"Clark!" Thalassa shouted, panic flashing in her eyes, thinking that Clark had been stabbed in the stomach.

Clark grimaced but tried to stay upright, his hand clutching his side. The knife had only slashed the left side of his torso, and though the wound wasn't deep, there was still blood soaking the blue shirt he was wearing. "I'm... I'm okay," he managed to say through gritted teeth.

But the man didn't pause. He turned his focus back to Thalassa, coming at her again with the knife raised. This time, Thalassa was ready. She dodged his thrust and grabbed his arm, using his momentum against him.

They struggled for control, the knife glinting in the dim light, until she managed to twist his wrist, forcing him to drop the weapon. With a swift kick, she knocked the knife out of his reach before jamming her knee into his stomach, sending him to the ground.

Grabbing the man by the front of his shirt, she slammed him against the car, her breath coming in short, furious bursts. "Who sent you?" she growled, her face inches from his mask.

When he didn't answer, she grabbed the top of the mask, which covered his whole head. Unlike last time, when her attacker had escaped without her being able to identify him, she wasn't going to let this one get away so easily.

Just as she was about to pull the mask from his head, he suddenly shoved her back with a surprising burst of strength. She stumbled, losing her grip on him, and he took the opportunity to run off, leaving his weapons behind.noveldrama

"Dammit!" Thalassa cursed, pushing herself up. She was about to run after him, but Clark's pained groan stopped her.

"Thalassa, wait," he gasped, slumping against his car, his hand still pressed against his bleeding side. "Don't follow him. He might hurt you." 1

She hesitated for a moment, torn between chasing the man and helping Clark. But as much as she wanted to catch him, Clark needed her more. She rushed over to him, crouching by his side.

"Are you okay? Let me see," she said, gently pulling his hand away from the wound. It was bleeding, but not too deep.

"I'm fine," he assured her, pulling himself upright. "What matters is you. Are you okay?"

"Yes," she answered, her gaze hardening. "Why did you have to jump in, Clark? He could've hurt you worse than this. I had control of the situation. I would've dodged the knife."

Clark was taken aback by her reaction. He'd expected her to be shocked or at least shaken by what had just happened, like anyone else would be, but no. There was nothing but coldness on her face. Calculating coldness. "How did you learn to fight like that?" he asked in wonder.

She smiled-a smile that didn't reach her eyes-as she answered, "When you've been through what I have, you learn that any moment can turn into a situation where you have to defend yourself."

She had vowed never to let history repeat itself, never to be so vulnerable and defenseless again. That's why she'd taken self-defense classes with one of the best instructors while in New York. "What did you go through?" Clark prompted, but Thalassa looked away, making it clear she wasn't going to

answer.

"I'm so sorry, Thalassa," Clark apologized, his gaze sincere. "I shouldn't have left you alone here, seeing how quiet and dim the place is. If I had agreed when you offered to come with me for my keys, this wouldn't have 1/2

happened."

Thalassa shook her head. "You don't have to apologize for anything. But we need to get you to a hospital."

He immediately shook his head. "Hospital? No. I'm absolutely fine. The cut isn't even that deep."

"It doesn't matter. We still need to get it stitched. Besides, we don't know what that knife has come into contact with. It could cause an infection, so we have to go."

Clark sighed. "Okay, fine. But there's something I need to ask you.'

Thalassa tensed. "What is it?"

"Why did you keep asking him who sent him? Do you think he was sent by someone to hurt you? Who would want to harm you like this?" Today's Bonus Offer

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