The Only Family

Ares wiped his nose. The thick, red liquid streaked across his hand. He remembered a time in junior high when he had bled, back when he faced bullying. But Ares wasn't one to back down when confronted by oppressors. He fought back, leaving his tormentors with broken bones and a call to their parents. Ares never stopped fighting.

Afterward, he never allowed anyone to make him bleed again. He delved into boxing, karate, and marksmanship. He fortified his body to ensure no one dared lay a hand on him again.

And now, someone had made his nose bleed again. It was the man who had been his friend in the past, now turned into an enemy and a rival for Keyara's love. Ares was in his worst state. He couldn't even muster a punch against Grey, not with the emotional turmoil, he felt, akin to a churning black hole.

Grey seemed unsatisfied; he wanted to hurt Ares even more. Making Ares realize that Grey, standing before him, was the man rightfully in possession of Keyara. Ares had audaciously propos