Ryder escorted Wren out of the arena to the rising cheer of the crowd, the announcer’s voice trailing after them: “Score of eighty-three for Wren Coulter!” The sound of applause followed them down the tunnel like a tide.
By the time they reached the common area, Bella Rose was already rushing to Wren’s side, her hands fluttering over him, demanding to know every detail while the sports medicine team finished their work.
Isobel slipped against Ryder’s side, her arm cinched around his waist. He dropped his own across her shoulders, pulling her close as his eyes tracked the medics peeling Wren’s shirt off. The gasp that escaped Isobel’s lips when she saw the ugly purple bloom across Wren’s chest echoed what Ryder felt inside.
The medical crew worked slow and sure, taking vitals, pressing f
