Felix's POV.
Parked outside the Eldlyria Arena Ice Hall— the most elite ice skating school in all of Eldlyria—Felix opened his messaging app to text Aurora figuring she'll be waking up any time soon.
It was 7:43 in the morning and he wanted his text to the first thing she saw when she woke up from bed.
Felix: Morning, Rora. Just wanted to check in and see if you slept well. I'm heading to the rink early today, but I couldn't start my morning without thinking about last night. Have a great day.
Sending the message, he got out from the car and headed into the building. Slipping his phone into his black edea cube skate bag.
...
Skrrrt.
His skates cut cleanly through the smooth surface. He began moving softly, his blades drawing fine, white lines across the ice as he went.
Stepping onto the rink, the cold breeze had washed over him and his body significantly lightened.
Normally, the rink was the one place were his worries and heavy thoughts could completely melt away.
It usually left him in a state of peace and tranquility, his mind sharp and present.
But today, it wasn't working.
His focus was entirely shot.
He picked up speed, gliding effortlessly toward the center of the rink.
He went into a tight crossover, preparing for a triple axel—a high-stakes jump he could practically execute in his sleep.
He launched himself into the air, spinning rapidly.
But right at the peak of his rotation, a sudden image flashed through his mind. He saw dark hair cascading down a black dress like a waterfall, and a pair of sparkling eyes looking up at him under the starlight.
Then, came the vivid memory of the feel of her lips on his...
Thud.
Felix landed heavily, his balance completely off. His blade caught a bad edge, and he went skidding sideways across the ice, throwing his hands out at the last second to brace his fall against the padded boards.
"Get it together, Felix," he muttered to himself, letting out a breathless, self-deprecating chuckle.
"Stop, stop, stop!" his coach called out, blowing a sharp whistle that echoed piercingly through the empty arena.
Felix skated slowly over to the boards, his chest heaving as he braced himself for an immediate lecture.
The coach stood with arms crossed over a heavy winter parka, looking at his star student with a mixture of frustration and genuine concern.
"I saw that spark in your eyes mid-air," Coach Vance noted, marching over to the edge of the ice with his clipboard in hand.
"Something that made you happy definitely crossed your mind. Don't tell me you're seeing someone and that's leading to these kinds of distractions."
Felix offered an easy, apologetic smirk. "No, Coach. I just thought of how amazing it'll be holding that trophy."
Coach Vance scoffed, utterly unimpressed and clearly not believing a single word.
"You cannot afford distractions here, Felix. Just to remind you, this is the national qualifiers. I hope we're clear on the stakes here?"
"Yes, sir." Felix jokingly saluted.
"Anyways, take a five-minute break. Go get some water, clear your mind, and don't come back onto my ice until you're actually ready to skate," Coach Vance said, playfully slapping Felix on the shoulder with his clipboard.
"Thanks, Coach," Felix mumbled, stepping off the ice and onto the protective rubber matting.
...
He walked over to the wooden bench where his gear was scattered. He grabbed his water bottle, but his eyes immediately drifted straight to his sports bag.
Unzipping the front pocket, he pulled out the device just to check.
His heart did a sudden flip.
Her name was right there on the lock screen.
A slow, genuine grin spread across his face as he read her reply.
From Aurora: Morning! I slept wonderfully, thank you. All the best at the rink today, don't push yourself too hard though. Have a great morning.
He tapped the text box, his thumb hovering eagerly over the keyboard as he started to type out a response, completely tuned out from the world around him.
"What did I say about devices during our session?"The voice cut through the quiet hum of the arena like a whip.
He jumped, nearly dropping the phone onto the rubber floor.
He turned around to find Coach Vance standing right behind him, his brow furrowed into a stern glare.
"Coach, I was just—" Felix tried to explain.
"Save it," the coach interrupted, holding out a single, open palm.No distractions during training. Hand it over. You can have it back when the ice Zamboni comes out."
"Now get back out there and let me see that jump done right."
"With a silent curse, Felix dropped the phone into his coach's hand. His unfinished reply was still burning on the screen as he turned back toward the cold ice.
"Let's take it from the top", Coach Vance yelled.
...
At the end of their grueling session, his personal assistant—who also doubled as his driver—was waiting right outside the arena doors.
"Good afternoon sir", Liam politely greeted.
"Hi Liam. What's up?" slung his sports bag over his shoulder.
"Your father wants you to visit the old mansion today," Liam stated his voice turning cautious.
"He said he has incredibly important business to discuss with you"
Hearing the sudden mention of his father, Felix's face instantly darkened. His bright mood immediately evaporated.
He clenched his jaw, weighing his options.
"Let's head there now," Felix said quietly, his voice hardening as he walked over to the car.