Beside Sophie, Maya mirrored the intensity. Her competitive fire burned just as brightly, though hers carried a sharper edge. She crossed her arms beneath her chest and held his gaze, silently daring him to dominate the second half. Her short skirt swayed slightly as she shifted her weight.
Fiona crouched courtside with her camera braced against her knee, lens trained on the team. She offered Stan a small thumbs-up as he passed. He returned it with a subtle nod, the corner of his mouth lifting ever so slightly.
Then, as the team took their positions for the second-half tip-off, something else caught his attention. Deep within the opposite stands, amid a sea of Velaris Crown colors and jeering fans, a single movement stood out. A wave. Not a mocking one but a genuine wave. Most of the home crowd was booing him with enthusiasm, yet one person was waving with unmistakable excitement and support.
At first, it made no sense. Then recognition struck.
