Shattered Innocence

Warriors' Playtime

I finally manage to catch a few hours of rest, relieved when Zack arrives to take over my watch. As I awaken, I'm immediately drawn to the sound of grunting echoing through the hallway. Opening my eyes, I realize that Nikolay and Zack are engaged in a fierce sparring session right there in front of me. Bert anxiously flutters around them, making sure nothing gets damaged in the process.

Sitting upright, I feel a dryness in my mouth as I take in the sight of their formidable, glistening muscles, moving with precision and agility that rivals my own. It dawns on me that I haven't trained or sparred in days, and the restless emotions and nightmares that have plagued me since my return here make it clear that I'm in need of it. With determination, I untangle myself from the sleeping bag, swiftly removing my long shirt, leaving me in the sports bra and biker shorts I fell asleep in. I tie my hair back, a grin spreading across my face as Zack spots me.

His eyes widen momentarily, then simmer down as Nikolay lands a powerful hit, sending Zack crashing into the wall. "No fair! Her distraction got me," Zack groans. Nikolay whirls around, his eyes widening as I purposefully approach him. "I think anyone would be distracted," he murmurs. "Do you want in?" I nod, rolling my shoulders back. "Both of you against me. I could use a challenge." A mischievous smirk dances on my lips. "Seems like she has a death wish," Isaac sighs, leaning against the wall as he emerges from the kitchen. "Or maybe I'm just that good," I wink at him, ducking beneath a half-hearted swing from Zack, who wasn't giving his all.

They start circling me, their expressions questioning my decision. "Are you sure about this?" Nikolay asks, giving me an opportunity to back out. "I've faced opponents who were bigger and faster," I reply with a smirk. "I've even defeated them. Bring it on, baby." "When I win, I'm going to have my way with her," Zack jests. "Master Zack!" Bert snaps. "Apologies, Berty," Zack winks at me, and I return the grin. "If you can beat me, I might just allow it," I murmur, catching him off guard. Capitalizing on the surprise, I launch myself at him, swiftly taking him down to the floor before swiftly springing back up, smirking down at him. "But let's fight properly."

"I won't go easy," Nikolay warns, his voice a low whisper behind me as I evade a punch and spin to face him, creating some distance. "Good. Neither will I," I smirk, catching a flicker of desire in his eyes. Glancing to the side, I notice Zack pushing himself up from the floor and regaining his footing. "Oh, this is going to be fun." The warning is the only signal I receive before Zack charges at me. His movements are swift and unpredictable, driven by pure instinct. I skillfully maneuver around him, managing to land a few hits before he kicks me, sending me crashing into a nearby table with a grunt. The vase teeters on the edge of the table, time slowing down as we all watch its descent, ultimately meeting the floor with a resounding crack. All eyes turn to Bert, his narrowed gaze finding mine. "Teach them a lesson," he commands, and a burst of laughter escapes my lips as I nod, fully embracing the challenge that lies ahead. Ignoring Ivan's cautionary words, I dive back into the chaos, ready to unleash my fury.

Nikolay attempts to grab me from behind, but I swiftly utilize his own momentum, using his body as leverage to flip over him and swiftly bring him down. He quickly regains his footing, and like a seamless duet, they coordinate their movements, one positioned behind me and the other in front. Little do they know, however, that I am no stranger to such confrontations. In the past, my father and his mentors would blindfold me and thrust me into the ring with their guards, preparing me for battles where the odds were stacked against me. This experience has shaped me into a fighter who thrives on being outnumbered and outmatched.

A surge of adrenaline courses through my veins as I find myself exhilarated by the challenge. Laughter escapes me as I effortlessly evade a sweeping leg. While they may be holding back, I decide to raise the stakes and force them to confront me with the seriousness they would show each other. I refuse to be treated with leniency. Their blows may be fueled by restraint, but not mine. I unleash the full force of my strength, refusing to hold back any longer.

My punch splits Yuri's lip, a blow that would have incapacitated others, while Nikolay's strike to my gut only manages to wind me, whereas it would have brought an ordinary opponent to their knees. Yuri swiftly sweeps my legs, and as pain shoots through me, I hit the ground with bare hands, rolling away to evade their relentless pursuit. Back and forth I roll, evading their kicks, until I come to a stop in front of Nikolay, sensing his silent approach. "About time," I remark, a grin stretching across my face, before we plunge into combat once more.

Their movements are fluid and powerful, reminiscent of my own. They possess strength, speed, and resilience beyond the average opponent. It's both challenging and exhilarating. I discard any notion of restraint and unleash the full extent of my abilities. The thought flickers in my mind, momentarily distracting me: If this is how they fight, imagine their passion in other endeavors. But there's no time to dwell on such thoughts as Yuri seizes me, lifting me off the ground, his grip firm around my throat, sending a thrill down my spine.

In that pivotal moment, Nikolay intercepts my freefall, his strong arms enveloping me, holding me steady. His lips brush against my ear, the unmistakable tension between us reaching its peak. I can feel his arousal pressed against me, an undeniable force that heightens the intensity of the battle. "Perhaps I'll join in," he whispers, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. But our focus shifts quickly as he swiftly brings me down to the floor, executing a move with the precision of a master. Groaning, I rise to my feet, wiping the blood from my lip, my heart racing.

"Well, well, it seems we have quite a fight on our hands," Zack comments, his voice tinged with surprise. "Good show, everyone." The onlookers express their awe, realizing the magnitude of the clash they have witnessed. "Now, back to work," he adds, clapping his hands.

Acknowledging them with a small smile, grateful that their gazes no longer hold the perplexity caused by Yuri's unexpected kiss and Nikolay's near miss, I make my way toward the stairs, where Mikhail awaits. I toss my clothes over my shoulder and stop beside him, accepting the warm mug he offers. As our eyes meet over the steaming beverage, he raises an eyebrow. "Are you okay?"

A soft smile graces my lips as I nod. "Yes." With that affirmation, I turn and ascend the stairs, fully aware of the curious gazes fixed upon me. And I couldn't care less.