Penelope's POV
The locker room buzzes with electric energy as we gear up for the biggest game of our lives. My teammates move through their pre-game rituals with focused intensity Zoe tapping her stick with precise movements, Mika stretching in the corner.Isla pacing while she visualizes plays. After all the convincing, Isla decided to join the hockey team. And I couldn't be more happy.
I sit on the bench lacing up my skates, feeling calmer than I have any right to be. This morning I woke up in enemy territory, preparing to face the team that represents everything I left behind. But instead of nerves, I feel something I never expected: peace.
Well, mostly peace. There's also that burning edge of anticipation that comes with knowing secrets. Big ones.
"You ready for this, Hale?" Coach R
