Page 37 of Harley & Her Ferals

I can’t tell her that I know it’s Vinnie and Harbinger.

I bet that they’re eager to face me.

Romilly’s expression becomes professional again. “It doesn’t matter who they are. You must focus on yourself. We need to work on your mindset. Don’t become distracted by the hype or pressure of these big fights.”

I frown. “But this Harbinger is—”

“Unimportant,” Romilly barks, slamming her hand against the shelf. “Champions don’t get caught up in fighting someone else’s style. They pressure their rival to fight bytheirs. What are the five P’s, huh?”

“Pace,” I reply, listing them off on my fingers. This is one of Romilly’s lessons that has been well drilled into me. “Always fight at your own and not your rival’s. Position. Aggressively create opportunities. Pressure. Apply forward pressure, as well as physical pressure to break your rival. Poise. Be confident.”

“And which of those rules are you breaking now?”

I wet my lips. “Poise.”

Romilly grips my chin, raising it. “During a fight, it doesn’t matter if you’re having your ass beaten black and blue, you remain looking like the king of Alphas. In your case, the mafia Omega princess. Before fights, you keep it up too.” She drops my chin to tap my head. “Fights are won and lost in here, before the first punch is even thrown.”

I meet her gaze. “You heard about the Heir Contest then?”

Romilly becomes thoughtful. “Who hasn’t? You know how the Beta servants gossip, as well the fighters in the dorms. It was a kick in the knot to your brother, hmm?”

I nod.

To my surprise, Romilly leans closer. “I’ve been listening to the whispers. I run the fighter dorms. And we’re all behind you. You have our fists and fangs, if you need them.”

I draw in a sharp breath.

That means the world to me.

Also, is she talking treason against Dad? The revolution that I’ve long dreamed about?

I don’t dare hope but meet her eye. “Thank you, Rom.”

Romilly nods, solemnly. “In case you hadn’t realized it, River has the backing of the Beta servants. As unbonded Betas, they’re denied medical access, but River treats them anyway. He sitsup with them all night if they’re ill and puts splints on them, when they break bones. He risks punishment from Allegra for breaking the household rule. She’s caught him multiple times and made him suffer for it. But he hasn’t stopped. He’s saved many of the Betas’ lives, even if he’s too modest to boast about it. He’s the most loved Beta in the Underworld.”

I stare at her.

I knew that River worked as a medic, helping the fighters.

He’s never told me, however, that he stays up after his long day working as a servant and tutor to treat the Betas as well.

He must be exhausted.

Despite that, River brims with energy, laughter, and joy.

Every day, I fall harder for this man.

Romilly takes a careful step back. “You’re going to win the match and the contest because you’re not alone. The hopes, dreams, and support of hundreds of members of the Underworld are with you.”

My breath hitches. “I’ll win.”

For the first time, I fully believe it.

When Romilly steps aside, I brighten.

Feral is standing in the doorway, dark and silent.

Except, then I notice his bruised cheek, and my expression falls. “Allegra?”

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