"What?"
"You're done."
"You can't kick me out."
"I own the academy."
Silence.
Jake looked around.
No one supported him.
Not Marcus.
Not Leo.
Not even the beginners.
Jake grabbed his bag.
Before leaving, he looked at Maya.
"This is because of you."
Maya shook her head.
"No."
She pointed toward Ethan.
"It's because you crossed the line."
Jake left.
Adrian helped Ethan up.
"You okay?"
Ethan nodded.
Maya crouched beside him.
"You're doing fine."
"I thought I was supposed to fight harder."
"No."
She smiled.
"You're supposed to learn."
Ethan looked at her.
"How are you so calm?"
Maya thought for a moment.
"Because I've already learned what happens when people confuse violence with strength."
Adrian heard her.
And he knew that lesson was one the entire academy needed.
Three weeks later, Jake returned.
But he wasn't alone.
He walked through the academy doors with another man.
The man was older.
Maybe forty.
Black belt.
Broad shoulders.
Cold eyes.
Adrian recognized him immediately.
"Victor Kane."
Victor smiled.
"Still remember me?"
"Unfortunately."
Victor looked around.
"I heard you've got a new star."
Adrian frowned.
"Who told you?"
Victor's eyes moved toward Maya.
"There she is."
Maya stood still.
Victor smiled.
"Elena's sister."
Maya's expression changed.
Adrian stepped forward.
"She isn't fighting you."
Victor laughed.
"I didn't ask her."
Maya looked at Adrian.
Then at Victor.
"I'll roll."
Adrian shook his head.
"No."
Victor smiled.
"Afraid?"
Adrian ignored him.
"This isn't a tournament."
Victor stepped onto the mat.
"I'm not here for a tournament."
Maya spoke quietly.
"Let him."
Adrian looked at her.
"Why?"
"Because if I keep running from people who remind me of what happened, I'll never move forward."
Adrian understood.
He stepped aside.
Victor bowed.
Maya bowed.
The match began.
Victor attacked immediately.