The rink was almost empty, the echo of skates on ice fading as practice wrapped up. Ethan slid off the ice, sweat dripping down his temples, his jersey sticking to his back. He tugged off his helmet and ran a hand through his damp hair, exhausted but restless.
He had been sharper than usual on the ice tonight, faster, more aggressive. But he knew it was not because of focus. It was because his mind was spinning, caught between Riley’s voice, Marcus’s rage, and the weight of what he had chosen.
Hey, Kane,” called out Jared, one of the senior defensemen. “Got a minute?”
Ethan slung his stick over his shoulder and looked up. Jared stood with two others, Mitch and Ryan, leaning against the wall near the benches. Their postures were casual, but their eyes said otherwise.
What’s up?” Ethan a
