Chapter 23

The hockey stadium was empty as I arrived to watch the Dragons practice as usual.

After school, I started coming to watch them play hockey since Lucas and I headed straight to training afterward. It was easier for us to meet up this way, and while Lucas trained with his team, I sat on the bleachers, observing their movements with keen interest.

At first, I had anticipated feeling bored and restless as I waited for Lucas to finish practice.

However, as the players glided across the ice, their skates slicing through the surface with finesse, I quickly became captivated.

Each maneuver showcased their skill and strategy, offering valuable insights into the art of defense. Though different from the combat training Lucas and I engaged in, there was much to be learned from observing the players' coordinated efforts on the ice.

The familiar sounds of skates gliding and sticks striking the puck filled the air, creating a symphony of anticipation and excitement.

Taking my seat in the stands, I fixed my gaze on Lucas, who moved with a unique blend of grace and power. His every stride reflected his unwavering dedication to the game, commanding the rink with a magnetic presence.

As usual, Lucas's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for me. When he spotted me and I gave him a small wave, a radiant smile illuminated his face.

I admired Lucas not only for his exceptional skills on the ice but also for the fire that burned within him. His passion for the game radiated from his every move, evoking a surge of pride within me.

Witnessing his prowess, I couldn't help but marvel at his commanding presence as the team's captain.

"Hey, Shana!" one of the Dragon players called out to me from the ice. "You're looking nice today. Did you do something different with your hair?" There was a playful and flirtatious tone in his voice.

Lucas's sharp retort cut through the air. "Max quit talking to Shana and focus!"

Laughter erupted among the players, and I joined in.

It was a testament to the team's acceptance.

I could feel their growing willingness to accept me here as a regular audience. They didn’t talk to me much, but they also didn’t disregard me either.

It could’ve been because they saw me around Lucas and James.

Thankfully, I didn’t feel like an outsider anymore.

When the Dragons concluded their practice, I waited outside the locker room for Lucas, as we had made it our routine.

Emerging from the room, wearing workout clothes that accentuated the contours of his muscular chest, Lucas appeared like a formidable force.

"So, I was thinking we'd train outside today," he suggested as we strolled down the hallway.

"Outside?" I questioned, curiosity piqued. "Why the change?"

Lucas shrugged, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I think we need a different setting. Plus, I want us to focus on combat skills that require more space. And I believe you could benefit from some practice with short distance running."

I groaned playfully, knowing what was coming. "Sprints? I hate them."

He chuckled, nudging my shoulder with his own. "Nobody likes doing sprints, Shana. But sometimes, we have to push through the discomfort."

Together, we made our way to the open field outside—the training ground that would serve as our sanctuary for the next hour or two.

Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I mentally prepared myself for the grueling challenges that awaited us.

After a thorough warm-up, Lucas instructed me to begin a series of sprints. With each sprint, my legs burned, my thighs ached, and my lungs screamed for respite.

Yet, I pushed forward, channeling every ounce of determination within me.

"How are you feeling?" Lucas asked, hands resting on his hips as he assessed my state.

"Like I'm about to collapse," I replied, my voice strained. I hunched over, placing my hands on my knees, attempting to catch my breath.

Lucas stepped closer, his hand sliding gently along my back, offering a comforting touch. "Stand up straight. It'll help you breathe easier."

I followed his guidance, straightening my posture and taking deep, deliberate breaths. Gradually, my breathing steadied, and I regained control over my body.

"Ready for some one-on-one combat?" Lucas inquired, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

A surge of determination surged within me as I nodded, the fatigue momentarily forgotten. We engaged in a series of punches, kicks, and blocks, each movement a testament to our training and coordination.

However, matching Lucas's speed and skill proved challenging. His strikes were lightning-fast, requiring me to be on constant alert.

Despite the difficulty, I persevered, unleashing my own attacks with calculated precision.

"You're moving too fast," I huffed, my frustration evident.

Lucas flashed a smirk, his gaze focused. "I'm moving as slow as I can."

Determined to prove myself, I launched a powerful strike, but he swiftly evaded it, effortlessly dodging and ducking.

As the session progressed, Lucas's admiration for my progress became apparent. His eyes held a mixture of respect and fascination, tracing my movements with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.

It was as if he was witnessing not only my physical growth but also the inner strength and resilience that had flourished within me.

I tried to focus on the task at hand, aiming to land a decisive blow. Our dance of combat continued, each strike accompanied by an undercurrent of unspoken tension.

At that moment, the world around us faded into the background, leaving only the electrifying connection between us.

During one exchange, I managed to strike Lucas's chest, the impact resounding through the air. "Oof!" he exclaimed, momentarily stunned. A smile tugged at his lips. "Very nice."

However, Lucas's momentary vulnerability was swiftly replaced by his characteristic determination. His movements became more agile, his strikes more precise.

Our training session intensified, each exchange fueling the growing fire within us.

As I launched another attack, Lucas anticipated my move, catching my fist in his hands. Our eyes locked, a charged silence enveloping us.

In that intimate moment, he tapped a finger gently against my cheek.

"Don't forget to block your face," he reminded me with a touch of tenderness. "We wouldn't want to ruin that pretty face."

A mixture of surprise and warmth spread through me, his words creating a flutter in my chest. The playful banter was a testament to our growing connection—

a connection that transcended the confines of training and friendship.

"Pretty?" I raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in my eyes. "You think I'm pretty?"

"Of course," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "You're not only pretty, but you're pretty fast too."

His words hung in the air, and for a moment, time stood still.

The unspoken tension between us crackled like electricity.

Eager to maintain the momentum, I stepped back, creating a brief distance between us. As Lucas advanced, I executed a swift maneuver, wrapping my foot around the back of his heel in an attempt to knock him off balance.

To my surprise, my move proved successful. Lucas teetered, his balance compromised.

In a split second, he reached out, grabbing hold of my hand and taking me down with him.

The impact of our fall reverberated through my body, my heart racing as I found myself on top of him.

Lucas lay on his back, his eyes closed, a mixture of pain and amusement etching his features.

"Oww," he groaned, his voice laced with a hint of playfulness.

I lifted myself up, placing my hands on either side of his head as I peered down at him. Concern washed over me, temporarily overshadowing the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

"I didn't expect you to take me down with you," I admitted a touch of laughter in my voice.

He slowly opened his eyes, their intense blue hue capturing my gaze. "If you were going to take me down, I was going to take you down. It's only fair, right?"

A smile tugged at my lips as I leaned closer, our faces mere inches apart. The air crackled with unspoken words, tangible anticipation enveloping us.

In that fleeting moment, as our breaths mingled and our eyes locked, the world outside ceased to exist.

We were consumed by the energy between us, and it felt like something more.

A force that transcended the boundaries of training and friendship.