Dax's blood boiled. He could feel the anger bubbling like hot magma beneath his skin. Without thinking twice, he stomped down hard on Bob's foot, and a loud yelp tore through the hallway. Bob's eyes widened like saucers as he howled, hopping on one leg. But Dax wasn't done.
His shoulder snapped forward with a burst of fury, slamming squarely into Bob's jaw. There was a meaty thud, followed by Bob's dramatic gasp as he stumbled backward, hands clutching his chin.
Before anyone could blink, Dax's free hand swung like a whip and cracked Cot square on the nose.
"Uhhh!" Cot screeched, doubling over as blood oozed out of his nostrils. His hands flew up to his face, his eyes watery, his voice trembling between pain and shock.
The students standing around froze. It was like someone had just hit pause on the world. Everyone just stared at Dax; the weird kid, the school's punching bag, the walking invitation for bullying, and he had just done the unthinkable: he fought back.
