The championship afterparty at the Vipers' clubhouse was still roaring, but Nova had slipped out early. The adrenaline that had carried her through the game and the trophy presentation was finally starting to fade, replaced by a deep, satisfying exhaustion.
She walked the few blocks from the private garage to her apartment building. The city air was thick and humid, a classic summer storm brewing in the distance. By the time she reached her front steps, the first heavy drops of rain began to fall, splattering against the concrete.
She was reaching for her keys when a figure detached itself from the shadows near the entrance.
"Nova."
The voice was hoarse, ragged, and entirely devoid of the smug confidence it usually carried.
Nova stopped, her hand tightening around her keys. She didn't
