I snap my eyes back to my uncle and a rush of gratitude runs through me that he’s not lying or sugar coating this to make me feel better. “Luca could get seriously hurt if he fights,” Roger says, holding my gaze.
“Well, don’t let him fight!” I gasp, spinning back to the edge of the box, leaning over it and staring horrified at Luca, who pushes himself up from the ropes and moves to the center of the ring, where the Atalaxian boxer is moving as well.
Rafe grabs my arm, holding me back. “It’s too late, Ari,” Rafe growls. “He’s clearly taking the fight. He knows what’s at stake. He’s seeing what we’re seeing and he knows what it means – better than we do, surely. But clearly, he’s taking it.”
I watch in horror as Luca steps close to the Atlaxian champion, staring with grit up into his face
