The sun was low in the sky, stretching long shadows across the open field in the middle of the woods. The air was thick with that tense feeling right before a fight—like everyone knew what was coming but wasn't saying it. Amari stood there, feet planted, waiting. His sharp eyes darted around at the five guys surrounding him. They were itching to move.
Kenneth, always the impatient one, broke first.
He charged straight at Amari, fists clenched, ready to throw a punch. But Amari had already seen it coming. He shifted his weight, muscles tensing for his own attack.
Maverick caught on quick.
"Kenneth! Dodge and back off!" Maverick's Unco—Voice of Command—hit like a shockwave, cutting through the air like thunder.
Kenneth's body reacted instantly, like his limbs were wired to obey. Mid-step, he twisted, yanking himself away from Amari's incoming hit. He backed off, jaw tight.
Amari narrowed his eyes. "That Unco of yours is annoying."
Maverick smirked. "Then deal with it."
