A shadow loomed at her side. She ducked just as a heavy fist swung past her ear. The impact of air alone rattled her. A brute of a man, shoulders thick as an ox's, bared his teeth at her in a grin. He was fast despite his size. Very dangerous.
But Lara was faster and more dangerous.
Her pulse quickened. She sidestepped, letting him chase her momentum, her mind calculating. A direct clash would cost too much strength. She needed precision and patience.
He lunged again, but this time she shifted at the last breath, driving her palm into his elbow while her knee struck his side. The force of his own charge sent him stumbling past her, straight over the rope. The referee's shout confirmed his elimination.
The crowd thundered. Lara's breath came quick, her heart racing—not from fear, but from exhilaration. She steadied herself, forcing her body into calm readiness.
Fenris. Fenris. Fenris.
The crowd chanted, but Lara had no reaction.
