"You Can't Stop Me," the Black Belt Sneered — Then the Dojo Doors Locked

 Marcus turned his back on the master, completely dismissing him as a threat. He walked toward the dojo's sacred shrine at the back of the room, his eyes fixed on a centuries-old katana resting on a beautifully carved wooden stand. "I think I'll take this as a trophy of my victory over the great Whispering Pines Dojo," Marcus declared, his large fingers wrapping around the silk-wrapped scabbard. Kaelen’s voice cut through the air, sharper and colder this time. "Put the sword down and walk out the door. This is your final warning, young man." Marcus paused, looking over his broad shoulder. His lips curled into a wicked, arrogant smile. "You can't stop me," the black belt sneered, his eyes filled with absolute contempt for the old man.