Page 55 of Beautiful Scars: Unshakeable

I watch as they position themselves, every movement deliberate and explained. Ty walks through the defense step by step while Chase applies minimal pressure.

"The instinct is to grab at the hands choking you," Ty explains, demonstrating. "But that's not effective. Instead, you want to create space. Your arms are stronger than their grip if you use them right."

My jaw clenches as Chase increases the pressure of his hands around Ty's throat. They've done this hundreds of times in training, but watching it now, knowing why Sunny needs to learn this...

"Watch my arms," Ty continues. "I'm going to drive them up between his hands, breaking his grip. Then immediately step back while getting ready to strike or run."

They demonstrate in slow motion. Ty's arms shoot up between Chase's, forcing them apart. In one fluid motion, he steps back and mimics an eye strike.

"The goal isn't necessarily to fight," Chase adds. "It's to create an opportunity for escape. Every movement should be focused on getting away. But, if that’s not possible, it'll give you the space you need to be ready to engage."

Sunny nods, absorbing every detail. Her arms have uncurled from around herself, hands flexing at her sides.

"Want to try the arm movement first? Without the choke?" Ty asks.

"Yes." Her voice is steady despite the fear I can see in her eyes.

They practice the arm motion repeatedly. Up through the center, elbows locked, driving toward the ceiling. Chase adjusts her form with verbal instructions only, never touching.

"Good," he praises. "Now faster. Make it explosive."

I watch her confidence grow with each repetition. The movement becomes more natural, more instinctive. But then Chase asks if she wants to try it with light contact and she freezes.

"We don't have to," Ty says immediately. "We can keep practicing the motion."

"No, I..." She swallows hard. "I need to know it works. That I can do it if..." She doesn't finish the sentence. She doesn't need to.

"I'll do it," Chase offers. "My reach and size is closer to what you'll likely face. Ty can guide you through it."

Sunny nods, but her breathing has gone shallow. Before I realize I'm moving, Levi's hand clamps on my arm.

"Let her do this," he murmurs. "She needs to know she can."

I force myself to stay still as Chase positions himself in front of Sunny. He's being so careful, telegraphing every movement, but I can see her starting to panic.

"Remember," Ty's voice is calm, grounding. "You control this. We stop the second you say stop."

Sunny takes a shaky breath. "Okay."

"I'm going to place my hands very lightly on your shoulders first," Chase tells her. "Just so you get used to the position, the way it feels."

She nods, but when his hands touch her shoulders, she makes a small sound that tears at my chest.

"Breathe," Ty reminds her. "You're safe."

Chase starts to lift his hands toward her neck and she stumbles back, shaking her head. "Wait, I'm sorry, I..."

"Nothing to be sorry for." Chase immediately steps back, giving her space. "This is hard stuff. You're doing great."

"Maybe we should take another break," Ty suggests, but Sunny shakes her head.

"No. I need to do this. I've got to get through it." Her voice breaks halfway through.

"Okay," Chase says softly. "We'll let you work through it. But we'll go even slower. First, just my hands on your shoulders. We'll stay there until you're completely comfortable."

They start again. This time Sunny manages to keep still when Chase's hands rest on her shoulders. Her breathing is deliberate, controlled.

"Good," Ty encourages. "Now, Chase is going to lift his hands very slowly. Remember your escape movement. You can do it any time."

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