As soon as I step into the hallway, Pepe is already there, leaning against the gate entrance with his arms crossed and a storm brewing in his eyes.
I draw in a deep breath, clenching my fists at my sides. I already know what's coming.
"What the hell was that out there?" he bellows, his dark eyes locking onto mine with a fiery intensity.
Just as I expected, he's not just angry. He's pissed.
I brace myself, keeping my voice steady despite the humiliation coursing inside me. "Pepe, I'm sorry. I underestimated him. I didn't expect a member of nobili—"
"Save it, Raven," he snaps, cutting me off. His voice is sharp, cold. "I don't want excuses. Do you have any idea how much money I just lost because of you?" His tone dips into a low growl, every word laced with frustration.
I bite the inside of my cheek, forcing down the rising wave of shame threatening to overtake me. At least he can't see my face beneath the mask. It would betray just how deeply his words cut.
And the worst part? He's not wrong. I did mess up. I got too confident, too convinced of my invincibility. Years of winning had dulled my edge. And now? Now I was paying for my arrogance.
"How can I fix this?" I murmur, my gaze falling to the floor.
Pepe might not be the best uncle in the world, but his opinion still mattered to me, despite knowing he only saw my worth in terms of how much money I could fill his pockets with, deep down I longed to be loved by him, even just a little.
He narrows his eyes, studying me for a moment.
"Nothing," he says flatly. "You can't do anything. I'll contact you when I need you again. Until then, stay out of my sight." With that, he turns and walks away.
As he disappears around the corner, I let out a long, heavy sigh.
Somehow, his disappointment stings more than the loss itself.
I grit my teeth. Damn that Cobra. If I'd just stayed focused, been a little more patient, I could've taken him down. But that chance is gone now.
And I've got bigger problems, like figuring out who the hell he really is... and how he knew who I was under the mask.
I had thought about telling Pepe the truth—that our secret was exposed—but that would've only added fuel to his fury. For now, I'll deal with this on my own. I need to find out what Cobra is after.
I return to the waiting room where I'd crashed before the match.
The door clicks shut behind me. I lock it, then begin to undress.
I slip into a striking teal gown, its corseted bodice hugging my curves. Over it, I drape a black hooded cloak and pull the hood low over my face. Then I slip on a pair of leather boots that complete the look.
I glance at the mirror. My green eyes stare back, intense and unreadable. My long, auburn hair spills over my shoulders in soft waves. This should be enough. No one should recognize me like this.
At least, that's what I thought before Cobra.
I turn from the mirror and carefully tuck my bird mask and battle gear into a bag.
With one last glance over my shoulder, I step out and head for Fantasía Oscura.