Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 396

Talia’s POV

Arya moved so quickly that I barely dodged her first attack. It was like she was trying to end the fight before it really began.

‘Focus,’ my wolf snapped, and I barely dodged her attempt to sweep my legs. I jumped back, and her kick missed me by inches.

Arya didn’t give me a chance to recover as she pressed forward. I blocked a jab, but she spun, and her elbow hit my shoulder. I stayed on the defensive as she never slowed, and every move was sharp and precise. Walden had made her the youngest deputy warrior, and now I saw why.

The bell rang, ending the first round. I hadn’t landed a single hit. Arya smirked, barely out of breath, while I tried to catch mine and shook out my hands. I tasted blood on my lip from her lucky punch. My wolf inside me growled, ‘She’s fast, but she’s predictable. Stay defensive and learn her patterns.’

Arya gave me a cocky grin. “Not bad,” she taunted. “But you’ll have to do better than that.”

I wiped my mouth and gave a sharp smile. “Don’t get cocky. The fight’s not over.”

Arya laughed. "Maybe not, but you’re already bleeding."

"Second Round, begin!" Walden yelled.

Arya rushed at me even faster, trying to overpower me, but this time I was ready. I dodged one of her wild swings and slipped behind her. I slammed my elbow into her back, and she stumbled forward. Arya growled and swung at me, but I was already out of reach. For the first time, I saw doubt in her eyes.

"What's wrong, Arya? Am I doing better now?" I taunted her.

Arya lunged at me, but I blocked and grabbed her wrist. I used her speed against her, throwing her over my shoulders so she fell hard on her back. Each time she rushed in, I punished her for it. When the bell rang, her back was covered in dirt, and she gingerly got up.

Arya glared at me and wiped sweat from her forehead. "You think you’re clever, don’t you? I’m just letting you get the upper hand," she said.

“I told you. Your arrogance will be your downfall.”

Arya sneered. "Next round, I’ll end this."

I shrugged and smiled. "Show me."

"Final round. Begin!" Walden yelled.

Walden had barely finished speaking before Arya lunged at me, wild and desperate. She faked left, then spun right to catch me off guard. But she left her side open, so I grabbed her arm and whirled her around. I wrapped my arm around her neck and took her to the ground.

"That's it," Della said. "No one has ever gotten out of one of Talia's holds. Not even her own brother!"

Arya struggled, trying to buck me off. She rolled so I was underneath her, still I held on. I kept the pressure, waiting for her to pass out or give up. I pressed harder on her neck until she finally said, “I submit.”

“Luna Talia is the winner!” Walden said proudly, and the crowd applauded.

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