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EPILOGUE 1 DAHLIA TWO WEEKS LATER The crowd is buzzing with infectious energy, chanting the Vipers’ names, getting drugged by the team’s perfect play. Led by Kane. Today, he’s an absolute star. He’s scored the most, more than any offensive player, and has been the best defenseman as well, smoothly cutting off the opposing team’s offenses, and forcing their players to commit penalties and get sent to the penalty box. He’s bringing his A game. Absolutely smashing it. Leading his team to new heights. Making the crowd go wild whenever he touches the puck. Even Megan, who’s mainly here for Ryder, has been screaming her head off whenever Kane is gliding on the ice like an unstoppable gladiator. I’ve been screaming, too. I brought my online energy to real life and have been cheering him on from start to finish. But I still suffer from a minor heart attack whenever he points at me, usually after he scores. Between periods, as the others head to the bench area, he skates toward me and taps the