~Twisted Loyalties~ Matheo Riddle x OC x Theodore Nott

chapter 8

Chapter 8

“Today, I’ll teach you some basic combat moves,” Matheo announced, his voice steady and authoritative. He grabbed a roll of white cloth, similar to what Theo had used the other day. “First, we’re going to wrap your hands. You need support for this.”

I held my hands out, feeling the rush of adrenaline as he began wrapping them, the cloth tightening against my skin. “You ready?” he asked, his gaze piercing through me, and I nodded, determination building.

Matheo stepped back and assumed a fighting stance. “Alright, first, we’re going to practice some jabs. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.” He demonstrated, his movements sharp and powerful. I tried to mimic him, feeling my muscles tense as I adjusted my stance.

“Good. Now throw a jab,” he commanded, watching closely. I pushed my fist forward, trying to put some strength behind it.

“Pathetic,” he scoffed, and before I could react, he threw a quick jab toward my side, hitting me just enough to sting. “You’re not here to play nice. Again!”

I gritted my teeth and threw another jab, harder this time. “Not bad,” he said, but I could see the flicker of disappointment in his eyes. “But you still need to put more power behind it. Use your hips!”

I tried again, focusing on my form, but my hesitation returned. Matheo’s patience was running thin. “If you miss again, I’ll make sure you feel it,” he warned, his tone darkening.

He came at me again, and I instinctively stepped back, adrenaline surging. “You can’t just run away! Fight me!” He lunged at me, delivering a swift strike that connected with my shoulder. The impact sent a shock through my body, and I staggered back.

“Now counter!” he shouted, his voice sharp. I fought back the urge to retreat, raising my arms just in time to block his next punch. But I was too slow; he landed another hit to my ribs, a hard jab that made me gasp.

“Get angry! Don’t let me hit you like that!” he barked, eyes blazing with intensity. I clenched my jaw, fury bubbling beneath the surface. I was tired of being hit.

“Let’s see what you’ve got,” he challenged, stepping closer, the distance between us charged with tension. I launched at him with a quick jab, and this time, I caught him off guard. He stumbled slightly, surprise flashing in his eyes.

“Better! But don’t let your guard down!” he growled, coming at me again. I threw a punch back at him, but he blocked it effortlessly, retaliating with a swift strike to my stomach. I doubled over, the wind knocked out of me.

“Is that all you’ve got?” he taunted, stepping back for a moment, letting me catch my breath. “You have to learn to fight back harder if you want to survive. I won’t go easy on you just because you’re a girl.”

I nodded, determination flooding my veins. With a renewed sense of purpose, I squared my shoulders and took my stance again. Matheo watched closely, his expression a mix of curiosity and challenge.

Then, out of frustration and anger, he insulted me again. “Maybe you’re just the worse twin. I mean, Theo clearly has more potential than you.”

The words hit me like a slap in the face, and I felt my blood boil. “What did you just say?” I seethed, fury igniting within me. I didn’t want to take his nonsense anymore.

Without thinking, I threw a punch that landed squarely on his nose. The impact reverberated through my arm, and I watched in shock as blood gushed from his face. He stumbled back, laughter escaping his lips despite the pain. “Guess I deserved that,” he chuckled, amusement lighting up his eyes.

Enzo and Theo burst into laughter at the sight, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction. But my concern quickly shifted to Matheo as I rushed toward him. “Are you okay?” I called, genuine worry creeping into my voice.

But as I stepped closer, I let my guard down, and Matheo took advantage of it. He tripped me, and before I knew it, I was landing on my back with a soft thud. The breath was knocked out of me as I stared up at the sky, trying to process what just happened.

Matheo helped me up, and as we stood, Theo and Matheo flanked me on either side. Walking down the halls with them felt like being wrapped in a protective shield, their presence drawing eyes but silencing whispers. Still, the weight of everyone’s stares pressed on me, a reminder that I wasn’t just anyone anymore.

Matheo suddenly veered off down a different corridor, Theo following closely behind. Before I could continue with them, Enzo took my hand, tugging me away. "Come on, I’ve got something to show you," he said with a sly grin.