penny.

10; Opening night

The Pit was crowded, very crowded. If I didn't know any better I'd think it was a houseparty, people stood around the ring with drinks in their hands, dancing to the music Kaydence had blasting through the speakers to keep the crowd there before the fight. Markos had gone to the bar to grab a couple of beers for him and Ruby and I was currently waiting for him to get back so I could go warm up. There was no way I would leave her here by herself, that's just girl code.

Since most of us were already underage anyways, Kaydence didn't bother with the legal drinking age. As long as you were above fifteen you could get drinks, whatever tattoo your gang gave you acted as your ID.

"Good luck, Isa." Markos finally got back with the drinks and gave me a quick hug, Ruby doing the same. I was too nervous to say anything so I just gave a small smile and made my way to the back room to get my hands on a punching bag.

Even though I had trained yesterday, I couldn't help but feel relaxed when my fists finally collided with the hard surface. My calves tickled as the robe swished against them at my every movement. I won't lie, when I slipped it on after we got out of the car I felt more badass, but the thoughts running around my head were enough to make me feel less confident.

I tried not to think about it, though, Kaydence told me not to back down and I wasn't going to. This is my fight, mine to win. No one was getting in the way of it.

"They're gonna announce you in a minute, wrap your knuckles, quick!" Kaydence was practically jumping with excitement as I rolled the fabric around my fists.

"You're so giddy, did you watch a rom-com before this too?" I smirked at him and he gave me a glare.

"I'm excited, you should be too, you are the one fighting," He deadpanned. I was excited, it was just a lot to process. Everything was more real once I got here, the loud music and screaming crowd was proof enough.

"I am, but I have self control," I finished taping up my hands and stretched them out to make sure I could still move freely.

He scoffed, "Right, self control, funny." I laughed and let him lead me to the door.

"How much is being bet on me tonight?" I knew I would be making money if I won, but how much was still unknown to me.

"You'll see when you win, don't worry about that right now." He said, smiling brightly. "Quick pep talk: Don't hesitate, don't stare, don't stop hitting, you know how to fight, Isa, you know how to do this." He had both hands placed on my shoulders as he spoke. I nodded my head, knowing if I started talking I would let my nerves get the best of me and probably chicken out. "We'll talk at halftime"

It wasn't supposed to be called halftime, but between the first and second round the trainers or another gang member would have the opportunity to hype up the fighter while they took a rest for a few seconds. These fights were a lot like boxing and Kaydence tried to mimic their details as best as he could.

He opened the door as soon as my name was called from the microphone, the crowd erupting in cheers. My father was pretty well known around here so I guess it made sense they would recognize my last name. I stepped into the ring and slipped off my robe, putting it in Kaydence's waiting hand and looked at my opponent. I didn't recognize him but judging by the crown tattoo on his collarbone he was from the Kings. Great.

He was bulky, but no more than two or three years older than me. I didn't see any other tats on him as I scanned his body to assess him, but I think he took my wandering eyes the wrong way.

"I would ask to get out of here and take you back to my room, but you're too easy for me," I scoffed as he held out his fists for me to pound.

"Trust me, you'll be going back to your room alone once I'm done with you," I gave him an innocent smile as his eyes hardened. We bumped fists, the fight has begun.