Jack walked into the dimly lit, gritty hall where the tournament was set to take place. The crowd was already gathering, the air thick with excitement, laughter, and anticipation. As he moved through the crowd, Jack's stomach twisted with disgust. Every few steps, he heard the competitors laughing and chatting about Lena as if she were some kind of trophy.
"Can't believe we're fighting for that beauty," one fighter sneered, nudging his friend. "Just think of the prize waiting for us."
Jack's fists clenched. The words pierced him like sharp needles. Lena wasn't a "prize." She was his girlfrined, someone he cared deeply about. The idea of her being used as bait filled him with a mix of anger and dread.
"Easy there, Jack," he whispered to himself, trying to keep his emotions in check. "Focus on the goal. Don't let them see they're getting to you."
