Damon stepped through the curtain into the backstage hallway, the roar of the arena muffling behind the heavy doors.
His belt was slung over one shoulder, his gloves still taped, sweat glistening on his skin as staff and teammates lined the path, nodding and clapping him on the back.
At the far end, Svetlana stood waiting, Ava in her arms. The little girl's eyes lit up as soon as she spotted him, her tiny hands reaching out.
Damon's chest eased as he closed the distance. He wrapped his free arm around Svetlana, pulling her close for a tight hug and kissing her softly on the cheek, the words slipping low against her ear.
"I'm back home."
Svetlana smiled warmly, resting her forehead against his. "Welcome back, champ."
Ava squealed, squirming until Damon set the belt down carefully and took her into his arms. She wrapped around his neck, giggling as she patted at his sweat-soaked hair.
Damon laughed under his breath, the tension of the fight melting away in their embrace.
