Chapter 113

Mia's Pov

Round after round, blow after blow, we battled on, locked in a deadly dance of violence that seemed to stretch on for an eternity. Each exchange of blows was a testament to our resilience, a testament to the indomitable spirit that burned within us both.

And then, just when I thought I couldn't take anymore, Martha delivered a final, devastating blow that sent me crashing to the ground, my body a mass of agony as I lay there, gasping for breath. Every muscle screamed in protest, every nerve ending ablaze with pain, but still I refused to give up.

This was just round one.

....

I would argue that I knew what I was doing. And in a way I did. I was losing. Badly.

Martha sneered at me as I slammed against the wall and doubled over. Through the haze of agony, I saw Lycidas watching us from the bed, his eyes inscrutable as he bore witness to the spectacle unfolding before him. Shame burned hot in me.

"Are you sure you don't want to draw your claws?" I wheezed.

Martha scoffed. "You