Maya didn't.
Stella threw a powerful strike.
Maya ducked beneath it.
Then she stepped to the side.
Six seconds.
That was all it took.
Maya delivered a perfectly timed counter.
The crowd fell completely silent.
Stella stumbled backward.
Her eyes widened.
She hadn't expected it.
Neither had the audience.
Maya didn't celebrate.
She simply returned to her stance.
The referee watched carefully.
Stella touched her cheek.
Her confidence was gone.
"What was that?"
Maya stared at her.
"A warning."
Stella's face turned red.
She charged.
This time, Maya didn't retreat.
She met her.
The two exchanged rapid combinations.
Stella was faster.
Maya was calmer.
Every time Stella became emotional, Maya became more precise.
The first round ended.
Stella returned to her corner breathing heavily.
Her trainer grabbed her shoulders.
"Listen to me."
"I'm fine."
"You're not."
"She's nothing."
"Then stop trying to prove it."
Stella looked across the ring.
Maya sat quietly.
Mick handed her water.
"Good."
Maya nodded.
"She'll come harder."
"I know."
"Don't chase her."
"I won't."
Across the ring, Stella heard them.
She clenched her fists.
The second round began.
This time, Stella changed tactics.
Instead of rushing, she waited.
She studied Maya.
For thirty seconds, neither woman attacked.
The crowd became restless.
Then Stella whispered:
"You know what bothers me?"
Maya remained silent.
"You don't look scared."
Maya looked at her.
"I am."
Stella blinked.
"What?"
"I'm scared."
"Then why aren't you showing it?"
Maya answered:
"Because fear isn't a performance."
The crowd heard it.
A murmur traveled through the arena.
For the first time, Stella had no answer.
============================================================
CHAPTER 6
The second round became a battle of patience.
Stella had spent years fighting opponents who reacted exactly the way she expected.
Maya didn't.
Every feint received a measured response.
Every attack was met with movement.
Every attempt to provoke her failed.
Stella began getting frustrated.
"Fight me!"
Maya stayed composed.
"I am."
"No. Fight me!"
Maya looked at her.
"You want me angry."
Stella froze.
Maya continued.
"That's when you win."
The words hit harder than any punch.
Stella attacked.