Damon sat on a folding chair in the back room of the ceremonial weigh-in, resting his elbows on his knees and staring at the floor.
He wasn't nervous, more annoyed. There was a buzz in the air, coaches exchanging low whispers, Victor pacing near the wall.
Victor finally broke the silence with a sigh. "Kid, this isn't good. Gustalam showed up too heavy. Are you sure you still want to do this?"
Edward, who was sitting nearby with his arms crossed, agreed. "They are giving you the choice to leave, Damon. No one will think less of you because of it. He didn't meet the terms, plain and simple."
Damon let out a sharp exhale, leaning back in his chair. He crossed his arms and stared at the ceiling for a moment. "I know what you're all thinking," he started, his tone calm but edged with defiance. "But I didn't come here to back out. I don't care if he's overweight; I'm still fighting him."
