Upon returning to the VIP suite, Ethan could feel the change in atmosphere.

His eyes passed them one by one, curious as to what their reactions would be.

Elara looked at him first, her red eyes wide.

There was something new in her expression. It wasn’t fear exactly, but concern and uncertainty. She was used to his relaxed and jovial character, and even after seeing some of the more troubled parts of him, had always still felt like he had a good heart.

But for him to be so calm and casual after killing someone, walking in like nothing had happened...

It was hard not to be unnerved by it, at least for most people.

"Now, that was awesome!"

Kaela’s voice cut through the tension immediately.

She was grinning widely and excited, clearly not among those normal people who were discomforted by death and especially murder.

"I didn’t think you had it in you," she continued, stepping closer, eyes practically glowing. "And how the hell do you switch between those forms so fast? And does it hurt?"

She leaned in slightly.

"I bet the claws forming hurts like a bitch."

She loved every second of it.

From tormenting his opponent and completely breaking apart his abilities, to then suddenly ending it after humiliating them.

It was perfect.

And now she looked even more interested in him than before.

But not everyone shared that sentiment, especially not Mark, who was staring at Ethan intensely in utter disbelief.

’Is this really the same person I grew up with?’

Ethan barely had time to register the shift before Mark rushed over to him, grabbing him by the collar and driving him into the wall.

Slam!

The impact echoed through the room.

"Why did you kill him, huh?!" Mark snapped, his voice shaking with anger. "You think because you’re Titled now, the rules don’t apply to you?!"

Ethan didn’t react.

"What rules?" he refuted calmly. "There are no rules in the UFC, in a gate, in this fucked-up world."

"Don’t give me that bullshit!" Mark snapped. "Why did you do it? Was it for-?!"

Ethan moved.

He grabbed Mark and reversed him.

Slam!

Mark hit the wall this time, so hard he was winded and let out a little grunt.

"No," Ethan said sharply. "It wasn’t for Lila."

Mark froze, taken aback.

"But you should’ve told me what Mace tried to do," he continued coldly. "I wouldn’t have stopped you that day."

He paused, a dark look in his eyes.

"Hell, I would’ve killed him and saved myself the trouble."

There was a heavy silence after that.

Lila was a year younger than them both, the same age as Mace, who was also in her class. One night, when she was returning from extracurriculars, the sleazy loser saw it as his opportunity to act on his desires.

Whether it was to get back at the two of them or out of pure twisted lust didn’t matter - what he tried to do was inexcusable.

’If I hadn’t shown up when I did...’

Mark shook his head, not even wanting to think about it.

That night, he and Ethan had gone out to look for her since she had finished later than usual, but Mark never told him the complete truth. He was worried about what his reckless friend might do if he knew.

’But he figured it out anyway, and it seems like you can’t change fate.’

That’s when Ethan shook his head slightly, catching him completely off guard with what he said next.

"That’s not why I did it."

His voice was calm and cold.

"I killed him for me."

Mark’s expression faltered.

"I wanted him gone," Ethan continued plainly. "So he wouldn’t keep buzzing around my life, and because I felt like it."

There was no hesitation or excuse.

"That’s the truth."

Mark stared into his clear blue eyes, and he knew his friend wasn’t lying.

That was what made it worse.

His grip loosened as his mind spiralled.

’When I thought I killed that man...’

That night, his whole world had collapsed, overcome with panic, fear, and guilt. Then Ethan stepped in and pulled the trigger, taking it all upon himself.

’Did I do this? Is it my fault he’s like this?’ 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

He didn’t know.

Mark wasn’t sure what to say or even think.

But one thing was clear: he couldn’t stay here to watch these savage fights any longer. And so, without another word, Mark pushed past his friend and walked out.

Ethan didn’t stop him, watching silently as the large man stormed off.

-

Meanwhile, the stadium corridors swallowed Mark quickly; his thoughts were loud, messy, and unstable.

’Ever since he got that Title...’

Everything had changed, and far too quickly.

’Maybe it would’ve been better if he hadn’t got one.’

The thought came uninvited, but as harsh as it was, maybe it would have been better that way. Ethan would have remained a lost drunk, but he could have found his way and got better.

He didn’t have to be this... a superhuman who was losing his humanity.

Mark exhaled sharply, running a hand down his hair.

’What even is the point of life?’

The question lingered heavily, his thoughts taking a more selfish turn.

Ethan had spent seven years locked up, and yet now he felt so far ahead and superior in every way.

’Why couldn’t it have been me?’

The thrill, the connections, the money, the Title itself - he couldn’t help but feel slightly envious. It was only natural, and he imagined himself having similar abilities and changing his life around.

Then he clenched his jaw and slapped himself hard.

’What the hell am I thinking?’

He was disgusted with himself for even thinking like that.

Not only was it pathetic, but Ethan deserved everything he was getting, and as troubling as he could be, he had only been good to Mark and his family.

’I could really use a drink.’

And with that, he was gone, about to miss out on one of the craziest nights in history...