We were a well-oiled machine when we were all firing on all cylinders, but the Hollowmoon boys were tough. They were quick, aggressive, and relentless, and it was clear that they had been training hard. The puck bounced back and forth, up and down the rink, as both teams fought for control. The period ended with no score, both sides exhausted but hungry for more.
The second period didn’t slow down. Hollowmoon kept pushing, and we kept matching their intensity. Every time they got near our net, it was a battle. Every inch of the ice felt like a warzone. Caden came barreling toward me, trying to get under my skin, trying to bait me into making a mistake. He shoved his shoulder into mine as he passed, but I didn’t flinch. If anything, it made me want to hit him harder.
“Come on, puppy,” he
