Vorpal 110 – Harbor 80.
Thirty points of daylight.
The horn's echo was swallowed by the roar of the crowd. The bench rushed the floor—Louie pounding his chest, Ryan winking at the nearest group of fans like a showman, Brandon towering steady in the middle like a silent anchor.
And there, shoulder to shoulder, Ethan and Lucas—two suns burning in sync.
Ethan leaned close, voice low, meant for Lucas alone.
"Fourth quarter… I'll raise it higher. You ready?"
Lucas's golden eyes gleamed, feral grin flashing.
"I was born ready. Let's end them."
The huddle formed, Ayumi snapping her clipboard open, Coach Mason fumbling with his notes but nodding firmly. The gym wasn't just loud—it was seismic. And yet, inside Vorpal's circle, silence crackled with tension.
Ayumi's tone was sharp, precise.
"We've broken them. But don't lose focus. Thirty points means nothing if we get sloppy. Harbor's pride will swing, and they'll try to claw back fast."
