Author's Note: Do Not Unlock Yet. Chapter Is Still Under Construction.
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Victor finally released Elyra, who quickly stepped back and brushed herself off, cheeks burning.
She glared at him. "I had it under control."
Victor grinned and began to turn away. "You're welcome."
She scowled. "Wait. Why did you do that?"
He stopped and tilted his head slightly, still facing away. "Why wouldn't I?"
"You could've let me get disqualified," she said, narrowing her eyes. "I'm an S-rank. That would've made things easier for you."
Victor turned halfway and smiled. "Maybe. But I'd rather fight fairly than win by cheap tricks. Besides, I'm not afraid of a challenge."
His words were simple, but they struck something deep in Elyra.
He walked away without waiting for a reply, leaving her staring after him, the same intensity in her gaze slowly shifting to something more complex. A quiet storm of feelings stirred within her – confusion, admiration... something else she couldn't name.
