Chapter 0469

Her piercing gaze assesses me for a heartbeat before she strikes. I deflect the first blow effortlessly. She shifts her weight, bouncing lightly before attacking again. A quick jab, then a spinning elbow aimed at my ribs. I block both, barely avoiding the second hit.

The way she retreats tells me everything. That spark in her eyes? Pure adrenaline. This is just the beginning.

Her skill astonishes me. After years of training her myself, how did I miss this level of proficiency? Either she's been hiding her true ability or putting in secret training sessions. Maybe both.

Speed favors me, but her agility surpasses mine, balancing our strengths. We fall into a rhythmic dance of attack and defense. Though I could end this anytime, I want her to learn from every opening she leaves. My strikes land softer than usual - teaching, not defeating. The exchange thrills me. Her style differs completely from Alistair, Sebastian, and Donovan's brute force approach. She fights with cunning and grace, adapting instantly. Every time I land a hit, she blocks that same move the next attempt.

The growing crowd snaps me from focus. Warriors encircle us, cheering wildly. Sweat drenches both our bodies after nearly two hours of continuous sparring. Time to conclude this session. I still need to give Valeria time with Evander.

I attempt a takedown maneuver from earlier. She anticipates it, dodging smoothly. Her leg sweeps toward mine, but I leap over it, rolling back to my feet as she does the same. Increasing my intensity, I try to overpower her. Her reflexes amaze me. With each successful dodge, the crowd's support for her grows louder.

Finally, an opening. I seize her leg. When pulling free fails, she launches her other leg toward my head - either aiming for a kick or neck wrap. I catch that limb too, slamming us both to the ground. My body pins hers, her arms trapped above her head.

"Got you," I whisper against her ear. Our heavy breaths mingle. The heat of her body, the citrus-ginger scent of her skin - it overwhelms my senses. Distracted, I lean in...

Pain explodes as her knee connects with brutal precision. Every male spectator winces in sympathy. Meanwhile, Ivy springs up effortlessly.

"Great match, Gregory. But don't mistake sparring for permission," she tosses over her shoulder, leaving me curled on the ground clutching my injured pride.