Chapter 128 - Winner

Adea

The silence fell over the field as everyone watched with an intensity that had me on the edge of my seat. Gabe turned to face Leo, his eyes ran down the length of his body, he didn’t have any serious injuries. Leo watched Gabe with a smirk on his face as if he thought he’d won.

They stared at each other for a moment and when no one moved, worry flooded me. I could hear my heart beating in my chest. After what I had seen this evening, I knew Gabe was a warrior but after the damage he took, I couldn’t help but wonder if he still had the strength in him to take Leo on.

If someone didn’t move soon—I couldn’t stop the sharp inhale as Leo lunged for him. Panic squeezed my chest tight as my eyes zoned in on Gabe. He didn’t bat an eye, instead, he didn’t move, he stayed rooted to the spot and I feared what was to come. Claws extended and sharp canines protruded from Leo’s mouth as Gabe lifted his knee into the air, pushed off his leg, pivoted powerfully as his shin connected with Leo’s jaw.

Darci was perched on the edge of the field, getting as close as she could. Remembering how she paired Leo and I during training, I wondered if she was rooting for him. Curiosity bubbled in me as I wondered what they were to each other before my eyes darted to the field where Gabe stood.

Leo was hunched over, his face in his hands, and when he lifted his head his eyes glowed brightly. His chest heaved and dropped rapidly as he struggled to reign in his wolf. Leo got to his knees, blood flowed down his neck, his lip split. His cheeks hollowed before he spat out a mouthful of blood onto the floor beside him. Gabe’s upper lip peeled back and he snarled as Leo straightened his back.

I watched as Leo cracked his neck, his eyes glared at Gabe, and bloodthirst radiated off of him. Gabe didn’t give Leo the chance to move, he moved in a blur of movement and crashed into Leo. I watched with wide eyes as they wrestled aggressively. Gabe came out on top and Leo struggled against him.

Leo clawed at Gabe’s side and the fabric tore before turning dark with blood. Gabe pulled his arm back and when it came down; his fist connected with Leo’s jaw. Leo’s head bounced back against the grass. When he lifted his head, another fist slammed into the side of his face.

Leo threw punches from the bottom and one made contact with Gabe’s chest. He took the hit with a grunt but reciprocated with a punch. Leo dodged it and jabbed at Gabe’s ribs. Gabe flew back and gripped his side.

Gabe caught himself and I crossed my fingers, hoping Leo would stay down or give in but he threw his head back before quickly smashing it against Gabe’s. The sound was sickening and I gasped. I jumped to my feet and covered my mouth with my hand, my gaze locked on my best friend. The lump in my throat was too large to swallow as Gabe’s head lolled back and his hands quickly gripped his forehead. He fell back and Leo was on top of him instantly before he pinned Gabe down beneath his knee.

I forgot how to breathe.

I heard Ethan calling my name and I could feel a tug on my arm. When I finally peeled my eyes from Gabe I realized I had screamed. Most of the knocked-out contestants were looking at me. I didn’t miss the way Leo’s eyes trailed over Gabe’s still body or the fact that there was considerably less hatred in his gaze than when he was focused on me.

“Stop!” I said urgently, the worry etched in my features. Eyes were on me and I looked back at Ethan. “Can’t I just end it here?” I said, my voice low so only Odis, Darci, and Ethan would hear. Odis’s gaze remained locked on the two on the field but I knew he was listening. Darci’s gaze was shocked but bordered on hysterical.

“Are you trying to find a way to protect your friend? That’s not how this works.” Darci mocked as Odis ripped his eyes from the fight and looked at me. His eyebrows dipped with concern but he remained silent. “Just because he’s going to lose?” She shook her head. “We will not end this competition unless one of them gives in,” Darci snapped. “No one will receive special treatment and I would assume you would want the same had the situations been reversed.”

“Watch your tone,” Ethan growled at her before looking at me.

“I choose Gabe… please,” I begged. “I don’t want to see him get any more hurt than he already is.”

“I’m sorry, my queen, but I will choose the winner and it won’t be someone who has lost. I don’t think Gabe would want you to do this,” Ethan murmured so only I could hear. I knew he was right but I shook my head.

With Leo distracted, Gabe took the chance to pull his knees up, his arms pulled into his chest and he pushed against Leo. He quickly rolled towards Leo’s knee. He was still under him and at a disadvantage, he bucked his hips and extended his arms at the same time and despite Leo’s weight, he pushed him off of him.

They were evenly matched and relief filled me with the knowledge. Gabe got to his feet and Leo followed suit. Their chests heaved and smoke billowed from their mouths and into the air. I wasn’t sure who would win. At the rate they’re going they could knock each other out.

It would be a tie.

“WE HAVE A WINNER!” Ethan roared beside me. All eyes found him and it was so quiet I wondered if everyone else was holding their breath.

“Gabe!” Ethan said, and all the participants cheered and clapped. Darci glared in my direction and the silence was drowned out as the field erupted in celebration. My chest relaxed, my shoulders slumped and I dropped my head in relief.

“… and Leo!” Ethan roared over the noise. Everyone froze and all eyes were on Ethan again.. My eyes were on him, my jaw hanging in shock, as he stared back at the participants.