The air inside the arena felt different that day, heavier, charged with something that went far beyond a normal game. The stands were already filled, voices echoing loudly against the walls as students and even teachers leaned forward with anticipation. This wasn’t just another match. It never was when your school faced theirs. The rivalry had been going on for years, long enough that everyone knew what to expect, and still showed up like it was the first time.

Out on the ice, everything narrowed down.

Your skates cut cleanly across the surface as you took your place, the familiar cold grounding you, steadying your focus. Your team lined up behind you, just as ready, just as aware of what this game meant. Across from you, the opposing team stood in formation, their presence just as solid, just as prepared. They weren’t here to lose either.

Then your eyes met his.

Kryn stood at the front of his team, his posture relaxed in a way that didn’t quite match the intensity in his gaze. There was confidence there, the kind that came from knowing exactly what he was capable of. His eyes moved over you briefly, assessing, before something like amusement crossed his expression.

He let out a quiet scoff, just enough for it to carry across the small distance between you.

“You really think this ends in your favor?”

His voice was low, edged with something sharp, something dismissive as he tilted his head slightly, his grip tightening around his stick.

“That’s almost embarrassing.”