I'm ready.
Across from me, Dom waits, shirtless and limber, lightly bouncing on the balls of his feet. His toned muscles flex as he rotates his shoulders, his eyes locked on mine. There's an intensity in his gaze that sends a shiver down my spine.
"Ready to go again?" he asks, his voice low and gravelly.
I drop into my fighting stance, my fists raised. "Always."
Dom moves in a blur, aiming a punch at my ribs that I deflect just in time.
I counter with a roundhouse kick which he evades.
We exchange blows, neither of us giving any ground.
He switches tactics, sweeping my legs out from under me.
I roll and spring back up, my adrenaline surging.
I unleash a flurry of strikes meant to overwhelm his defenses.
He blocks each one, cat-like reflexes on full display.
Our eyes remain locked as we circle each other, sweat dripping.
"Your form is improving," Dom says. "Keep your guard up."
I absorb his advice with a quick nod. No mistakes, not today. I visualize my true opponent, the one who won't stop until he's destroyed everything I care about. Rage wells up inside me, fueling my attacks.
I catch Dom's arm and use his momentum to flip him onto his back.
He grunts as he hits the mat then sweeps my feet again.
We both roll to our feet, chests heaving.
"I need to be perfect," I say through gritted teeth. "Tane won't give any of us a second chance."
Dom's eyes flash with understanding. He beckons me forward and we clash again, each strike ringing out into the heavy air.
Rake watches silently from the edge of the ring as I steel myself for the fight ahead.
After our intense sparring session, Dom pulls me aside to offer some personalized guidance.
"It's not just about strength, Dev," he says, his tone gentle but firm. "You need to anticipate his moves, stay one step in front."
I nod, absorbing his advice. Dom has always been able to see my weaknesses and help me improve.
"I'll remember that," I reply. "Thanks, Dom."
He squeezes my shoulder, his dark eyes radiating care and belief in me. With him by my side, I feel like I can do anything.
I leave the ring with renewed motivation, the cheers of my found family echoing behind me.
Now it's time to focus on a different kind of training.
I enter a section of the facility designed to mimic an interrogation room, complete with a single chair, stark table, and various tools meant to intimidate. Zeke waits inside, ready to run through scenarios with me.
"This part isn't about physical strength at all," I say, mostly to myself. "It's about breaking them down, finding their weaknesses."
Zeke nods. "Getting inside their heads. You ready?"