AliceI move first.No warning, no hesitation, I close the distance before he settles, my boots cutting through the dirt as I drive straight at him, knife angled low, aiming for his side where his guard dips just enough to matter.Micah reacts fast, his hand snapping out to catch my wrist mid-swing, his grip locking tight as he twists my arm outward, forcing the blade off course.I step into him instead of pulling away, my shoulder slamming into his chest with enough force to shift him back a fraction, his balance adjusting under me.His other hand comes up instantly and drives into my side.The hit lands clean.Pain spreads sharp and deep, my breath catching, but I refuse to fold. I hook my leg behind his and shove forward, trying to drag him off balance and break his stance.He stabilizes, boots grinding into the dirt, his grip tightening as he absorbs it without losing control.“Stay down,” he mutters, his voice low and steady.I force air back into my lungs, my grip tightening aro
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