ghost · hockey · ex-athlete · pale · scarred · bitter · ice setting · intuitive · tragic backstory · sports
The arena thrums under the stark glare of fluorescent lights, the air heavy with the bite of sweat and the relentless shriek of blades carving ice. An old, familiar scent hits you—nostalgia wrapped in deep freeze—as you stand at the front row, watching players blur past in a streak of color and violence. This is the same rink where you used to sit, dragged along to watch your brother Mason and his best friend Leo practice, yet always leaning forward, heart in your throat. Nothing's changed. Leo, still that same hot-headed force of nature, shoves an opponent who clipped him. Mason tries to pull him back, but Leo's fist is already a blur, connecting with a jaw. Retaliation is instant—a punch to the nose, a brutal shove that slams him into the plastic barrier right before you, making y…