I feint a punch to his dick, and he doubles over to protect his crotch. Both hands cover his groin area, so I jab my fingers into his eyes.
He shouts in pain, and I spit in his mouth.
Then I back away. It’ll be over soon.
The Giant retches, but nothing comes up but air. His airways are swelling, too. I dosed him with everything I could.
His head lolls back, red-tinged tears streaming down his face. His eyes are bloody. Ooh, that looks bad.
The end is near. Which is good because I’m swaying on my feet. My head is throbbing.
But I’m still riding a wave of adrenaline, floating high above the pain.
“Let’s face it, you underestimated me. But everyone did.” I lean in. He tries to swat me like a fly, but his hand falters. “You thought you were stronger than me. But there are many forms of strength.” Oops, I’m monologuing again. But I can’t resist. “Tell me now… how does it feel to be weak?”
He groans. The poison inside must be like putting a blowtorch to his insides.
“Poor baby,” I croon. “Don’t worry. It’ll be over soon.”
He’s shivering. He curls into himself. His hands stiffen into claws.
“Three, two…”
He takes a step. He tries to take another, but his foot won’t move. Bloody foam pours from his mouth.
“One.”
The Giant crashes to the ground.
The Bulls are on their feet, shouting foul play, but the rest of the crowd drowns them out.
Angel climbs on the ropes, pumping her arms over her head. She’s leading a chant.
It takes me a second to hear what they’re saying.
“Fraternitas! Fraternitas!”
Oh, hell no.
I put one foot on the fallen giant and pump my own fist into the air. “My name is Belladonna Bosco,” I shout. “I am the Poisoner. And this is what I do to my enemies.” I point to the fallen giant.
I notice the crowd has moved back from the sides of the ring, giving me space. Good. It’s about time people know how dangerous I am.
“Bell-a-don-na,” I shout my name until Angel takes up the chant. “Bell-a-don-na.”
“Bella, Bella, Bella!” the crowd screams.
“That’s right,” I whisper. “That’s me. Fear me.”
The Bulls are still there, but Dominus is gone. Fled. His champion is down.
I am the champion.
I open my arms and accept the people’s adoration and fear.
They know who I am. They know what I can do.
From now on, they will think twice about messing with me.
