AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Before I can reply, Viktor interjects with a sudden shift in mood. "You said Ana's fighting. How did she do?"
A small smirk forms on my face, despite the heaviness of our conversation. "She won her first fight. Took her opponent down with ease."
Viktor's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but then he breaks into a proud smile, even as the worry lines on his forehead remain etched deep. "That's my sister," he says, a touch of admiration evident in his tone.
I chuckle softly. "Yep. She's as fierce as they come."
The tension in the room slowly dissipates, replaced by a camaraderie born of shared concerns, battles, and secrets.
Viktor's gaze drops, and he draws in a deep breath before he speaks, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I was a coward, Samuil."
I furrow my brow, looking at my best friend, the man who's been through everything with me. "What are you talking about?"
"Not telling you about the move, about the bet... I didn't know how to bring it up," he admits, avoiding eye contact. I can see the turmoil in his eyes, the same struggle I've been dealing with about confessing my relationship with Ana.
A small ironic laugh escapes me. "Sounds familiar," I murmur, thinking of the secret I've been keeping.
Viktor looks up, catching my implication. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
The words sit on the tip of my tongue, ready to be released. But still I hold back, my hesitancy stemming from the complexity of our relationship and the fragile state Viktor's currently in. "We're practically family, Viktor," I finally say, myvoice low and earnest. "Whatever it is, we should be able to share it. No judgments."
Viktor nods slowly, swallowing hard. "I didn't know how to say it. I thought I'd figure it out later. You know, when the time felt right. But now I see there's never a perfect time."
I want to confess so badly, to get it off my chest. The air between us is thick with the need for truth. But then a glance at the clock on the wall jolts me back to reality. Ana's match is starting soon, and I have to be there. She may be strong, but she shouldn’t be alone.
Seeing the urgency in my eyes, Viktor quickly pieces it together. "Go," he says, understanding in his gaze. "Be there for her. She needs you now."
A mixture of guilt and gratitude washes over me. "Thank you," I tell him. "For understanding. For everything."
Viktor's eyes are soft as they meet mine. "Thank you for always looking out for my sister. She's lucky to have you."
A warm tightness fill my chest at his words. It's ironic, really. How much truth there is in what remains unsaid between us.
With a final, heavy nod, I turn and stride out of the room.
The frantic rhythm of my heart plays a discordant melody in my ears as I make my way through the dimly lit corridors, my steps echoing ominously. The fight should be starting soon, and the fact that Ana isn't where she's supposed to be is making every nerve in my body scream. This feels all too familiar, stirring memories of that fateful night with Viktor. The thought that she could be in danger sends a jolt of cold dread down my spine.
I push past the crowd, barely noticing the din of anticipation as the audience awaits the main event. My focus is on one task only and that is to find Ana.
As I near the changing rooms, I hear muffled voices. Tense, aggressive. My pace quickens, the sinking feeling in my gut becoming more pronounced. Turning the corner, my worst fears are realized.
My Ana is there, surrounded by five men. A quick assessment confirms she's unhurt, but her stance is completely on the defense—body poised, eyes sharp, every inch the fighter. Yet there's an undeniable vulnerability in the way they've cornered her. Their laughter is dark and menacing. Clearly, they're enjoying the power play.
“Looking a little lost, sweetheart?” one sneers, his grin malicious. His eyes roam over her form, and a fierce protectiveness flares inside me.
Another leans in, trying to intimidate her further. “Missed the way to the ring, did you? Don't worry, we’ll show you.”
Ana’s voice, sharp and unwavering, slices through their taunts. “Back the fuck off,” she warns. But the odds aren’t in her favor. The heavy hostility feels like a powder keg ready to explode.
I take a moment, steeling myself, channeling every ounce of authority I possess. "Having trouble finding the exit, gentlemen?" My voice, dripping with icy venom, echoes in the hallway.
All heads turn toward me. A heavy silence fills the corridor. Their expressions are a mix of surprise and recognition, but it's Ana's eyes that capture my attention, stormy depths full of defiance and, if I'm not mistaken, a hint of relief.
The largest of the five steps forward, squaring up to me. "This is none of your business," he snarls.
I smirk. "She's my business."
There's a pause, a moment of stillness as everyone assesses the situation, trying to predict the other’s next move.
