Penumbra by Kharma Kelley

Author:Kharma Kelley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wicked Bayou Press

The eclipse waned high above the groups of spectators and fighters alike. Arista’s ever-watching eyes upon the fierce and the strong as they closed circle after circle. The winners fast becoming a smaller minority as each defeat yielded a more exclusive ring of victors. The much larger ring consisted of the elders, teens and challengers who were either tapped out or carried out. The night made beasts of many.

Aidan wiped the blood from his mouth and caught his breath. His hands trembled. The adrenaline pumping through him stirred his fight or flight as Zeke came at him with full force. Steadying himself, he dug his feet in the dirt for leverage taking the Aristan head on. They embraced like two grizzlies, roaring and grappling until Zeke threw him down, knocking the wind out of his lungs.

Aidan rolled away from a stump that had his name on it and got back on his feet. There was barely time to catch a second breath before Zeke lunged for him again, this time, giving him a powerful elbow to jaw. The blow knocked him back, which he was grateful for. He needed to think, albeit for only two or three seconds, about how to prevent further kicking of his ass by his Azan pack mate. He was certain Zeke’s strategy was to keep him on the defensive and it was working.

Then, Zeke knocked the thought right out of him with a kick to the side. The pain erupted and seized his muscles in an attempt to absorb the damage. He heard the shouting and clamoring as Zeke stood over him shaking his head. Perhaps he was just as confused as Aidan about him getting so sloppy. But to be fair, both of them were. The more bouts you win, the more bloodied, fatigued and imprecise you get.

His father often had to remind him that it’s not always the strongest who win. Cunning had just as much value—and nothing was more cunning than knowing your opponent. Aidan took much needed breath in the probably the only seconds of rest he would get in this bout. ‘Cause he wasn’t finished.

Just a bit more, Ezekiel. I know you can’t resist…

As soon as Zeke crouched down to throw his notorious ‘Bon Nuit’ punch, Aidan found the window to strike. Aidan moved his head away, using the opportunity to grab his opponent’s arm, leveraging it to throw Zeke down in the dirt next to him. Like a lightning strike, he rolled on top of him, using that arm to curve around the Azan’s throat, and wrapping the other in a tight arm bar.

With most of Aidan’s weight leaning in the position, Zeke struggled in pain, unable to shift any of his magnificent mass to get up or remove him. Aidan didn’t know how bad Zeke wanted to win as he would have to break his arm to get a fighting chance to rebound. Even then, he’d have to battle the rest of the bouts winged because it would take at least a day or so to heal.

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