Reborn Through Fire (Kisa and Gilbert)
Chapter 1581

Mia and Jensen finally clashed in a heated battle. As Hayes had pointed out, the young man seemed inexperienced and even fragile. It did not take long for Mia to seize the advantage, but Jensen stubbornly refused to accept defeat. After being knocked down, he quickly sprang back up, his determination driving him to face Mia once more. Throughout their fierce exchange, Mia held back, skillfully redirecting a potentially deadly blow to Jensen's chest so that it merely grazed his arm instead.

Kohen watched, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he glanced over at Hayes, who sat in a nearby chair. Hayes wore a chilling expression, his icy gaze fixated on the fighting duo.

After more heart-pounding combat, Mia's blade pressed against Jensen's chest while his was poised at her throat. They found themselves in a tense deadlock.

One of the other girls jeered at Mia. "Mia, you're always so ruthless toward us, never showing us any mercy. Why are you treating this pretty boy with such tenderness? Are you holding back on purpose?" Mia shot the girl a freezing glare. "If you think I'm holding back, why don't you step up and fight him yourself? But remember this, if you lose, you will be joining Mr. Hayes at the Velvet Vagabonds." The girl's face shifted as she glared back at Mia, biting her tongue in silence. Another young man looked to Hayes. "Mr. Hayes, does this count as a draw?"

Hayes let out a sinister chuckle, toying with a dagger in his hands. At twenty, he was the oldest in the group, but far from the sunny and cheerful disposition one might expect of someone his age. Everyone knew Hayes was unpredictable, dark, and cold-hearted – no one dared to provoke him.

Mia watched him intently, her hand gripping her dagger, slick with sweat. The outcome of their deadlock could potentially send both of them to the Velvet Vagabonds. The air was thick with tension as everyone awaited Hayes' verdict, but the enigmatic man remained silent, leaving no clue as to his thoughts.

Suddenly, Jensen dropped his weapon and, with a calm resolve, told Hayes. "I lost. I'm leaving the McCray family." Having been brought into the group by Kohen, his departure was inevitable if he failed to secure his place.

Mia's eyes widened with concern as she anxiously looked at him. "You didn't lose."

Jensen held his tongue, his expression cool and collected as he stared at Hayes.

Hayes released a chilling, sardonic laugh. His icy gaze bore into Mia. "Since when have you become so compassionate?"

Mia's lips pressed tightly together, saying nothing.

Hayes' fury grew, and he coldly declared. "Since you insist he didn't lose, then it must be you who lost. You will accompany me to the Velvet Vagabonds tonight."

Mia's body visibly trembled, her face turning deathly pale in an instant. Some of the girls in the courtyard gloated over her misfortune, while the eyes of several boys brimmed with sympathy and concern. Jensen's brow furrowed, blocking Hayes as he attempted to leave. "I told you, I'm the one who lost."

Hayes' eyes narrowed dangerously. "What, are you eager to join us at the Velvet Vagabonds as well?"

Kohen coughed and grabbed Jensen's arm, flashing a smile at Hayes. "Hayes, he's with me, so he won't be part of your twisted games. Just help me train him."

With a frigid snort, Hayes stormed out of the courtyard. Mia slumped to the ground, emotionally drained. Jensen looked at her, his handsome face still a picture of indifference.

"Mia, you must've been bewitched by this young man to actually lose to him."

"I saw Mr. Hayes's rage. You're in for a night of torment."

"Yeah, Mia, you'd better come back alive from the Velvet Vagabonds. Otherwise, we'll be truly heartbroken, hahaha..."