Unanswered Chokes and Missing Allies

[Weonna]

Helen slumped against Christina’s chest, her body going limp in her arms. Christina let out a deep sigh, her anger momentarily fading as she cradled Helen like a cherished teddy bear. This strange ritual between them, a mix of rivalry and closeness, had always been theirs. Tonight, though, it felt different—more bitter than usual. The frustration of being left alone in the ring, cheated out of a match, and now dealing with Helen’s refusal to talk weighed heavily on her mind.

She let herself hold Helen for a little longer, her focus entirely on the unconscious Greek in her arms. The world outside this moment faded, her mind spinning with what she might say to Helen when she woke up. But Christina’s distraction cost her.

She didn’t notice Marine stirring on the floor nearby.

The sudden yank on her hair jolted Christina out of her thoughts. A sharp pain shot through her scalp as she was pulled backward, and before she could even process what was happening, her head slammed into the cold, unforgiving metal of the locker. The loud clang echoed through the room, and a blinding flash of pain erupted in her skull.

Clutching her head, Christina staggered, her vision blurring from the impact. The throbbing pain disoriented her, making it hard to think straight. She instinctively turned toward Marine, her body on autopilot, but she was too dazed to defend herself properly. Her arms hung loosely at her sides, and her stance left her midsection completely exposed.

Her gut felt like it was begging to be hit, wide open as her legs wobbled to keep her balance. Christina blinked, trying to shake off the haze, but the world felt slow and heavy. The realization hit her too late—she’d let her guard down, and now Marine had her right where she wanted her!