Sweat And Submission

Kane finished his warm-up with a series of stretches, his muscles loose and ready.

He stepped toward the sparring ring, trying to project more confidence than he felt.

Cyrus stood waiting, his posture relaxed yet somehow intimidating. He gestured to the mat with an almost imperceptible tilt of his head.

"Last chance to reconsider," Cyrus said, his voice level.

Kane rolled his shoulders and stepped into the ring, his bare feet settling into a fighting stance. His fox ears twitched forward with determination.

"Underestimate me at your own risk, dragon." Kane's amber eyes gleamed with challenge.

A flicker of amusement crossed Cyrus's face, there and gone in an instant. He pulled up his fists into a fighting stance.

Cyrus moved first, closing the distance with frightening speed.

His fist cut through the air where Kane's head had been a split second earlier. Kane ducked and spun away, his movements fluid and quick.