Chapter 4 — Meeting the Team

Ariel

Ariel followed Rebecca down the corridor, her grip on the leather strap of her satchel tightening with each step. The walls of the arena’s inner sanctum seemed to close in around her, the stark fluorescent lights above casting sharp reflections on polished floors. Every click of her flats against the tiles felt like an echo of her heartbeat, loud and unsteady.

“This is where the magic happens,” Rebecca said over her shoulder, her tone warm but professional. “The locker room isn’t just a place for gear and pep talks—it’s the pulse of the team. You’ll see. They’re a rowdy bunch, but they’re fiercely loyal once you earn their trust.”