The sound of boots echoed against the stone floor in the grotto.
"Hailey? Kyren?" My dad’s voice bounced off the cavern walls.
Kyren didn't panic; he simply drifted an inch away. His face settled into that unreadable mask in a split second.
I pushed off the rock, treading water as casually as I could. But my heart was hammering hard against my ribs.
"Over here, Dad," I called out, my voice slightly breathless.
He appeared at the edge of the water, his arms crossed over his chest. He looked exhausted.
"The party’s moving upstairs. Some of the guys are getting a bit too rowdy for the Grotto. Don't stay in too long; the heat’ll drain you."
"Just finishing a lap, Coach," Kyren said, his voice steady and respectful.
My dad nodded, his eyes lingering on us for a second longer than comf
