章 20: Chapter 20: Where I Don’t Belong.

*Lena*

I took three deep breaths before stepping into the bustling arena. Broadcast equipment lined the rinkside - cameras and microphones positioned strategically to capture every moment of this high-stakes game. This wasn’t just about the Stanley Cup, this was the culmination of weeks of controversy, accusations, and a very public attempt at transparency.

Tonight’s events would be scrutinized around the world, every single move dissected in real time.

The Aurora Wolves, in their iconic gold and neon green jerseys, were going through their pre-game routines. The colors brought back a flood of memories—college games where I’d decorated my hair with golden highlights and dressed in blue and white, cheering from the stands.