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He wouldn't look at me, his mind was someplace else, eyes darting between the fighters, chest lifting heavy with each breath.

A screech from the microphone shot through the dirty underground room. My head jerked towards the ring, and there was the Macro.

What is he doing?

He only talks before the first fight. Why is he out there now?

Lifting his hand to silence the crowd, his glare froze on Quinn. “So, tonight I have a special treat for all of you. We have a special fight, a newcomer. There are no bets on this one, it's a judge match. Let's see how this new guy stands up to one of our own.”

Quinn's back went stiff, his muscles pulsing, eyes narrowing towards my father.

My heart sank, falling into the pit of acid that was tearing through my stomach. I knew there was a reason my dad had invited him. He's conniving, this had been part of his plan all along.

Throw Quinn to the wolves, see if he can take it.

A devilish laugh echoed through the microphone, my father's head turning to the side. Steel, one of the top fighters, walked into the ring. His arms came up, hands wrapped in black tape. Releasing a loud grunt, the room erupted into cheers.

Every face looked around, waiting to see who was stepping in with him. A new fighter always fueled the masses, energy charged through the room.

My father held his hand out. “Come on out here, you know who you are. Give these people what they want.” His lips were sharp as a blade, a hint of his teeth shining through.

Reaching my arm out, I pierced Quinn's shoulder with my nails. “Don't, you don't need to.” Fear stretched from behind my words, my eyes glazing over.

His lip snarled, back snapping straight. “I have to, he called me out.” Both of his hands drew deep into his hair, raking the roots.

“No, you don't. Fuck him, Quinn. You can't get in there, you're not even ready.” My chest pounded, ribs cracking as they were pushed to their limit.

His movements never flinched, he stood strong, concrete was the base he was built from. Inhaling a deep, ominous breath, his fingers intertwined, cracking the knuckles, head tilting side to side.

The mass spread, a gorge emerged for him to cross. The Macro stood, face shining like a diamond under the lights, teeth bared.

Clutching my chest, the pounding of my heart numbed the screeching. Silence filled the space between my ears and my thoughts.

“Don't worry, Doll, I'm always ready.” Pressing forward, he walked on air. His form was light as he weightlessly glided through the crowd.