chapter twenty-one

Astrid

"It’s cold outside," Harry adds, rubbing the back of his neck. "You don’t wanna freeze your toes off while throwin’ punches."

I nod, biting back a laugh. "I appreciate that."

I wonder how he and Aiden are even friends. He’s like the total opposite of Aiden, who always drags me outside to “build mental toughness.” I roll my eyes internally at the memory. Harry is... considerate.

Greystone. I never really gave that name a second thought—until now.

I’m in class, physically, but my mind is nowhere near here. I’m stuck in a loop of worry and nerves. The fight’s in three days. My stomach knots every time I think about it. The girl I’m up against—anyone who asks me about the match looks at me like I’m already doomed.

I hadn’t even heard of her until yesterday, but now it feels like I’m hearing her name everywhere—in passing convos, whispered at lockers. It’s like she’s haunting me.

After school, I grab my bag and head straight to the gym. The fluorescent lights buzz as I walk in. Harr