She’s fast.
 Too fucking fast.

And yeah, I’ve said that already—but watching her duck my punches for the fifth time in the last three minutes, I’ve earned the right to say it again. I’ve fought Serpentine with less nerve than she’s got. Sharp movements. Quick reads. That mouth.

She sidesteps another one of my swings, practically dancing around me, and grins like she owns the place. “You sure you’re Earth? ‘Cause you’re moving like a glacier, big guy.”

I growl under my breath. “Son.. of a bitch!”

That smirk widens. She loves this. Loves getting under my skin. Loves being a goddamn blur in front of me.

And me? I’m trying not to let it show that I’m winded—actually winded—fighting someone who’s supposed to be new here.

It’s not just that she’s quick.
 It’s the way she’s cocky about it.
 Every dodge, every grin, every side-eye she throws my way feels like a challenge.

I grit my teeth and come at her again, rougher this time. Raw. Less polished. Just brute strength aimed dead center.
 And of course—she dances out of reach like I’m moving in slow motion. Again.

“Missed me,” she teases, voice light.

I snap, “Keep talkin’. See where that gets you.”

She shrugs, then feints left. I track her. I’m done being nice.

She comes in close—too close. Probably thinks she’s got me again.
 That same rhythm, that same pattern she’s been dancing all night.

But this time? I don’t play her game. This time, I wait.

I let her make the move. Let her get too confident.
Then—bam. I catch her wrist. Shift my stance. Twist. Hook my leg behind hers and—

SLAM.

The floor shakes under us.

She hits the mat with a sharp gasp, eyes wide in shock. That cocky smile? Gone. Just for a second. I stare down at her, chest heaving, adrenaline buzzing like a live wire under my skin.
 Then I grin—sharp, breathless, earned.

“Hahahaha!!” I bark out, laughing. “Finally fuckin’ got you.”

She blinks up at me, stunned, breathless, a little dazed—but there’s something flickering in her eyes now. Something more than surprise.

I hold out a hand, still catching my breath. “Not so slippery now, huh?”

She takes it after a beat. I pull her up. Her grip’s strong. Fierce.
 She doesn’t say anything right away. Just watches me with this unreadable look. And even though I won this time, I can’t help but feel like this match?
 Yeah. It’s far from over.