AUTHOR'S POV
Between the brutal exchanges, Tessa managed to whisper, “Why did you bring me here, Pedro?” Her voice was a soft plea amidst the cacophony.
Pedro paused in his watchful stance by the barricade. He gently took her by the shoulder, drawing her close, and spoke in a low voice meant only for her. “I want to tell you a story, Tessa. A story of how I became the man I am today.”
Tessa looked up at him, her eyes filled with dread, yet she forced herself to listen. Pedro’s gaze turned distant as he began. “When I was a boy, my father—Don El Diablo Lorenzo—took me to a wrestling ring much like this one. It was dark, loud, and frightening. I remember the first time I saw men clash in battle. I saw blood spatter and heard the sound of bones breaking. I was terrified, but I also learnt something crucial that day. I learnt that life is cruel and unforgiving, and only those who can endure pain can survive. I learnt that strength is forged in fire and that fear must be faced head-on.”
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