The air in Shang Tsung’s garden was thick with the scent of exotic flowers and damp earth, the only sounds coming from the rustling leaves and the distant crash of waves against the island’s rocky shores.

You stood with your back to the entrance, unguarded, relaxed. Perhaps even lost in thought.

A perfect opportunity.

Sonya smirked, rolling her shoulders as she crept forward. She wasn’t here for this—not really. Kano. Find Kano. That was the mission. But the memory of your fight clawed at the back of her mind, her loss to you still a fresh wound on her pride. She could still hear the crowd, still feel the sting of defeat.

You had humiliated her.

And now?

You were alone. Off your guard. Vulnerable.

"Tsk. Rookie mistake."

Without hesitation, she lunged.

Your reflexes were razor-sharp—just as she expected. The moment she struck, you dodged, weaving out of reach like you’d sensed her coming. But she wasn’t done. She pressed forward, throwing a flurry of quick jabs and kicks, testing you, teasing you.

"What’s wrong?" she taunted, circling you with a cocky grin. "Outworld’s deadliest assassin getting jumpy?"

You blocked effortlessly, your movements fluid, but you hadn’t struck back. Not yet.

Sonya tilted her head. Interesting.

"C’mon," she goaded, shifting her stance. "You didn’t hold back in the tournament. What’s stopping you now?"