Page 153 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Jay’s energy hit him like a punch; nerves, guilt, longing, fear all tangled together. Rain’s heart clenched painfully, the urge to pull Jay into his arms almost overwhelming.

Daphne broke the silence first.

“Hey, Blue buddies,” she said, voice awkward but trying.

Rain forced a gentle smile.

“You all look shocked to see me,” he joked lightly. “Let me get the awkwardness out of the way. I’m sorry about Velday. I didn’t mean to share how I was feeling with everyone. It’s… embarrassing. Hence why I left immediately.”

He risked a glance at Jay.

Jay looked like the blood had drained from his face.

Rain’s chest tightened.

“It had been a long emotionally draining three days,” Rain continued, “and I wasn’t expecting things to go the way they did. I wasn’t equipped to handle… um—anyway. I slept. I’m good as new. Ready to kick our asses into gear for next weeks end.”

No one believed him.1

But their worry eased.

“Good,” Wren said too brightly, looping her arm through Jay’s. He winced. “Because we’d hate for your two’s breakup to ruin all our friendships.”

Rain huffed a laugh.

Jay looked as-though he wanted the ground to swallow him.

“Come on,” Wren said, tugging Jay forward. “Racetrack time.”

The group followed. Jasmine drifted beside Rain, her energy warm and comforting without needing words.

Rain felt a swell of gratitude.

He’d expected judgement.

Distance.

Coldness.

Instead, they offered acceptance, compassion and understanding.

He wasn’t used to it.

He wasn’t sure he ever would be.

At the racetrack, Jasmine led them through stretches. Rain watched the team carefully, their strengths, their weaknesses, their injuries.

The next tournament had three races. Every member had to run, and their times would be combined. Only the top three teams advanced further into the competition.

Sean was strong but slow.

Jay was fast but injured.

Rain was powerful but couldn’t use his abilities without risking harm.

“I suggest we jog three laps to warm up,” Rain said, addressing Wren and Jasmine. “Then time our 100, 200, and 300 metre runs and determine what order we wish to play.”

“Fastest to slowest?” Wren asked. “We can bank good time early?”