Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 53

Maximus lost his spark in an instant. He had never beaten Elliot before. "Danielle, let’s forget about it," he said dejectedly.

At Shadow Fortress, their training regimen included hand-to-hand combat and shooting, and they often sparred with one another to hone their skills. Seeing the disappointment in Maximus’s eyes, Danielle figured there was no harm in a little practice session.

"Maximus, I don’t mind sparring with you," Danielle said without hesitation.

"Danielle, let’s not do this," Elliot protested. ’If she gets so much as a scratch under my watch, Mom and Dad would skin me alive, he thought.

"Elliot, do you not believe in me?" Danielle asked, her voice as calm as ever.

I say to that?’ Elliot thought. It would wound her pride if he said he didn’t trust her. But if he claimed he did, it might set her

a doting older brother, there was no way he could refuse her. "I trust you. But let’s

center stood Danielle and Maximus. At 6 foot 1,

of the onlookers doubted Danielle stood a chance. After all, Maximus

think will win?" Justin asked, his face brimming

are top-notch, but Danielle’s marksmanship is impressive." "Obviously, Danielle will win," Lydia said with unwavering

majority placing their bets on Maximus. They knew little about Danielle, having never witnessed her

would doubt Danielle’s victory if this were at the border. She was known as the Witch of

sparring session