The atmosphere in the League grows more suffocating as the tournament progresses. With each round, the pressure to perform mounts, and old frustrations begin to bubble beneath the surface for Jack. Aiden's smug remarks, subtle provocations, and nonchalant attitude grate on his nerves, threatening to shatter the fragile truce they've built.
During training one afternoon, Aiden lands an unnecessary jab during a sparring session, grinning as Jack stumbles backward. "You're slow today," Aiden mocks. "What's wrong, still thinking about Lena?"
The jab cuts deeper than Jack is willing to admit. His fists clench, and a familiar heat rises in his chest. The desire to throw caution aside, to wipe that smirk off Aiden's face, surges through him. It's the same anger that drove him in underground fights—the fury that made him reckless but powerful.
Just as Jack takes a step forward, Diego's voice booms across the gym. "Jack! That's enough!"
