<b>Chapter </b><b>128 </b>
“What’s this? ying the knight in shining armor now?” The blond kid reached out, aiming to sling an arm around Alessia’s shoulders, but she blocked him with her umbre, casual as could be.
“Knight, my ass. I just can’t fucking stand you.” The boy–barely older than ten, thin and wiry from years of going hungry–stood his ground against the two <i>teens </i>towering over him, his defiance undiminished.
Words were pointless now<i>. </i>Six’s gaze darted around. He grabbed a stick from beside the trash can, flipping it in his hand, testing the weight.
“Landon, that kid’s nuts. Let’s ditch it,” Blondie whispered, nerves getting the better of him.
Unlike them, Six had <i>no </i>one to rely on, nothing to lose. He fought hard, always had. Anyone who messed with him never got off easy, and after a while, people in the neighborhood learned to keep their distance–maybe toss an insult, but never push it further.
“What are you, scared? You think two guys can’t handle one scrawny kid? If word gets out, I’ll be aughingstock!” Landon sneered, shoving Blondie with open
contempt.
“But he-<b>” </b>
“Enough!” Landon cut him off, impatient. “Watch the girl. Don’t let her get away.”
Blondie grit his teeth and backed up, blocking the exit to the alley.
Just then, Six charged, swinging the stick straight for Landon’s shoulder. Landon, taller and heavier by far, caught Six and pinned him down almost immediately.
The stick ttered aside, but Six wasn’t backing off. He slipped every punch Landon threw, ducking and weaving, forcing Landon to curse under his breath, frustration mounting. Finally, Landon managed to grab him by the throat.
“Ah!”
Suddenly, the tip of Alessia’s umbre jabbed hard into Landon’s back, hitting just the right spot to make him buckle. Six wriggled free in the chaos.
Landon, furious, spun around to face Alessia, but Six leapt at his back, yang him
into a headlock.
‘Dammit! Get over here and help!” Landon roared. Blondie scrambled forward, but
<b>Chapter </b>128
tripped<b>–</b><b>Alessia </b>had <b>hooked </b>his ankle <b>with </b><b>her </b><b>umbre</b><b>, </b><b>sending </b><b>him </b><b>sprawling </b><b>face</b>–<b>first </b>onto the ground.
“Useless idiot!” Landon snapped. One hand pulled desperately at <b>Six’s </b><b>grip</b><b>, </b><b>the </b>other fumbled in his pocket.
A sh of cold steel–Six gasped as Landon shed at him, tossing him <b>to </b><b>the </b>ground. Blood welled up from Six’s shin, trickling between his fingers as he clutched his leg.
“Thought you could take me? Die, punk!” Landon hissed, raising the knife for another strike. But before he couldnd a blow, Alessia flicked her umbre, sending the de flying from his grasp.
Landon lunged for the umbre, but Alessia was faster, spinning it deftly out of reach. As Landon turned, the handle caught him square on the bridge of his nose.
Something warm dripped from his nostrils. Landon swiped his fingers across his face, staring in disbelief at the smear of blood.
He red, rage burning in his eyes, but Alessia’s expression never changed–calm and unbothered. The only clue to her intent was the sharp whoosh as her umbre cut through the air.
Landon stumbled back, instinctively seeking help, only to <i>find </i>Blondie sprawled on the ground, his arm twisted at an unnatural angle, face contorted in pain.
Swearing, Landon bolted for the end of the alley, tripping over Six and nearly facenting in the process. Blondie,/grimacing, staggered to his feet and limped after him.
Silence settled over the alley. At some point, the rain had stopped.