I Was Born With A Bloodline That Ended The World-Chapter 105: Quiet Steps

Rhian found Nia sitting alone in a quiet room. Her head was down, shoulders low. He paused at the doorway, unsure of what to say.

Back when she had opened up about her parents, he had offered to spar instead of talking.

Fighting was easier for both of them. But he couldn’t do that here. This wasn’t something a punch or a kick could fix.

He stepped inside, his movements slow and careful. He didn’t want to interrupt, but he needed to be there.

He hesitated. He didn’t want to pity her. That would only make things worse, he knew that. Nia was stubborn and proud. Pity would cut deeper than anything else.

His thoughts were a mess, swirling with what he wanted to say but couldn’t find the words for.

Suddenly, her voice broke the silence. "I can hear your thoughts from here," she said, her tone low and even.

He blinked, looking up to see her staring at him with those sharp, tired eyes. She didn’t look angry, just... resigned.

He let out a slow breath, moving closer. "Nia..."

She shook her head. "Don’t," she said softly. "Don’t say anything you think you should say. Just..." She paused, swallowing hard.

He didn’t say anything else. He walked over and sat beside her. He didn’t touch her. He just sat there, close enough for her to feel he was there.

For a while, that was enough. Neither of them spoke, but the quiet wasn’t empty. It was steady, like the calm after a storm.

He looked at her, his expression serious but calm. "You did everything you could," he said, his voice low but firm.

She didn’t answer, but her jaw tightened a little. Her shoulders straightened just a bit. He knew she was still in there, still fighting in her own way.

He stayed with her, silent and steady. That was all he could offer now, and he hoped it was enough.

He was surprised when he felt the weight on his shoulder. Nia leaned her head against him, quiet and still.

He stared for a moment, not sure what to do. He could feel her breath slow and steady against his side.

He didn’t move. He didn’t say anything. He just sat there, the silence around them feeling softer somehow.

The moment of silence ended when the announcement echoed through the building.

"JUSTIN HARMAN VERSUS RHIAN LOCKE."

Rhian shifted, his voice low as he stood up. "Uh... I have a match," he said, his tone unsure. "I’ll get one back for you."

Nia looked up at him. "Rhian, don’t—" She stopped, her expression softening into a small, wry smile. "Don’t worry. You got this."

She pushed herself up and wrapped her arms around him. Rhian froze for a moment, feeling her warmth and the weight of her trust.

He didn’t get the chance to hug her back before she stepped back and let go.

She held his gaze for a moment, her eyes steady. Then she turned away, letting him go to face the match.

Rhian took a steady breath, his body tense but focused. He walked out to the arena floor, every step echoing in the sudden quiet. The entire place seemed to hush when he appeared.

Justin was already there, standing calm and still. His short hair caught the light, his posture relaxed like this was just another day. His eyes watched Rhian without any real interest.

Rhian’s gaze lifted to the stands. Ash was there, with Aras and Iris close by. Ash’s voice cut through the silence. "You got this, bro."

Rhian cracked a small, unintentional smile at that. He didn’t answer, but he felt the weight of his friends’ eyes on him. It gave him just enough to push back the doubt.

He stopped in front of Justin, close enough to see the flicker of something in his opponent’s eyes, a calm certainty that was more unsettling than any threat.

Rhian didn’t speak. He just settled into his stance, his feet firm on the worn stone. Justin didn’t move either. He stood loose and sure, his hands at his sides.

The quiet stretched for a moment. Then it was time to begin.

The announcer’s voice boomed in the arena, cutting through the silence. "BEGIN."

Rhian didn’t wait.

He exploded forward, his body moving with everything he had. His fists slammed into Justin’s guard, each hit a crack of power that rattled the air.

The crowd leaned forward, caught in the raw energy of his attack.

Justin didn’t move back. He took the hits, his head turning just slightly with each impact. His arms stayed up, his eyes locked on Rhian.

There was no fear in them, just a calm, steady watchfulness that made Rhian’s teeth grit in frustration.

Rhian didn’t care. He pressed harder, his movements sharp and deliberate. He stepped in close, driving a knee toward Justin’s side.

It landed with a heavy thud, but Justin just shifted his weight, absorbing it without a flinch.

Rhian’s breath was quick, his mind alive with the rush of the fight. He ducked low, his shoulder slamming into Justin’s ribs, driving him back a step.

For a heartbeat, he felt the rush of satisfaction. But then Justin’s hand shot out, catching him by the arm and yanking him forward.

Rhian barely twisted in time, his elbow coming up to block the fist that shot at his face.

The impact was solid, his arms shaking from the force, but he didn’t let it slow him. He twisted around, his other fist slamming into Justin’s jaw.

It turned Justin’s head, a flicker of surprise in those calm eyes. Rhian didn’t stop.

He punched again and again, each strike pushing his strength to the limit.

His muscles burned, his breath sharp, but he didn’t care. He wanted Justin to feel it, to know that he wasn’t just another opponent.

Justin’s face stayed calm. He stepped in close, his hand sliding around Rhian’s neck. He didn’t squeeze, didn’t crush. He just held him there, his eyes steady and cold.