Deuce held some pads and helped me warm up. My blood was pumping as adrenaline flowed through my veins. This high was like no other. This was where my demons unwound with every blow. They found their peace here. They were quiet as long as I was fighting. And when it was all over—when I was covered in sweat and blood and watching my metaphoric heart catch fire—they smiled their wicked smiles and crawled back into the depths of my soul.
Big Tim called my name and then my song started to play—"Psycho” by Breaking Benjamin. That was my anthem. This was my time.
I gave Ethan a nod as I walked toward the cage. He was always here. Every fucking time. I’d begged him to train with me, but he was more of a peacemaker. Maybe that was why we worked as friends. Yin and Yang or some bullshit.
The referee rubbed Vaseline over my eyebrows and cheeks then Deuce patted me on the shoulder.
“You ready to fuck him up?” he asked, nodding toward the guy in black and gold shorts on the other side of the cage.
I nodded as the ref slid my mouthguard in.
My demons grinned.
Yeah. We’re ready.