Villainess on Ice

Chapter 9

“Are you going to actually get in the rink or just stand?” Paisley called out, drawing me out of my thoughts.

“What?” I questioned, watching her glide toward me.

“You have been standing by the side ever since we got here,” she stopped in front of me, hand reaching out to feel my forehead. “Do you want to share what's bothering you?”

My heart fluttered at her words. I knew if anyone would understand me, it was her. But sadly this was something I needed to bear on my own.

I gripped the guard railing, hoisting myself upright. “It's fine, just nonsense,” I smiled at her, but I knew she wasn’t buying it from the frown on her face.

“You know a problem shared is a problem solved,” she pushed again, but I knew I couldn't disclose such to her.

“It's fine really. It's not something for you to stress over,” I reassured her, even though it was still my problem and mine alone to handle.

“Fine, but if you need a listening ear I am always here,” she let out a sigh. I took that as her letting the topic go.

I took that opportunity to let it be my focus on practice. I tried to make myself one with the ice, but as I glided through I couldn't help but remember what Kai said to me last night.

The memory flashed before my eyes: “But you are a wealthy heiress,”

“You are associated with those people, so you know how they operate. You are part of the elites. Aren’t you, Elara Voss?”

“You can also be my partner if you agree for us to work together.”

My heart skidded at the last words. I felt my face grow hotter at the mention of partner.

Damn it, Elara. You don't act like a love-sick fool because a man said so.

Who knew what he was after? There had to be an ulterior motive. One thing I remembered from those visions — Kai Draven and I never interacted before his accident and after. Even as CEO of Draven Industries.

But why was he seeking me out now? There has to be a reason.

That was it. He wanted me for my connections. Foolish. Absolutely foolish of me to think he wasn’t trying to use me.

He wanted to use me to infiltrate the league, use me as his ticket. I clenched my fingers at that thought.

But then an idea formed in my mind, making a cruel smirk bloom on my face.

I just have to use him too. Manipulate him to do my bidding, maybe my dirty work.

I tried to skid to a stop but accidentally lost my footing. It went in slow motion. The next thing I knew I was on the floor.

My vision swam before it all went dark. I could hear the panicked voice of Paisley calling out to me.

“What happened? Where the hell am I?” I whispered.

All I saw was darkness. Complete darkness.

I tried to move but I couldn't move my limbs. It was like I was paralyzed. I tried to scream for help but I couldn't.

After many attempts I just gave up, waiting for whatever was going to happen. But then the darkness subsided.

It gave way to a bright light. It felt like déjà vu. Like how I woke up during that game after dying.

It looked like my living room but it was the TV that drew my attention.

“Police and federal authorities are still investigating the recent leaks. Sources claim it was done by an anonymous whistle blower who tipped off the authorities,” the news anchor said.

“No arrest has been made as of yet but officials associated with the national hockey league and university officials have been forced to hand over their devices and offices searched continue to commence. To find more evidence on the alleged match fixing and betting rings.”

“This is news that has shocked the entire sport scene with matches scheduled left postponed until further notice and universities left in shock about the future of the once proud sport,” she finished.

The scandal had already broken out. How did this happen? Who leaked it?

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I answered it.

“Elara,” I heard the unmistakable voice of Damon over the phone. “Elara you have to do something, use your family’s connection. They benched me from the next few games,” he demanded.

I remained silent, lost in thoughts.

“Elara are you hearing me?” he yelled over the phone.

I tried to think but the image on the screen wasn't helping. A pounding persisted until I couldn't take it. I gripped my head so tightly until I couldn't anymore. The voices were all blurred, turning into a siren noise.

I gasped as I opened my eyes. The first thing I saw was the tear-streaked face of Paisley hovering above me with what looked like a doctor.

“Elara!” she yelled, pulling me into a hug, sobbing uncontrollably into my shoulder.

What was that? Was that a vision?