Chapter Forty-One: Together

The next morning, Elias woke up with a clearer head than the night before. The ache in his chest was still there, but it felt a little less sharp. He dressed carefully, choosing a simple white shirt and black pants. He looked at himself in the mirror for a long moment, then grabbed his bag and headed downstairs.His dads were already in the kitchen, the smell of coffee and toast filling the air. Peter looked up first, offering a small smile. “Morning. You slept okay?”“Yeah,” Elias replied, keeping his voice steady. “I’m heading out to pick up Elara. We have to go sign the contract with Elite Skate Academy today.”Dave nodded, handing him a travel mug of tea. “We’re proud of you. Call us when you’re done.”Elias hugged them both quickly, the familiar warmth of their support easing some of the tension in his shoulders. “I will. See you later.”He drove to Elara’s house, the morning sun casting long shadows across the estate streets. She was waiting outside, already dressed in a casual

Chapter Forty-Two: Academy Life Begins

Elias stood in the middle of his new room at Elite Skate Academy, duffel bag dropped at his feet, and took a slow, deep breath. The space was bigger than he expected, high ceilings, large windows overlooking one of the training rinks, a private bathroom, a small kitchenette, and a bed that looked far more comfortable than the one at home. It felt like a fresh start, a clean slate away from the old rink, the viral video, the whispers, and the weight of everything that had happened.He walked to the window and looked out. The academy campus was impressive, multiple rinks, gym facilities, dorm buildings, and green spaces. Skaters from all over the country were already moving in, some laughing in the hallways, others focused and quiet. This was the big leagues. No more sharing ice with hockey players. No more locker room taunts. Just skating.A knock sounded on the door.“Come in,” Elias called.Elara stepped inside, dragging her own suitcase behind her. Her room was right next door, and

Chapter Forty-Three: Long-Distance Tension

Elias wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand and skated over to the boards, breathing hard. The academy rink was alive with the sound of blades cutting ice, coaches calling out corrections, and the occasional cheer when someone landed a difficult element. It was only his second full week here, but the routine was already sinking in, early mornings, intense drills, and the constant push to be better.A tall skater from the northern region, Marcus, glided up beside him during the water break. “Nice triple axel earlier. You’ve got serious height on that. How’s the arm holding up after the fall everyone’s been talking about?”Elias took a long drink from his bottle and shrugged. “It’s healed. Still careful with it, but it’s not stopping me.”Marcus nodded, impressed. “Respect. Most people would’ve taken more time off. You’re pushing hard.”They chatted for a few minutes about jump technique and the academy’s coaching style. Other skaters joined in, a girl from the wes

Chapter Forty-Four: missing you

The night was quiet at the academy. Elias lay in his bed, phone glowing in the dark, when a new message from Jax came through.Jax: I can’t stop thinking about you. Miss you so much it hurts. Can I come to you tonight? I need to see you.Elias’s heart raced. He typed back quickly.Elias: Yes. Come. Be careful. I’ll leave the side door unlocked.Jax left the hotel room he had been staying in, checking the parking lot twice to make sure none of his father’s men were following. The coast was clear. He drove through the dark streets, the city lights blurring past, his hands tight on the wheel. The need to see Elias, to touch him, to feel him close, was overwhelming.He arrived at the academy campus late, parked far from the main buildings, and slipped through the side door Elias had left unlocked. The hallway was empty. He moved quietly until he reached Elias’s room and knocked softly.The door opened immediately. Elias pulled him inside, locking the door behind them. They stood there for

All Chapters of Fragments on Ice: Chapter 41 - Chapter 44

Chapter Forty-One: Together

Chapter Forty-Two: Academy Life Begins

Chapter Forty-Three: Long-Distance Tension

Chapter Forty-Four: missing you