Sebastian pulled his socks up, adjusting his shin guards as he stood near the edge of the pitch. The grass was damp from the morning rain, but that only made him more alert—he loved a good slide tackle.

He eyed the forwards warming up across the field, mentally taking notes. Quick, strong on the turn… he’d have to stay tight, anticipate.

As he jogged toward the center circle, a teammate leaned in. “You ready to go to war again?”

Sebastian cracked a rare grin. “Always.”

He clapped his gloves together, the low thud echoing like a battle drum. For him, every match was about heart. And he had plenty to give.