Chapter 33

I looked at Gina in surprise.

"Me?!" I shrieked

Jackson laughed loudly. Even my parents joined in.

“Gina, darling,” he said, “pick a better opponent. Elise here couldn’t handle a feather, let alone a real fight.”

"You're right" my mom said "Don't waste your time on her, my dear"

My parents exchanged glances and chuckled. They had always considered me too wild, too untamed. The thought that I might actually be able to hold my own in a fight was something they clearly couldn’t entertain.

“Do not judge a book by its cover,” Ferris said, commanding everyone's attention. Everywhere became silent as he spoke.

"Elise is strong" Ferris said "How can you not see that?"

"Surely, you must be mistaken, your grace" my father said "Elise wouldn't last a minute in a fight with anyone. She's our daughter. We're sure of this".

"You might be surprised"

Ferris' encouragement warmed my heart. He was the only person who stood up for me.

I tried to refuse Gina’s challenge. I d