Aiden Knight's POV
"I'm fighting tomorrow at sunset."
Amelia's face drained of color. She staggered backward like I'd struck her.
"No. Absolutely not." Her voice cracked with desperation. "This is suicide, Aiden! Miles Graves isn't some street thug or corrupt businessman. He's a grandmaster who's been training for forty years!"
I folded the challenge letter and slipped it into my pocket. "Forty years of what? Forms and meditation? Tournament rules?"
"Forty years of killing people!" Amelia grabbed my arm with both hands. "He's executed dozens of martial artists in formal duels! Jason Yates has crippled entire dojos single-handedly! Together, they're..."
"They're dead men walking."
"Listen to yourself! This isn't confidence, it's delusion!" Tears formed in her eyes. "My father agrees with me. He said I should start preparing your coffin."
