A Worthy Opponent Novels & Stories

The distance between us felt wider than the entire arena. Kieran blew out a breath. “She is still mad.” I did not bother answering. The truth of it was written across her face. Her opponent stepped into the arena. A tall male with scarred forearms and unsettling calm eyes. He had won three matches in a row. Brutal. Efficient. He respected no one. Killed ruthlessly and never lost sleep over it. Kieran leaned forward. “Of all the opponents she could get.” “She can handle him,” I said quietly.

"He isn't family anymore. He isn't a f8cking victim or a forgotten brother." "He isn't harmless." Dominic continued and he looked at Althea and then Seraphina. He then met everyone else’s eyes in the room. "He’s, our opponent." The room became still because that word changed everything. Opponent. Not enemy. Not yet. Opponents could still negotiate. Enemies couldn't. The distinction mattered. At least for now. "I think he's scared." Althea finally spoke softly, the room turned toward her, frozen in their seats and even Dominic looked surprised at her. She nodded slowly, thinking aloud. "He hides it well. But I think he's scared."

Every day, resisting her felt less like strength and more like self-punishment. On the screen in front of him, a small security feed played, footage from the café. Aria’s movements. Her expressions. Every microsecond replayed. He zoomed in. Her jaw tightened when she lied. “Smart girl,” he murmured. “But not smart enough.” “Why her? She’s a journalist. That’s trouble.” Luca frowned. Dominic smirked faintly. “Because trouble’s how I test loyalty. Even my own.” Rain hit the windows hard, blurring the city outside. Aria sat on her couch, laptop open, the glow painting her face pale.

The man he had underestimated was everywhere he could not reach. Nathaniel’s loss was total. And for the first time, truly, irrevocably, he understood that some battles could not be won with money, influence, or threats. Some victories were meant to belong to those who were worthy, who were loved, who were free. And Isla Hart, glowing and unstoppable, carried her life forward, leaving Nathaniel to stew in shadows that would never touch her again.

“Did you see those two?” I frowned and looked back at the stage. They were still fighting. Still refusing to fall. “What about them?” I asked quietly. Benson’s gaze stayed on me for a moment before returning forward. “Just like them… you and your opponent will fight without shifting.” My eyes narrowed slightly. “…Jude chose your opponent,” he continued. “And she’s not simple. No one here is.” My heart skipped. I stayed silent and continued listening. “…She may not be among the strongest,” Benson added, his tone measured, “but she’s stronger than you.”

Now that she was out of sight and safe from the Arroyo’s grasp, he could breathe normally again. The man he was fighting with landed a hard fist across his face, stunning him out of his thoughts. He instantly returned the punch, but with the added force behind it, it knocked the man down to the ground, unconscious. Laurence stood over him, remembering their spar in the alley when it was just him against this buffoon and his other friends. Back then he was outnumbered and alone. Now that his brothers were with him, he knew they had very little chance of losing this.

replied Gerald with a faint chuckle. Upon hearing that—and recalling the events in Yanam—Aiden couldn’t help but grin as he said, “Just a heads up, but our opponents will most likely be in a completely different league compared to those we usually face during regular missions. Before such opponents, even I have to admit that I’ll be a burden at best!” “I’m aware…” muttered Fujiko who only had Gerald’s strength as a referential point. Aside from that, she had no idea just how much stronger their opponents could get…

I nodded, then braced myself for more. He walked over to the tree trunk, then he moved it to the side. He walked over to me, then stood beside me. He positioned my legs properly before me, and he made me stand properly. He whispered in my ear. “You need to see your opponent as an enemy. If you miss one shot, they will retaliate, and they will attack you. Never let your opponent get the leverage over you, you must always be on the winning side, always have the opportunity to win at all costs.”

Darren stepped on the stage, his gaze filled with disdain. Was he underestimating his opponent? Not a chance! Could an unknown young man like this even qualify to be his opponent? The answer was a resounding no! Since Woody wasn't even worthy of being called a proper opponent, there was no need to hold back. "Kid, considering how young and naive you are, I might spare your pathetic life." Darren insincerely said, "But there's one condition, kneel before me, bow to me three times, and admit defeat."

If she is standing in front of me, then she is my opponent. “Because I am your opponent, you dummy.” Fear surged into my body, curling around my neck and stealing my breath. If I remember correctly, Imani had paired me with some Vivian lady. She was the weakest wolf in the pack, and it was an opportunity for both of us to stay on the safer side. No. This isn’t good. Celestia and I cannot spar in this fight. She would definitely compile every grudge she has against me and kill my poor ass today.