I was well aware of prizefighting because of Jacob and Evie, but I'd never even considered attending one. The whole thing seemed barbaric and seedy even compared to their usual criminal activities. Why would I want to be a witness to people beating the stuffing out of each other when I saw that just by being a Rook. So when Lewis arrived at the station and explained that Maxwell had been delayed, I considered not going at all.

"Mr. Roth was most insistent he'll join you before the main event," Lewis explained. "He's reserved you a private booth as not to be disturbed by the other patrons."

"Where is this fight anyway?" I asked.

"A private venue in Westminster, Miss." He opened the carriage door. "Now, if you'd please."

Resigning myself to my fate, I got in. It was only a few minutes before we arrived. Lewis led me to a narrow walkway ending in a large door. After a secession of coded knocks, the door opened.

"A guest of Mr. Roth," Lewis told an imposing bald man, who only jerked his chin in the direction of a short staircase. Taking my arm, Lewis continued. "This way, Miss King."

"This place is horrible," I mumbled as we passed in front of a large wood fence enclosure where two men were already knocking each other senseless. "Why are they doing this?"

"The money, of course." He answered just as the crowd let out a massive cheer. "And glory."

"Not everything's about money and glory."

"I couldn't agree more." Finally arriving at a small boxed next to the ring, he offered me one of the two heavily padded chairs. "Please try to enjoy yourself, Gwen. Mr. Roth will be along shortly."

I huffed. "Easier said than done."

He chuckled softly as he took his place outside the box like a sentry.

I tried not to look as another two men entered the ring for the next round, but couldn't stop myself. Both men were titans with rippling muscles. Neither wore a shirt, but their hands were wrapped in what looked like gauze. They both did a kind of victory walk with their fists in the air, hyping up the audience before a bell sounded and they turned to each other.

"This is horrible," I said to Lewis as the fighters circled each other.

"It's one of Mr. Roth's favorite sports."

I shook my head as one of the fighters hit the other in the jaw, sending a spray of blood across the dirt floor. "Well, it's something we don't agree on. That's for sure."

"Would you like to leave, Gwen?"

"Of course I do, but I promised Maxwell." I smiled over at Lewis. "But if a tooth hits me, we're out of here."

We continued to watch two more fights before a man in a top hat and mismatched clothing entered the ring. He bowed to the crowd and began to announce, "Now. The moment you've all been waiting for. Our fight tonight is between two undefeated champions of the ring. The Russian Bear will be taking on the Blackbird of Death. Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen, and may the best man win."

So dramatic, I thought before I noticed several Rooks enter the building surrounding another man in a top hat. My heart skipped a beat as I realized exactly who they were escorting.

"No," I exhaled, catching sight of him as he removed his overcoat, jacket, and shirt.

Before I could get up and go to him, a group of Blighters surrounded my box. I froze as they ushered the other fighter to my side.

"Good evening, my lady," Alexis said with a sneer as he took my hand and kissed it. "It's good to see you again. Have you brought your little knife?"

My eyes widened and I could feel the blood drain from my face. "I thought you were dead."

He smiled. "I'm glad to know you would miss me, my lady. Tonight, after I crush this little bird, I will take back my honor and claim you."

"I'm not for claiming, Alexis." I snapped, yanking my hand from his. "And I do have my knife. Would you like to see it?"

He just laughed. "You protest too much, my little foal. I will enjoy breaking you."

Why did his threat sound so familiar, I wondered. "Not tonight. Not ever."

He didn't look away as he stripped down to his trousers, his massive chest puffed out in pride as he handed his things off to the Blighters with him. He jumped the short ring wall and began strutting around the ring in front of the crowd before blowing me a kiss.

When Jacob finally entered the ring, he instantly noticed me surrounded by Blighters. He narrowed his eyes but gave no other acknowledgment. Unlike Alexis, he stretched his muscles and cracked his neck, preparing himself for the fight.

"Gentleman, let's have a good clean fight," the announcer said as he jumped over the ring and rang the bell for the match to begin.

