Page 179 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Her playful authority eased the sting of the farewell, drawing a laugh from Henry as he saluted Rain and bowed to Snow before climbing into his truck. They watched him drive off toward the Pink-Red borderlands, the dust settling behind him.

Rain and Snow exchanged a look of quiet determination, before turning toward the training grounds.

Their steps fell in perfect sync, the early morning bustle of Greyswater humming around them. Neither spoke; both were lost in their own contemplation's, the silence between them comfortable and grounding.

By the time they reached the field, the team was already mid-warm-up, jogging laps around the track.

Rain broke into a slow jog, spinning around to run backwards as he grinned at Snow.

“Race you.”

He didn’t wait for her answer; he took off.

Snow’s eyes lit with mischief. She surged forward, matching his pace effortlessly. They caught up to Jay and Sean, who turned in surprise as the twins breezed past them.

“Good morning, boys!” Rain called cheerfully.

His voice carried a brightness that startled them both. The movement, the competition, the fresh air, it all helped burn off the restless energy that had been coiling inside him for days.

He pushed harder, lungs filling with crisp morning air, muscles warming, mind sharpening.

He didn’t notice Snow creeping up beside him until she overtook him with infuriating ease, sticking her tongue out over her shoulder in triumph.

Hell no.

Rain surged forward, closing the gap.

They passed more teammates; most already panting through their first lap, the twins’ effortless speed was almost insulting. By the time they reached Wren and Jasmine, the two fastest aside from Rain, the twins were neck-and-neck, neither willing to give an inch.

Wren and Jasmine exchanged a look, then picked up their pace, joining the race.

The four of them thundered into the second and final lap.

Jay and Sean hurled complaints as they passed again, accusing them of showing off. Rain only laughed, pushing harder.

By the time they reached the finish, all four collapsed onto the grass in a breathless heap—laughing, choking and gasping for air.

Wren had kept up impressively, only falling behind in the final metres. Jasmine slowed halfway but still finished strong.

“I won!” Snow declared, throwing her arms into the air.

Rain rolled his eyes, grabbing a water bottle from the bench.

“I don’t know,” he said, twisting the cap. “If it was an official race, I’d demand we watch the footage back. It was close.”

“No need to be a sore loser,” Snow teased.

The girls snorted with laughter.

The rest of the team trickled over, collapsing onto the grass. Jay arrived last, moving cautiously to avoid aggravating his healing rib. He sat beside Wren, accepting a water bottle with a quiet thank you, deliberately avoiding Rain’s gaze.

Once everyone caught their breath, Thomas suggested they play football for today’s training.

The team erupted in agreement; the thought of more running had them questioning their life choices. Football was a welcome alternative.

Thomas took charge of forming teams. He chose Snow, Sean, Emily and Jasmine for himself. Leaving Rain, Wren, Jay, Rogan and Daphne to form the opposing team.

They scattered across the field, laughter and banter filling the air as they argued over who would take the first kick-off.