Ashley had been watching the fight closely from the very beginning. Although the distance and the deafening roar of the crowd prevented her from hearing every word, she managed to catch fragments of the conversation. Combined with her ability to read lips, it was enough for her to piece together a rough picture of what was happening.
More importantly, she was watching Drake.
She saw the subtle changes in his expression unfold one after another. First came distraction, as though something outside the arena had captured his attention. Then came a burst of overwhelming rage that turned his entire demeanor frightening. Moments later, that anger gave way to fear, genuine fear, before finally sinking into a look of despair so profound that it seemed as though he had already accepted defeat.
And yet, Ashley noticed something else.
Despite the hopelessness clouding his face, a tiny spark still lingered in his eyes.
He didn't want to give up.
How could he?