Jacob and Alexis circled like the other fighters, sizing each other up. Alexis took a quick jab, which missed Jacob completely. He took two more jabs as if testing Jacob's responses. Finally, he swung hard at Jacob; putting his full body behind his fist. Jacob dodged and landed two rapid punches to his midsection that caused Alexis to grunt. He withdrew and waited for Jacob to swing next, holding his fist close to his face. Jacob tried an uppercut, but Alexis' longer arms allowed him to make contact first and nailed Jacob in the chin.

"Be careful, Jacob!" I yelled, my heart pounding.

Alexis hit him again in the stomach before landing another blow to his chin. Jacob stepped back, looking a little dazed from the blows, before charging forward and smashing his fist into Alexis' nose. Blood sprayed the ground as he backed off, giving Jacob another chance to attack his middle. The blows winded Alexis and he staggered a little before losing his footing and falling to one knee. Jacob grabbed the back of his head and steered Alexis' face into his raised knee. Yanking him up to his feet, he delivered two more massive hits to his face before dropping Alexis to the ground with a sickening thud.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our winner." The announcer called as he reentered the ring. "Lord-commander of the Rooks, the Blackbird of Death: Jacob the Jabber."

I wanted to run to him and clean the blood from him while I yelled at him for fighting. Instead, I ran away. I rushed out the door, tears streaming down my cheeks. Pausing in the alley, I sobbed.

"Gwen," I heard Jacob say behind me as he touched my shoulder.

I turned around and threw myself into his arms. Crying onto his barely covered chest, I held him close and buried my face in his skin.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I demanded, still clinging to him. "You could've gotten hurt. You idiot."

He chuckled. "It's good to see you too."

I looked up at him, his battered face only inches from mine as he smiled down at me. I didn't know whether I wanted to hit him or kiss him so I did neither. Instead, I stroked his cheek.

"How have you been?" I asked, at a loss for words but needing him there beside me.

"Better seeing you," he admitted as he leaned into my hand. "And you?"

I scoffed. "Fine until I saw you getting your head bashed in. Promise me you'll never do that again."

He smiled. "I've missed you."

He leaned forward and kissed the tip of my nose before easing down to my lips. I hesitated before giving in. The feel of his warm mouth of mine sent a thrill through me and I pressed into his embrace. Slowly, he retreated with a sigh.

"I've missed doing that too." He grinned. "I've missed a lot of things about you."

"Mr. Frye!" One of the Rooks called. "Fight's broke out with the Blighters."

As he started to leave, I held his hand. "Don't go. Stay with me."

He paused and looked at me. I could see the war waging within him, but he finally pulled his hand from mine. "I'm glad you're well, Gwen."

I slumped against the wall as he turned and left. I cried softly, knowing I'd finally lost him.

Lewis slowly came toward me and, draping his overcoat over my shoulders, held me to his side as he walked me back to the carriage. "I'll take you home, Gwen."

I nodded, but didn't answer. Once alone, I dried my eyes and listened to the sounds of the city. When we arrived at Maxwell's house, Lewis walked me to the door.

"This isn't home, Lewis," I said softly as I handed him his coat.

"Tonight it is."

I shook my head. "No. It's not. Tell Maxwell I don't want to see him again."

The door flew open and Maxwell stepped out. "Darling, I'm so sorry. Business kept me."

"I don't care. I'm going home." I turned to leave. "And I don't want to see you again, Maxwell. Not ever."

He caught my arm. "Gwen, wait."

"No." I jerked away. "You knew Jacob would be fighting tonight. How could you subject me to that? And Alexis? What were you thinking?"

"Darling, I had no idea Jacob would be the challenger." He cupped my hand between his. "Please, let me make it up to you. Dinner tomorrow. At the Alhambra. It'll be a treat to make up for my failings tonight. I swear."

I stared at him, wanting to believe him. Finally, I sighed. "I'll think about it. Now, I want to go home – my home – now. Good night, Maxwell."

He nodded. "Lewis, take Miss King to Waterloo station. I hope to see you tomorrow night, my dearest."

I didn't speak. Shoving away Lewis's hand, I got into the carriage. I'd lost Jacob completely and pushed Maxwell away. Maybe I was wrong, I thought. I wanted to believe he really didn't know the other fighter would be Jacob.

He'd promised to be honest with me. I wanted to believe he really meant it.