Stephen's attack failed for the first time since the fight had begun.
The moment his fist drove forward, it didn't land where he intended. Instead, it struck against something solid, Jett's arm, already positioned to block the blow. The impact reverberated up Stephen's knuckles and into his forearm, sending a sharp jolt of pain through his bones. Before he could process it fully, he felt movement.
Jett was reaching for him.
Stephen reacted on instinct. He twisted his body and sprang backward, his feet skidding slightly across the platform as he created distance between them. The retreat was faster than his usual movement, driven by his power rather than pure footwork. His chest rose and fell sharply as his heart began pounding harder in his ears.
Sweat had already begun to form along his brow.
'I nearly got caught right there…'
The realization hit him with a cold clarity. That moment had been dangerously close. Too close.
