The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy



Chapter 0347

Round after round passes, and I'm devastated when I start to see Luca flagging. It's not obvious - not to anyone but those of us who know him intimately. But his blows - they're a little bit slower. His footwork just the tiniest bit sloppier.

He also stops showboating a bit between rounds, instead heading straight to his corner to have a tense discussion with his uncle. The crowd still roars for him, and he's still winning round after round on skill alone... Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

But.

I can see Rafe's point that what the Atalaxian is trying to do here is not demonstrate his skill, or play fair, or put on any display of ability. No, he's just here to bide his time, to wait for his opportunity, to wear down his opponent, and then strike when the iron is hot.

I glance, just once, at my father and my uncle, who stand tensely together, watching the bout. And I wonder if this has been the method of their opponent for twenty years - if this has been the Atalaxian way.

and Roger talk quietly to each other, their eyes fixed on the bout, lets me know that something, al least, is intriguing them here. That this is not just an

quite desperate, suddenly, to know

focusing on Luca as I realize that he's making a big move - that he's somehow got the Atalaxian back on the ropes - as Rafe said that he had to- and that he's swinging like mad now, landing blow after blow around the Atalaxian's face and

my fingers tighten on the wall - but then I gasp along with everyone else as the Atalaxian

a bull, clearly out of control and in a complete rage. His blows are uncoordinated and wild, easy for Luca to dodge, but the surprise on Luca's face lets me know that this is unexpected - and unprecedented. And that even though he found a way to get the enemy on the ropes, he's not going

together, but I shake my head suddenly - because the

eyes as he stares at Luca - his

as I look between them, as

that the

not in Luca's

forward, his fists lashing out, moving insanely fast, roaring as he goes. Luca falls back as he's done before - but he's tired now, his feet moving slower, and the Atalaxian's

in horror as Luca's face snaps to the side, as he stumbles back against the ropes, as the Atalaxian comers him there and starts to pound on him. Luca grits his teeth and puts his hands up,