The Initiation Rite #2

The training session ended with the players collapsing onto the grass, their bodies throbbing after two hours of maximum effort.

Victory had been secured with a decisive goal by Lucas, the team's rookie.

He was still catching his breath when the captain Dante cast him a look that carried something beyond mere camaraderie.

In the locker room, the atmosphere was charged.

The smell of sweat mingled with the hot steam escaping from the showers, and conversations turned to whispers as everyone long-dressed.