Chapter 4: First game
The arena above roared with anticipation, the thunderous applause of thousands of eager spectators echoing through the labyrinthine underbelly of the stadium. The locker room was a stark contrast to the bustling chaos above, a world of echoing chambers and cluttered lockers, heavy with the scent of sweat, adrenaline, and the faint, lingering aroma of mud-streaked uniforms.
Maria huddled in the corner, her knees drawn to her chest, her arms wrapped tightly around her shins. Her heart pounded like a drum in her chest, each beat echoing the chaos in her mind.
She knew what was coming, what she was expected to do. But the reality of it was something else entirely. The cold concrete bit into her knees, the rough surface scraping against her tender skin. She could feel the weight of every gaze in the room, the heat of their anticipation burning into her back.
Lila's hands slid up her calves, her touch firm and sure. Maria flinched, her muscles tensing against the unwanted contact. But Lila didn't seem to notice, or if she did, she didn't care. Her fingers gripped Maria's calves tightly, her thumbs digging into the sensitive skin behind her knees.