The Cut That Always Bleeds | Cobra Kai

Chapter 38

Isabelle nervously picked at the skin around her fingernails, her thoughts racing as she stood at the tournament entrance. She'd woken up to find Miguel gone, his side of the bed cold. Carmen had reassured her that he'd left early to prepare for the tournament, but something gnawed at her gut, a deep, unshakable sense that something was wrong.

Her spiraling thoughts were interrupted by the sudden weight of a heavy hand on her shoulder.

"Remember our deal," her father's voice rasped into her ear, low and menacing. Isabelle stiffened, the blood draining from her face. His fingers dug into her shoulder, his grip firm and unyielding. "Make sure you win, or they'll suffer." His other hand gripped her jaw roughly, forcing her face toward the group of competitors warming up across the mat. Her eyes landed on Miguel and Robby. Miguel was stretching, his movements methodical, while Robby's sharp focus cut through the room like a blade.

Isabelle's breath hitched as her father's cruel words echoed in her ears. She nodded frantically, the lump in her throat threatening to choke her. "I'll win," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Silver let out a cold, humorless chuckle. "I know you will," he sneered, releasing her with a shove.

As the announcer's booming voice filled the arena, Isabelle seized the opportunity to slip away from her father's shadow, joining the other Cobra Kai students lining up for the introductions. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she forced herself to focus. She couldn't afford to let her mind wander—to Miguel, to Robby, or even to the sickening weight of her father's threats.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer's voice echoed, drawing the crowd into a frenzy, "you've been waiting a long time, but we're finally here. Dojos from all across the Valley have been training for a year for their shot at glory. Are you ready to meet them?"

The crowd roared, but Isabelle barely registered the noise. She stared at the mat in front of her, her breathing shallow.

"And now," the announcer continued, "this next dojo took last year's title. But they're under new management. Can they reign supreme once more? And last year's runner-up. He may be wearing a new gi, but one thing's for sure—Robby Keene and his team are ready to strike!"

Her eyes darted toward Robby against her will. Their gazes clashed, the tension between them as palpable as the hum of the crowd. Isabelle looked away first, her stomach twisting. The events of last night still clung to her like a shadow, too raw and unresolved.

"Focus," Tory's voice cut through the haze. Isabelle felt a nudge from her, who gave her a small, reassuring smile. Isabelle forced herself to nod, grateful for the brief grounding gesture.

"Hailing from Reseda," the announcer's voice rang out, "defending champions and still the most badass name for a dojo—here comes Cobra Kai!" The team surged forward in formation, their movements sharp and synchronized. Isabelle fell into step, her feet carrying her to the edge of the mat as they lined up. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears, but she didn't have time to dwell on the nerves clawing at her chest.

The cheering swelled as Miguel's team took the stage. Isabelle's eyes found him immediately, his familiar presence cutting through the chaos. She offered him a quick wink, trying to ease some of the tension between them. Miguel's response was unexpected. His lips curved into a faint, forced smile before dropping again, his face clouded with something unreadable.

Isabelle blinked, her confidence faltering. His demeanor gnawed at her, But there was no time to unravel the puzzle of Miguel's mood. She swallowed hard, turning back toward the mat. Her father's words rang in her ears. Make sure you win, or they'll suffer. She clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms. There could be no distractions. Not today. Not with so much at stake