Chapter 6 · Iron Arena - Chapter 6: That Wasn't Prize Money

Thorne's office smelled like burnt coffee and leather cleaner. I stood by the door while Lila sat in the chair across from his desk, her back straight, hands on her knees. She hadn't said a word since we walked in. That worried me more than if she'd been running her mouth.

Thorne slid a thin tablet across the glass. "Three fights. Sanctioned underground circuit. Twenty thousand up front, fifteen per win."

Lila leaned forward. Her fingers didn't quite touch the screen.

"Don't," I said.

She didn't look at me. "That's real money."

"That's a leash."

Thorne smiled. He was good at smiling. "Cole, you of all people know how this works. The girl's got talent. Talent needs a stage. I'm offering a stage."

"You're offering a contract."

"Same thing."

"No. It's not."

Lila turned in her chair. "You said we needed money. This is money."

"Not this money."

"Why not?"

Because I signed one just like it. Because I spent two years trying to buy my way out and only dug deeper. Because the moment you sign, you're not a fighter anymore, you're inventory.

I didn't say any of that. I just shook my head.

Thorne tapped the tablet.