The air inside the Grand Arena felt different.
Not loud. Not chaotic.
Heavy.
Like even the air was holding its breath.
The giant LED screens flickered, showing the seal of the National Championship. The court gleamed like polished obsidian under the stadium lights, and rows upon rows of spectators leaned forward not screaming yet but waiting.
Hungry.
I sat in the bleachers with Lucas, Ryan, Evan, Louie, and the rest beside me. For once, even Louie wasn't making noise. Everyone's eyes locked forward.
Coach Fred inhaled deeply. "This… this is bigger than anything we've touched."
Then—
The announcer's voice boomed through the dome like thunder.
"NOW ENTERING THE EASTERN TITANS CHICAGO RAPTORS!"
….
Chicago Raptors Entrance – The Storm Chosen
The doors slid open.
Jalen "Flash" Carter walked first.
