I stood perfectly still as Declan Donovan and I locked eyes across the platform. The gymnasium buzzed with anticipation, hundreds of spectators holding their breath. After witnessing Lucas Rhodes's humiliating defeat, they were eager to see if the master could restore the Donovan family honor.
Declan circled me warily, his experienced eyes searching for any weakness. Unlike his student Lucas, he didn't rush in blindly. Decades of combat had taught him caution.
"Stop prolonging the inevitable," I said, my voice carrying across the silent room. "Everyone's waiting."
His jaw tightened. "Arrogant whelp. I was breaking bones before you were born."
"And yet here we are," I replied calmly. "You, making excuses. Me, waiting."
A vein throbbed in his temple. His daughter Nora shouted from the sidelines, "Father, destroy him! Show everyone what happens to people who disrespect the Donovan name!"
