Chapter 42. Let It Commence

Thirty minutes into the session, my nerves had unraveled completely, and I found myself wondering if I’d made a terrible mistake by staying. From the first clang of padded gloves and the echo of heavy boots, I’d known this would be intense—but I hadn’t anticipated quite so much raw power and speed packed into one room. Every thunderous growl ricocheted off the concrete walls of the enclosed training area, each strike reverberating through my chest like a war drum.

The Nightshade Enforcers moved as if they shared a single consciousness. When one slipped out of range, the other two surged in to exploit Daniel’s blind spots. I was convinced they must be linked mentally—how else could three bodies react so fluidly without explicit commands? Every feint, every parry, every flurry of fists and elbows felt choreographed by an invisible hand. They rotated through offense and defense with seamless precision, their combined assault forcing Daniel onto the back foot again and again.