The festival had been a whirlwind of adrenaline and grit, but claiming first place in Boundary Breach felt like a quiet victory. My muscles throbbed from the effort, and my mind hummed with the thrill as I collapsed onto my bed. Late afternoon sun poured through the window, casting long shadows across the room. I was still replaying the moment I'd crossed the finish line—cheers echoing in my ears—when a soft knock snapped me out of it.
The door creaked open, and there was Rose, leaning against the frame with a grin that sharpened her already striking features. Her dark auburn hair was a mess from the event, strands sticking out wildly, and a smudge of dirt streaked her cheek. She looked worn but alive, her energy practically crackling. She was the last of the four girls to stop by, and something about that felt right.
"First place, huh?" she said, stepping inside and nudging the door shut with her heel. "Nice work, Arthur. Congrats."
