Khan takes the elbow to his back with little more than a grunt, intent on driving a fist into the captain's stomach, but Kirk's next blow blindsides him. There's a crack when his fist lands and a flare of pain, enough to force a grimace to Khan's face and a shake of his head.

He grits his teeth. On Qu'Nos he'd taken Kirk's hits with ease - they were little more than swats, really - but this? This was new. Stronger. And when Khan lifts his head, the smear of blood on his face and the growl in his throat make it very clear that he does not like it.