keep going.

Fine. I'd change tactics.

Mack charged at me again, ready to pummel me into the dirt, but this time, I didn't meet him head-on. I slipped around the brute at the last second, slamming an elbow into Mack's ribs. Before Mack could retaliate, I struck again—rapid, precise blows aimed at weak points. My speed was my greatest advantage, and I used it mercilessly.

Mack growled in frustration, swinging wildly, but I danced just out of reach, landing another brutal strike to Mack's temple.

"You're getting annoying," Mack spat, wiping blood from his brow.

I smirked. "Good. Means I'm doing something right."

The fight had only just begun.

Nicole barely had time to react before Reyna was on her, rapier gleaming in the artificial light. The strikes came fast—precise, calculated, leaving zero room for error.

Nicole twisted, dodging by a hair's breadth as the tip of the blade sliced through the air just inches from her throat. Reyna's swordplay was impeccable, each move flowing seamlessly into the next.

"You're fast," Reyna admitted, flicking her blade in a practiced arc. "But speed means nothing if you don't have technique."

Nicole didn't reply. She was already moving, flipping over Reyna's next attack and aiming a spinning kick at her ribs. Reyna barely deflected it with the hilt of her sword before countering with a thrust. Nicole twisted midair, landing in a low stance before springing forward with a fierce palm strike.

Reyna blocked, but the impact sent her skidding back.

"You're stronger than you look," Reyna muttered, adjusting her grip.

Nicole exhaled slowly, keeping her stance tight. She didn't have a weapon like Reyna, but that didn't mean she was at a disadvantage. Her fighting style relied on fluidity—turning her opponent's attacks against them.

Reyna lunged again, her blade a silver blur, but Nicole parried with her forearm before grabbing Reyna's wrist and twisting sharply. The rapier clattered to the ground.

For a split second, Reyna hesitated. That was all Nicole needed.

She delivered a devastating roundhouse kick to Reyna's side, sending her flying into a nearby pillar. Reyna hit the ground hard, coughing as she tried to push herself up.

Nicole steadied herself, wiping sweat from her brow. "Speed means everything," she said, echoing Reyna's earlier words with a slight smirk.

But the fight wasn't over yet.

Ken kept his eyes locked on Orin, watching every subtle movement. He had seen what Orin's ability could do—the jagged black markings along his arms weren't for show.

Decay. A power that could rot anything it touched.

Orin flexed his fingers, the dark energy pulsing along his hands. "You're smart, Ken," he mused. "You know better than to let me touch you."

Ken's grip on his gun tightened. "Then I won't let you."

Orin smirked. "Let's test that."

He lunged. Ken fired, but Orin twisted unnaturally, dodging the bullets with inhuman reflexes. The moment Ken blinked, Orin was already too close.

Ken barely managed to pivot, ducking under Orin's sweeping hand. Even the air around Orin's fingertips seemed to corrode. One wrong move, and Ken knew he'd be done.

He backflipped, putting distance between them, and fired another volley of bullets. Orin dodged again, his movements erratic yet impossibly fluid.

Ken grit his teeth. "You're fast for a guy who looks half-dead."

Orin grinned, lunging forward once more. This time, Ken didn't retreat. Instead, he sidestepped and fired point-blank.

A direct hit.

Orin staggered, blood seeping from his shoulder. But instead of falling back, he grinned wider.

Ken's eyes narrowed. "Why are you smiling?"

Orin chuckled darkly, holding up his injured arm. The decay markings flared—and suddenly, the bullet wound began to rot away, sealing itself as if it had never been there.

Ken's stomach dropped.

"Your little tricks won't work on me, Ken," Orin said, rolling his shoulders. "Let's see how long you can last before I break you."

Ken exhaled sharply, rolling his neck. "Guess I'll just have to shoot you more times than you can heal, huh?"

And with that, he cocked his gun, his smirk returning.

The tournament ground echoed with the sounds of battle—fists colliding, weapons clashing, the heavy breaths of warriors pushing themselves beyond their limits.

I fought like a raging storm against Mack's relentless power. Nicole danced between Reyna's strikes, every movement precise and deadly. Ken and Orin circled each other, a battle of patience and cunning, one mistake away from devastation.

Each fight tested their limits. Each opponent pushed them to the edge.

And none of them were backing down.

The ground trembled as I and Mack faced off, both summoning our shadows in a final test of strength. Mack's shadow loomed behind him, forming massive, jagged spikes that pulsed with raw energy. My shadow swirled at my feet, dark tendrils writhing like living entities.

"You've been holding out on me," Mack said, his voice dripping with excitement. "That's good. I was getting bored."

I didn't respond. I simply raised a hand, and from beneath my feet, black chains slithered forth—Phantom Chains. They shot toward Mack like hunting serpents, wrapping tightly around his limbs before he could react.

Mack's eyes widened. "What the—?"

He struggled, muscles bulging as he fought against the restraints. The chains burned where they touched, siphoning his strength, locking his movements. He let out a growl, pouring all his might into breaking free. The chains cracked but didn't shatter.

I stepped forward, my fist cloaked in pure shadow. I didn't give Mack time to recover.

Boom!

My fist slammed into Mack's gut, the impact sending a shockwave through the arena. Mack's breath left him in a painful gasp, his body folding around my fist before he was sent flying backward. He crashed into the ground with a deafening thud, unconscious before he even landed.

I had won.

Ken's gun clicked uselessly. No matter how many times he pulled the trigger, he couldn't infuse his bullets with lightning. His body still felt off—sluggish, as if something was interfering with his connection to his power.

