Chapter 314
Azure's punch didn't disappoint. To my summon's credit, and Miles' misfortune, there was zero hesitation. I'd long suspected Miles had dumped far more into Strength and Toughness than I had, and couldn't be sure how effective it would be. But we were both in our civvies, and there was only so much incremental increases could do to cushion the effect of bare fist to unshod face.
Miles got his arms up—entirely too late.
His head snapped back painfully as he took it on the chin, entire body following it forty-five degrees, where he wobbled, checking once to see if I was pressing the attack, and when I didn't, rested his hands on his knees.
There was a commotion, and Miles raised a hand, waving off what I assumed to be the rest of the people he had following me rushing to his side.
He made the gesture again, more insistent this time. "No. No. Leave it. That was my bad, I asked for it." Slowly, he straightened up, still looking unsteady on his feet. "Not gonna bother explaining why I suddenly got nasty, but that's uh... not how I expected it to go." He tilted his head and winced.
Fume. Barely restrained rage.
"Don't care," I said. "If you wanna just cut the shit and settle this here, keep bringing my family into it, see what happens."
"Not what I was going for."
"Could have fooled me." I seethed, letting hatred seep through. "These might be the last few hours I have, Miles."