LOVE ACROSS THE DIVIDE:018

As Sophia and I stumbled out of the alleyway, we were confronted with another group of masked men. This time there were six of them, and they had weapons more dangerous than knives.

I felt a sense of panic rising in my chest. I didn't know if I could take on so many attackers at once. But then, out of nowhere, a figure appeared behind us.

"Get behind me," Blake said, his voice calm and steady. "I'll handle this."

I felt a breath escape me in relief.

Sophia and I quickly complied, huddling together behind Blake as he took a defensive stance. I could see the muscles in his arms bulging as he readied himself for the fight.

The attackers advanced, their weapons raised. But Blake was faster than any of them. He moved with a fluid grace that I had never seen before, striking out with a series of kicks and punches that left the men reeling.

I watched in awe as he took down attacker after attacker, his movements precise and calculated. He seemed to be in complete control, even as the men came