Adrian touched his ribs where James's punch had landed before looking at the blood on his fingers.
His expression changed.
Before this moment, he'd been treating James like the weak boy from the past who used to flinch at raised voices. Now he understood James could hurt him.
Adrian's fire became hotter and more controlled while the flames around his fists burned brighter. The street started heating under his feet until the asphalt softened and cracked. People watching from outside felt the temperature change and moved farther back.
Nobody stood openly near the fight anymore.
Some hid behind parked cars. Others ducked behind shop walls or street corners. A few retreated into nearby buildings while keeping their phones pointed toward the street.
The influencer kept filming, but from behind a parked delivery truck instead of standing in the open.
The crowd's tone shifted from excitement to panic.
"Move back!"
"The street is burning!"
"This is getting bad!"
