In sports, doping undoubtedly is a serious matter. If an athlete is found guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs, they could be banned from all future competitions. The accusation alone suggested that Kael might face an investigation. I knew for certain he hadn’t used any substances, but his body was far from normal anyway.
His body temperature was unusually high, and his heart rate was alarmingly fast. If a doctor examined him, they might uncover something extraordinary. The thought made me nervous. Would everyone discover Kael’s secret? He was a werewolf, a being entirely different from humans. Would people turn against him? Even though I feared werewolves, the idea of Kael being driven away worried me.
“I didn’t use any drugs,” Kael said, turning to the coach of Iron Fist Club. “Your assumption is slanderous.”
“But how could a normal person have your level of stamina? Your movements during the match-those heavy punches, your agility to dodge Briar’s attacks-it’s not human. And after the fight, you recovered too quickly. Normal people would be exhausted!” the coach retorted.
Hearing this nonsense, I felt a surge of anger. Before I knew it, I blurted out, “Impossible! Kael would never use drugs!” The room fell silent, and everyone turned to stare at me. I instantly regretted my outburst but also felt I’d done the right thing. I was telling the truth. Yet, I felt uneasy because my impulsive defense revealed my bias toward Kael. My mind was in chaos.
“You’re just an employee of Eagle Club. What gives you the right to speak?” the coach snapped. “You’re obviously siding with your club.”
“I’m speaking the truth. You have no evidence, just your own assumptions. If you accuse someone, you at least need proof. Where’s yours?” I shot back. I was surprised at myself-someone usually so reserved-speaking so boldly.
Everyone’s eyes were on me, especially Kael’s. His gaze felt like the sun, intense and burning. When I looked at him, he smiled, seemingly unfazed by the situation. My heart raced, and my ears rang. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I didn’t want Kael to affect me so much.
My words caught the coach off guard. He sneered, “I still think something’s off.”
This man had no shame! I was stunned.
“Everyone’s body is different. I feel good today, and I train a lot, so I am happy about the good results, but that doesn’t mean I’ve used drugs. I don’t mind an investigation, if that’s what you want, but if it proves me innocent, I expect a public apology from you on social media,” Kael said coldly, staring down the coach.
“Exactly! Kael would never use drugs. You’re just being ridiculous!” Vivienne chimed in. I glanced at her, wondering if she knew about Kael’s true nature. Given they’d grown up together, it was possible.
“We’ve watched all of Kael’s matches. He has a 100% win rate. Are you saying he used drugs every time? That’s absurd!”
“He doesn’t look like he has such excessive drug use, does he? Or he can’t look that healthy I guess.”
Many people around us voiced their support for Kael, leaving the Iron Fist coach isolated. Just then, Briar stood up. He had been sitting quietly, drinking water and wiping sweat from his face. But now, he spoke. “No need for an investigation, Bob. I believe Kael is clean. He’s a respectable opponent, and I respect him.”
“But his physical reactions are still abnormal,” Bob insisted, frowning.
“I’ve fought him. He seems fine to me. Let’s go,” Briar said, walking over to Kael and shaking his hand. “Congratulations on your victory this time. But next time, you might not be so lucky. I’ll work hard to beat you one day.”
“I look forward to that day. When you beat me, I’ll congratulate you,” Kael replied with a smile.
I watched them reconcile. Briar’s demeanor after the match was entirely different from during the fight. He seemed more like a mild gentleman than a boxer. In a way, that made him even more formidable. He wasn’t arrogant and could face defeat bravely, allowing him to grow stronger through failure.
As I watched them, Briar’s gaze suddenly met mine. My breath hitched for a moment. Then, he turned and left. I frowned. Was it just my imagination, or had Briar seemed… strange?
After the Iron Fist Club left, the rest of the group headed to the celebration party. Evelyn and Judy approached me. Evelyn threw her arm around my shoulders. “Seraph, you were amazing back there! Standing up to that guy-he was speechless!”
“Yeah, Seraphina, I didn’t know you had it in you!” Judy gave me a thumbs-up.
“Let’s go celebrate,” Evelyn said.
“No, I need to clean up,” I declined, feeling no mood for festivities. Thankfully, my outburst hadn’t caused any trouble.
“Kael was just accused, and he fought so hard today. He probably needs your comfort,” Evelyn teased.
“No, plenty of girls will comfort him,” I replied with a smile. “Besides, I have no special relationship with him.” I wasn’t ready to admit my feelings for Kael in front of others. It felt shameful. Yet, thinking about Kael’s state today, I felt a pang of pity. Earlier, I’d felt bad for Lucian when he lost, but I’d quickly moved on. With Kael, it was different. My feelings for him seemed to have shifted. Otherwise, why would someone as timid as me stand up for him?
He was special. The realization scared me.