Chapter 17

                                    

                                          
Callista Miller 

_
In the heart of the sprawling park, an electric atmosphere hung heavy, crackling with tension as the confrontation between Ares and Isaac unfolded, my eyes fixed on the two boys standing in a fighting stance. The verdant surroundings contrasted sharply with the brewing conflict, a stark reminder of the chaos that had ensued. Behind Isaac, a dozen men stood in an ominous formation, their expressions etched with a blend of determination and weariness. The telltale signs of recent combat were evident in the prone figures scattered around Ares, their pained grunts echoing the violence that had recently transpired.
My breath caught in my throat as Isaac's form suddenly blurred into action, his body propelled forward with a fury-laden punch aimed squarely at Ares. Ares' lithe form sidestepped the attack with a fluid grace, his movements almost preternatural. In a seamless counter, he launched a retaliatory strike towards Isaac, their battle escalating in a heartbeat. Isaac, a skilled fighter in his own right, managed to evade Ares' punch with a calculated agility that was both impressive and dangerous. 
The clash between the two combatants unfolded like a breathtaking dance, punches and kicks exchanged with lightning speed, the whistling of the wind punctuating each move. My heart raced as I struggled to keep up with the dizzying exchange, the tension in the air leaving me on edge. Overwhelmed by fear for their safety, my voice pierced the charged atmosphere with a desperate cry, "Stop!" I jumped between the two, without thinking. My well-intentioned intervention, however, placed me perilously between the two adversaries, a dangerous position that made my heart race even faster. The immediate danger had shifted, and I instinctively recoiled, a sense of panic coursing through me, fearing I was going to be the bearer of the painful punches.
My eyes snapped open in disbelief when I felt nothing touch me. Both Ares and Isaac halted their movements, their fists suspended just inches away from my body. A rush of relief washed over me, my body finally releasing the tight grip of panic that had taken hold of it moments before. It was as if time itself had frozen, and in that brief respite, catastrophe had been narrowly averted.
What the hell, Calli! Are you stupid?! What if you have gotten hurt?!" Isaac's voice carried a mix of worry and frustration as he admonished my reckless actions. The surge of adrenaline that still coursed through my veins momentarily rendered me voiceless. Even if I wanted to speak, I couldn't. Isaac's demeanor shifted from aggression to protectiveness as he guided my body to face him, his intense gaze scouring my form for any signs of harm. Finding my voice finally, I managed to reassure him, "I-I am fine." 
Ares' gruff voice pierced the air, a stern tone underscored by genuine concern, "Why weren't you in the car?" The weight of his disappointment was palpable, his concern for my safety evident in his uncharacteristically softer tone. It sent my heart in overdrive, he has upset with me. I never intended to disappoint or upset him. It was unintentional. I was about to clarify when Isaac interrupted. Isaac positioned himself between Ares and me, his voice carrying a hint of anger as he challenged, "Now, you're trying to control Calli too? You're quite the bastard, Ares."
Isaac's words, though misconstrued, struck a chord with me. It irked me how he accused Ares of something has not done. It was ridiculous and outrageous. I stepped forward, reaching out to rest my hand on Isaac's forearm, my gaze locked onto his. With newfound conviction, I asserted, "Nobody is controlling me, especially Ares." Isaac's mocking smile faltered as he scoffed, attempting to sow seeds of doubt, "Oh, is he not? You know nothing about him, Calli, unfortunately."
My eyes turned toward Ares, his presence commanding and distant, as though untouched by the turmoil that surrounded him. Drawing strength from the depth of my feelings, I spoke with unwavering sincerity, "I know myself. I am not being controlled. And Ares can be anything, I would still like him." The declaration hung in the air, a testament to the power of my emotions. It came straight out of my heart, full of sincerity. Ares watched me with conviction.