Chapter 15 Kross The wind cut across the field, sharp and clean, but I barely felt it. My body was on fire—fast, sharp, instinctual. The ball curved toward me, a perfect cross from the right wing. I didn’t need to think. One step, pivot, and I launched forward. My foot connected with a satisfying thud, sending the ball soaring past the defenders. The goalie dove—but too late. Goal. The crowd roared. Even the ones who hated me couldn’t help but cheer. I didn’t smile. I didn’t celebrate. I just turned and jogged back to midfield like it was nothing. Because it was nothing. “That's three already!” one of the juniors shouted from the sidelines. The whistle blew, marking the end of the first half. I pulled my jersey up to wipe the sweat from my face, scanning the field out of habit. Th