Chapter 14

Nothing in Waylon's face gave away a hint of mercy His voice cut through the stillness, cool and measured."Five years. You work for me. For Free."

The air in the room seemed to freeze.

Naturally, only Waylon would twist a simple wager into a five-year sentence. That was the signature move of Afoross's own financial predator.

No argument left Alexia's lips. Without a word, she followed the club staff to sign up, scrawled her name on the paperwork, and disappeared into the changing room.

Not Long after, an event official at the registration desk stopped cold, his eyes glued to the list.

There it was: Black Swan. The name hit like a jolt of electricity.

Black Swan was a legend who had blown away the national scene half a decade ago. Ten shots in thirty seconds. Perfect score. Then she dropped off the face of the earth. No press. No competitions. Not a whisper since that day.

Probably a fluke. Just someone else using the name.

A little later, Alexia stepped into the hallway outside the locker room.

Her new look turned heads-a crisp, custom riding suit cut to perfection, a shadowy cowboy hat drawn low and a black mask obscuring her eyes. Even so, her poise and the sharp line of her jaw made her impossible to miss.

Inside the exclusive lounge, Elton cut Waylon a skeptical glance. "Tell me you didn't put everything on her."

For years, the city's elite used the club as a playground. Rich folks threw down outrageous bets,ran their own contests, and nobody blinked. This year,though, everyone had their eyes on Royal Lion and Black Mamba-the two top contenders out for the title.

"What, you have doubts about her?" Waylon replied in an even, careless tone.

Korbin leaned back, not even pretending to be impressed. "Not my money on the line. I'm covering both Black Mamba and Royal Lion-can't lose that way."

Ada rolled her eyes, patience thin. "Come on. Alexia's

going to surprise everyone. I'm backing her all the way."

Korbin let out a laugh, short and sharp. "Royal Lion and Black MMamba have crushed every challenger for the past two years. Alexia? She's a total unknown."

Right then, the digital display above the arena pulsed to life, pushing out one name in giant white letters-Black Swan.

A vivid animation splashed across the screen: masked rider,hat low, every inch an enigma straight out of a blockbuster film.

For a second, Korbin lost his swagger. None of this sat right with him.

On the other side,Alexia joined the other competitors,moving into the waiting area.

Anyone hoping to master mounted archery needed nerves of steel and the hands of a surgeon. That challenge doubled with the underground circuit's mixed roster-Alexia was the only woman facing down a lineup of men.

The crowd couldn't help themselves-conversations buzzed the moment she appeared.

"Hold up-she's here as Black Swan? That takes guts,honestly."

"Anyone got a clue who Black Swan actually is?"

"All I know is five years ago, she became a myth. Ten flawless shots in thirty seconds, broke every record.Then-poof-gone."

"Is it really her back out here?"

"Come on, you really buy that? Feels like one of those overblown rumors. There's no real evidence,just wild stories."

"Say that again and see what happens!"

Spectators nearly came to blows, security barely keeping the peace as debate threatened to boil over.

Nearby, Royal Lion and Black Mamba, both well-known veterans, exchanged a brisk handshake before giving Alexia a look that said she was invisible.

Black Mamba's sneer traveled over her with open scorn. "Nice try with the dramatic alias. Black Swan's old news. You're in the wrong place."

Royal Lion didn't bother hiding his disdain. "Why are we even wasting time? Fame-chasers come and go.Even if she's that Black Swan, one lucky streak in a backwoods tournament isn't the same as dominating here. Women never break records in this arena."

Alexia crossed her arms, her mouth curling into a smile as sharp as broken glass. "How about a little wager? If I take first place, anytime my name shows up on the roster, both of you sit out. When I'm in the game,you're not invited. Understood?"

Royal Lion bristled, scowl deepening. "You're delusional." He made a move, but Black Mamba held him back, locking eyes with Alexia, curiosity flickering beneath the surface.

"Win or lose, you've already turned this into a spectacle. But hey, we'll gladly watch you go down in flames.Even if you really are Black Swan-after today,we'll make sure you never step foot in this sport again."