Page 27 of Nocturne

No one is born with hate. It’s a lesson the world teaches, while love comes naturally. Circumstances mould us, shaping individuals to either conform to society or rise against it.

Shadow—Nico enters the cage, his dark eyes settling over his opponent.

In the dimly lit arena, the air buzzes with anticipation as Nico steps into the ring. Across from him, Viper, looking equally formidable, eyes him with determination. The bell rings, and the fighters explode into motion.

The crowd roars, the din of their excitement echoing off the rocky walls.

Viper is the first to move, his scream of rage ringing off the walls as he comes towards Nico with full force. The urge to close my eyes kicks in, but I don’t. The morbid fascination that I find in these fights does not allow me to.

Nico easily dodges the punch aimed at his jaw, circling Viper. He lands a quick jab that keeps Viper off balance. Nico is brilliant at exploiting openings with swift and controlled strikes. His training can be seen in every movement, each punch and kick thrown with purpose and power.

Nico is a seasoned fighter. Even without the knowledge of who he is, it would be evident in the way he fights. He possesses the fluidity that can only be seen in a man who fights frequently.

Viper looks like he is no stranger to the ring as well. He tries to retaliate with ferocity, but Nico anticipates every move. He weaves effortlessly through Viper’s attacks, slipping past defences with a blend of agility and timing. A thunderous kick lands squarely on Viper’s midsection, eliciting curses from people who bet on him as Viper barrels back.

Nico presses forward, his face shifting, his dark scowl deepening. He is relentless with his powerful punches and kicks that Viper tries to dodge but fails. With every strike, Nico gains ground, his dominance undeniable.

He finishes the match with a final, devastating blow—a precise hook that connects with Viper’s jaw—and he sends his opponent crashing to the ground.

The arena erupts in cheers as the referee counts Viper out. Nico throws a cursory glance Viper’s way, who stays down, notmoving an inch. I hope the man is just unconscious and not dead. But the punch was powerful and it landed right on the mark. Two men walk into the ring at the same time Nico turns to exit.

“Let’s fuck, Shadow,” a lady yells from my side.

Nico’s eyes turn our side and instead of landing on the woman who is exhilarated that she thinks he sees her, they catch mine. Then they shift towards Ivy and his scowl turns even more angry.

His nostrils flare and his eyes narrow at us, his expression an epitome of terror. He walks out of the ring without another glance our way, but I still shiver at his glare, wondering what must have garnered that reaction. I didn’t even talk to that man and have only met him once.

“If looks could kill, we would be burned to the ground already,” Ivy shivers at my side.

I nod, walking with the crowd towards the bar that is on the other side. There was an announcement which said that the next fight would commence in a few minutes until they took the bets.

“Should we place some bets?” Ivy asks.

“Based on what? We don’t even know who fights best in the next match,”

“We could always guess,” she shrugs.

“You are a terrible gambler,” I laugh lightly

“Not everyone’s blessed with a brain like yours,”

I shrug. It is not a blessing. Remembering everything in detail, unable to forget even if I force myself to. It is more of a curse than a gift.

I gasp when someone crashes to my side, sending their drink flying all over the side of my shirt.

“Shit. Fuck! I paid fucking 20 bucks for that drink!” the girl complains without even a hint of apology in her tone.

“Watch where you go,” Ivy pushes her away.

The girl walks away muttering some curses under her breath while Ivy and I assess the damage. We have dinner plans after this and I cannot show up in the restaurant that I put us on a month-long waiting list with a beer stain on my shirt.

“I need to find a restroom,” I say, looking around.

“I’ll come along,” Ivy says but I shake my head.

“There is a long line. You can wait in it while I go clean this mess up,”

“What? No! This place is new and frankly gives me heebie-jeebies.” Ivy argues.

---