Every jaw in the room dropped. Even Dererick’s smug grin vanished. The room buzzed with disbelief. Ryan whispered to Derek, “No way. That’s her.” Kurt gulped. “She’s she’s military.” Ms. Reyes turned toward them, her voice calm, but sharp. “All right, class. Let’s see what you’ve got. Who wants to volunteer first? No one moved. She gave a faint smile. Derek, maybe you. You’re confident. I like that. The entire gym turned toward him. He stood slowly trying to laugh it off.

Uh, sure, why not? He walked to the mat, trying to act brave. Go easy on me, teach. Alina nodded. Of course, within seconds, she demonstrated a defensive grab, a simple move using Dererick’s own strength against him die in one swift motion. She twisted his arm and flipped him clean over her shoulder. The entire class gasped. Dererick landed safely, but the shock on his face said everything. Reyes extended a hand, helping him up. “That’s how strength works,” she said softly.