He anticipated it.
I changed direction.
He anticipated that too.
“Nice,” I murmured.
“Thanks.”
We both adjusted.
His breathing was steady.
So was mine.
He made a small mistake.
Not much.
His weight drifted just a fraction too far.
I caught it.
Rolled through.
For half a second neither of us had a clean advantage.
Then I came up on top.
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The crowd erupted.
I ignored it.
Ethan didn’t panic.
That impressed me more than anything else he had done.
He immediately began building his escape.
I controlled one arm.
He shifted his hips.
I changed the angle.
His escape stalled.
I felt him preparing another movement.
So I gave him just enough room to believe it was there.
He took it.
I followed.
Two movements later I had the position I wanted.
Carlos dropped closer.
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Ethan froze.
He understood before anyone watching did.
I applied only enough pressure to make the choice clear.
His free hand lifted.
Then tapped the mat twice.
I released immediately.
Carlos put a hand between us.
“Done.”
For one second, there was silence.
Then applause exploded beneath the tent.
I sat back on my heels.
Ethan remained on the mat staring up at the white canvas roof.
