As the ceremony continues, I feel a growing sense of gratitude for the family we have created here. We’re more than just a group of fighters; we’re a tribe, bound together by our passion and dedication. And with Emily by my side, I know that nothing can stand in our way.

“Here’s to victory in Dubai!” I raise my voice over the music, and the room erupts into cheers and applause.

“Victory!” they echo, their spirits soaring high, ready to take on the world.

“Who’s first?” I call out, the chant fading away as each fighter prepares to take a turn in the center of the circle.

My head nods with pride as my team members demonstrate their techniques, some slick and smooth, others powerful and intense. I see years of dedication and hard work in every move they make, and it fills me with confidence for what lies ahead.

“Go, Daniel!” Emily shouts enthusiastically, clapping her hands together as he executes an impressive armbar. I chuckle at her enthusiasm, knowing she’s still learning the techniques, but her support is contagious.

“Nice move, man!” I add, slapping Daniel on the back as he returns to the circle’s edge.

As each fighter showcases their skills, the energy in the room intensifies. They feed off each other’s determination, and I feel the fire burning within them, ready to take on anyone who stands between us and victory in Dubai.

“Your turn, Lucas,” Xavier nudges me, his eyes sparkling with excitement. I nod, stepping into the center of the circle.

With a deep breath, I unleash a series of moves, demonstrating the fluidity and power that has carried me through countless battles. Cheers erupt around me, and I smile, knowing that my team has my back.

Emily watches me intently, her eyes wide. I sense her belief in me, and it fuels my every movement.

“Amazing, Lucas!” she exclaims as I finish my demonstration. It’s impossible not to laugh at her enthusiasm, and I pull her into a tight hug.

“Thanks, babe,” I murmur into her ear, feeling the warmth of her body pressed against mine.

As the ceremony progresses, our focus sharpens, and our determination grows. We’re not just here for ourselves; we’re here for each other, for the tribe we’ve built together.

“Remember, guys,” I say as the last fighter finishes their demonstration, my voice steady and strong, “we’re in this together. No matter what happens in Dubai, we have each other’s backs.”

They respond with tribal calls and backslaps.

“Emily,” Xavier calls out, gesturing for her to join us in the circle. As she hesitates, I reach out and give her hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Go on, Em. You’ve got this,” I encourage her, my voice low and steady.

“Alright,” she sighs, stepping into the circle, her white gi contrasting with her flushed cheeks. The fighters begin to chant and dance around her, their voices resonating throughout the gym.

At first, Emily appears uncomfortable, shifting her weight from one foot to the other as if she’s unsure of what to do. But then, the rhythm of the drum seems to reach her, and she starts swaying to the beat, her movements growing more confident with each passing moment.

“Come on, Emily!” one of the fighters shouts encouragingly, and soon they’re all cheering for her.

“Você consegue, garota” another one adds, his voice full of admiration. She doesn’t understand Portuguese, but the tone is enough for her to know that it’s good.

Seeing Emily, so completely embraced by the team, her hair flying around her as she moves like some sort of goddess, fills me with an indescribable sense of pride.

“Lucas, look at your girl!” Xavier exclaims, clapping me on the back. “She feels it!”

“Damn right, she does,” I reply, unable to tear my eyes away from her. In this moment, with the drums beating and the chanting filling the air, I see Emily as a true part of our tribe.

“Em, você é incrível!” I shout over the noise, wanting her to know just how much this means to me.

Her eyes shine with excitement and joy.

As the ceremony continues and the energy in the room grows even more intense, I think about the incredible journey Emily and I have shared together. From our initial attraction to our stubborn clashes over business to our unwavering love for one another, we’ve faced it all—and come out stronger for it.

“Alright, everyone!” Xavier calls out as the ceremony comes to a close. “Let’s give it up one more time for the tribe!”

The fighters chant their final calls, their voices filling the gym with strength and unity.