RHYS’ POV
Fourth line.
Caleb put me on the fourth line. Leaned into Coach Harlan during the line change with his clipboard and his captain's face – the one that said team player, leader, just looking out for the program – and my name came out of Harlan's mouth attached to a rotation that had no business being anywhere near mine. Two freshmen who skated like they'd learned last week. A defenseman who'd been riding pine since October. The line you use when you're running down clock in a game nobody cares about.
I cared about this game.
Didn't say anything. Skated out. Helmet on, jaw locked, the freshmen looking at me sideways like they knew this was wrong but didn't have the rank to question it. I didn't explain. Explanation was for guys who needed people to understand them and I'd stopp