Selena's shadow.

Here essence still clung to him, disrupting his abilities in ways he hadn't fully understood yet. He cursed under his breath. No time to think about it now.

Orin grinned, stepping closer. "Looks like you're having a bit of trouble, Ken. What's wrong? All out of tricks?"

Ken exhaled sharply, flipping his gun in his hand. "I've got plenty."

Without hesitation, he switched to his secondary bullets—non-elemental, high-impact rounds. He fired.

Orin dodged.

Ken anticipated it. He fired again.

Orin twisted, evading—but this time, Ken had adjusted his aim. The bullet grazed Orin's arm, and in an instant, Ken fired another shot, this time hitting his shoulder.

Orin staggered. His decay markings flared, trying to heal, but Ken didn't let up.

One bullet. Another. Then another.

Each shot landed in rapid succession, forcing Orin back.

"Doesn't matter if I can't use lightning," Ken muttered, spinning the gun one last time. "I just have to put enough holes in you that you can't keep up."

Orin let out a sharp breath, body swaying. His decay markings flickered—too much damage, too fast. His regeneration failed him.

With one final step, Ken closed the distance, drove his elbow into Orin's stomach, and fired point-blank.

Orin collapsed, unable to continue.

Ken let out a breath, rolling his sore shoulder. "Still got it."

Nicole's breath came in sharp bursts. She was fast, nimble, precise—but no matter how hard she fought, Reyna matched her.

Every strike. Every dodge. Every counter.

Reyna blocked a kick and twisted, pushing Nicole back. "You're still holding back," she said. "Stop hiding."

Nicole wiped sweat from her brow. "I'm not hiding anything."

"Liar."

Reyna charged, her rapier flashing in the light. Nicole barely dodged in time, feeling the blade slice through the air beside her.

"You fight like someone who's scared of themselves," Reyna continued. "But I know you have more to give. Show me what you're really made of."

Nicole gritted her teeth.

She was holding back.

She always had.

Because her true power wasn't something she wanted to rely on.

But now—she had no choice.

Taking a slow breath, she lifted her hand and bit down on her thumb, drawing blood. The moment the crimson drop hit the air, it pulsed with unnatural energy.

A whisper echoed through the space.

You seek power?

Nicole exhaled. "I accept."

A dark aura wrapped around her as the Blood Pact took effect. A sigil burned into her skin, and an unseen force flooded her veins.

Reyna's eyes flickered with intrigue. "Now we're talking."

Nicole moved—faster. Her attacks, once fluid and precise, became ruthless. Her strength doubled. She parried Reyna's rapier with nothing but her bare arm, sending a shockwave through the air.

Reyna staggered. Nicole didn't let up. She struck—once, twice, thrice—each blow faster, heavier, unrelenting.

Reyna barely blocked the next strike before Nicole slammed her knee into her ribs, sending her crashing backward.

For the first time, Reyna struggled to get up.

Nicole stood over her, remnants from the Blood Pact still swirling around her form.

She had won her battle. The battle was over.

I caught a glimpse of her fight and I was surprised at how strong she is but I didn't let it show.

The aftermath of our victory settled like a brief calm after a storm. The digital display overhead flickered, updating with the results of the matches. Some students were still fighting in the distance, but I, Ken, and Nicole had already secured our win.

Ken rolled his shoulder, cracking his neck with a satisfied smirk. "Well, that went better than expected."

Nicole wasn't paying attention. Her gaze was locked on me, watching me closely. I clenched my ribs, a faint bruise forming along my forearm. It wasn't serious, but she noticed how I subtly shifted my weight to avoid straining the injury.

"Are you hurt?" She asked, her voice soft "Let me have a look."

"Be quiet about this bruise," I warned, my voice low and even.

Nicole flinched slightly at my tone but didn't back down. "Why are you always pushing me away, Liam? I hate seeing you hurt all the time."

I clenched my jaw, a flash of irritation crossing my face. "This has nothing to do with you. Just drop it."

She took a step closer, her voice trembling. "It has everything to do with me. I care about you, Liam. Deeply."

A mocking smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. "Oh, really? And what exactly do you think you can do to help me?"

Nicole hesitated for a second, but then her resolve hardened. She met my gaze with unwavering determination. "I love you, Liam."

My expression didn't shift at first. Then, without warning, I let out a harsh, bitter laugh. "You think love can fix me?" My voice dripped with venom. "I'm an avenger. I don't need your love. I don't need anyone. You're only a dis—"

Before I could finish, a hand slammed into my chest, pushing me back slightly.

Ken stood in front of me, his usually calm demeanor shattered by clear, restrained anger. His jaw tightened, his blue eyes burning with an intensity I hadn't seen before.

"That's enough," Ken said, his voice low and husky.

I stared at him for a long moment, my expression unreadable. Then, with a sharp exhale, I dropped my shoulders and turned away. I didn't say another word as I walked off, disappearing into the distance.

Nicole stood frozen, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. The sting of my words lingered in her chest, a hollow ache forming where hope had once been.

Ken sighed, running a hand through his hair. He turned to Nicole, his expression softening. "You okay?"

She swallowed hard and gave a weak nod, though the pain in her eyes was unmistakable.

Ken exhaled through his nose, shoving his hands into his pockets. "He's an idiot."

Nicole let out a shaky laugh, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah… he is."

She wiped her eyes quickly and straightened her shoulders, forcing a small smile. She wouldn't let this moment define her. I would recognize her love—whether I wanted to or not.

Ken watched her for a moment, then glanced in the direction I had gone. His jaw tightened again.

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