Is this destiny?

Two hours later, organizers revealed the complete list of competitors who qualified for the second round.

Other than fighters who succeeded by being one of the three standing in each of the matches, the organizers allowed a number of defeated fighters to go through to the second round because they showed some exceptional skills.

"If you didn't have your injuries checked out, please proceed to the white tent… You have until tonight to reach your next destination where dinner and lodging will be arranged for you. The second round of eliminations will start tomorrow morning…"

Based on the coordinates provided, Sarah and Aiden confirmed that the second part of the competition will be at the location Northwest of Borodin, just how Elder Gavril guessed.

Sarah, Aiden, Hong, and Natalia went into the jeep and drove away. Their first destination was a restaurant in a nearby town.

Aiden was making sure that Sarah finishes her salad while he cut the chicken for her into bite-sized pieces.

Hong was silently eating, as usually.

Natalia observed them in silence while working on her meal.

Natalia wondered if it's possible that this doting husband is the same one that brutally beat-up people earlier that morning. Sarah was refusing the salad and whined, but she ate it when Aiden fed her, and Sarah's expression showed that she is enjoying his attention… If this is how they normally behave, it's no wonder that no one can guess that Sarah and Aiden are behind the Army of Chaos, or that Sarah is the Grand Elder of the Lebedev family. But between the two, Natalia was confident that Sarah is more dangerous. Natalia remembers when Sarah smacked her around, and that grip was not human. Ah, it was her misfortune that her men kidnapped Aiden. If they didn't do that, or if they kidnapped anyone else, she would not be in this trouble.

"Is something wrong with your food?"

Sarah's question pulled Natalia out of her thoughts.

"No, no…", Natalia swiftly poked a piece of potato from her plate. "I was just thinking… if you keep on using your superhuman strength, people will notice that you are special, and they will start looking into you."

Sarah realized that Natalia is referring to the incident when she gripped the wrist of Iskra's fighter. There was one thing that Sarah didn't understand… "Shouldn't you be happy if we are caught?"

Natalia shrugged. "I would enjoy if you teach Iskra a lesson. She is bullying me for a long time."

Sarah shook her head in disapproval. "People like you only care about power."

"You speak like I had a choice.", Natalia responded. "I was born into my family and the only thing I knew was to be a lackey to Voronins. About ten years ago I earned the right to have my own base and I thought that I finally got my freedom which comes with that position… but I realized that one hell was replaced with another when Iskra and the likes of her started fighting me for resources and territory and jobs and… it's a never-ending struggle. I may be your prisoner, but I don't remember when was the last time I felt this relaxed. My only regret is that I let down expectations of a few people from my base who believed in me."

Sarah was not sure how to respond to this. In a way, their situations are similar. Aiden and Sarah had to fight, grow, and improve in order to not to be bullied or swallowed by other forces.

Sarah wanted to comfort Natalia, to tell her that she can change her life, but Sarah knew that would be a lie. Natalia kidnapped Aiden and fed him drugs and no matter what Natalia's reasons are, her actions are something Sarah can't forgive.

After lunch, they met with Ron and Zula who were ready to take Natalia back to the base of the Lebedev family. Sarah was surprised that Owen was there as well.

"Milena sent me to make sure you are fine.", Owen explained his presence.

"We are fine. Everything went as planned.", Sarah assured him.

Owen gestured toward Hong. "Your mother told me to ask him."

Sarah and Aiden looked at Hong expectantly, waiting for the moment when he will spill everything.

Hong exhaled. "It all ended well."

Sarah and Aiden perked up. It seems that Hong covered up for them. It's not that Stella will do anything to Sarah and Aiden if she finds out that they dealt with a few things in a not-so-subtle way, but she would give them a scolding when they meet.

Zula injected Natalia with a sedative that knocked her out before they tied her up in the helicopter so that she does not bump around during the ride.

Aiden confirmed to Ron their next destination. They had a plan where in the area of Borodin to hide troops of the Army of Chaos, so that they can come and help if needed on short notice.

Ron and Zula wished them good luck and Owen lingered with last reminders… "This morning you were at a makeshift location, but now you are going to the real base. Stay alert at all times and assume that you are being watched… Don't trust anyone. There is a big chance that they mixed up their own people with participants…"

Sarah and Aiden got in the car with Hong and resumed their journey.

Sarah could not hold back from asking Hong: "Why didn't you tell Owen that we caused waves at the tournament this morning?"

Hong shook his head helplessly. "What would I achieve with that? Your mother would worry and unless she risks her life and comes to get you, other than blowing up your cover, she could not accomplish anything."

Sarah pressed her lips into a line. She knows that Hong is right. Stella would worry about them.

"I hope that going forward you are more reserved.", Hong added. "I can be quiet about things when they end well, but if you get hurt or killed, no amount of silence will cover that up."

Sarah nodded in understanding. "We know that. But we can't let others bully us. We are going to fight for a spot in the Voronin family and docile people who let others step over them are not the ones who will climb ranks. Don't worry, we can take care of ourselves and in case we bite more than what we can chew, you will come to our rescue."

Sarah giggled at Hong's outraged expression and she turned forward.

She was excited for what is coming. She will get to watch her husband dominate others in the fighting ring and not many things are better than that.

Sarah observed Aiden's handsome profile and she smiled.

Aiden glanced at her. "I love your smile. It brightens up my day."

"Keep on winning and I will keep on smiling."

Aiden chuckled and pulled Sarah to lean on him. "With you by my side, I can't lose."

Sarah relaxed with her head on Aiden's shoulder and she took a deep breath, allowing his scent to fill her nostrils.

The ride was smooth, and Aiden's proximity was just right, and… she slept off.

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