Chapter 18: Sparks and Shadows

Chapter 18: Sparks and Shadows

Aarav barely dodged as her fist whizzed past his face, slicing through the air with deadly precision. He twisted his body, narrowly evading a follow-up kick that would've shattered his ribs. His mind raced—she wasn't just fast, she was impossibly fast. Every movement was calculated, efficient, and lethal. This was no ordinary opponent.

He had fought machines before, hacked the very fabric of reality, but this was different. This was raw, physical combat, and she was playing at a level far beyond what he had encountered before.

Aarav flipped backward, putting some distance between them. He smirked, despite the adrenaline pumping through his veins. "You've got a hell of a way of saying hello."

She smirked back, her golden eyes gleaming. "You wanted access to the underground city. I don't let just anyone walk in."

Aarav cracked his knuckles. "And what happens if I win?"

She chuckled, tossing her hair back. "You won't."

Before he could respond, she launched forward, faster than before. This time, Aarav didn't just dodge—he countered. He ducked under her strike, using her momentum against her. With a well-placed sweep, he knocked her off balance, but before she could hit the ground, she twisted mid-air and landed gracefully, her body moving like liquid metal.

She grinned. "Not bad. You might last longer than I thought."

Aarav exhaled sharply. "You're not fighting some street thug. I don't go down that easy."

She lunged again, and this time, Aarav didn't just dodge—he attacked. He feinted to the left, then spun right, delivering a powerful strike aimed at her shoulder. But instead of blocking, she caught his wrist mid-motion, twisting it expertly and pulling him forward. In an instant, she had him pinned against a metallic pillar, her body pressed dangerously close to his.

"Still think you can win?" she whispered, her breath warm against his skin.

Aarav grinned, despite the pain in his arm. "Maybe not, but at least I'm enjoying the fight."

She raised an eyebrow, then laughed—a genuine, melodic sound that caught him off guard.

"You're either crazy or stupid."

Aarav shrugged. "Why not both?"

She released him, stepping back. "Fine. You've got guts, I'll give you that. Maybe you're worth keeping alive."

Aarav rolled his shoulder. "That's the best compliment I've gotten all day."

She smirked. "Don't get used to it."

The tension in the room shifted. The battle was over, but something else was beginning. Aarav had proven himself—at least enough to earn a temporary truce. But he knew this was just the beginning. The underground city held secrets, and so did she.

He wasn't just fighting for access anymore.

He was fighting to understand her.

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