Page 98 of Second Sin

I glance up at him. My voice stays low. Steady.

“You should take your seat.”

His eyes find mine, and for a second, neither of us moves.

“I’ve got a few last things to check before the auction opens,” I add, even though there’s nothing left to do but pretend.

He nods. Doesn’t argue. Doesn’t touch me.

But he lingers, just for a moment, like there’s something he wants to say and doesn’t know how.

And then he walks towards his assigned table.

I stay near the back, clipboard in hand, nodding along as the first speaker takes the stage. A board member, then a parent whose kid went through the program. Their stories are honest. Polished, but real.

Applause rises and falls in waves. Wine is poured. Plates are cleared. The room grows warmer as the evening wears on.

But I barely hear any of it.

I keep catching glimpses of Sebastian—spine straight, mouth set in that unreadable line. He doesn’t fidget. Doesn’t smile.

Just waits.

Coach steps back up to the mic, and the room stills again as his voice cuts through the quiet.

“Our next speaker is someone you all know. One of the top defensemen in the league. A player who brings grit, leadership, and heart to the ice every single night. He’s not just an anchor for our team—he’s part of its backbone. And tonight, he’s stepping off the ice to share something that matters just as much.”

A pause. Just long enough to let the weight of it land.

“Please welcome—Sebastian Wilde.”

Sebastian’s name echoes through the room.

He doesn’t hesitate. Just straightens his spine and steps onto the stage.

No papers. No speech cards. Just him—tall, steady, dressed for the part but looking more vulnerable than I’ve ever seen him.

His eyes scan the room.

Then find me.

He doesn't look away.

He leans into the mic, clears his throat once.

Voice low. Steady. A little rough around the edges.

“I’m not great at this part.”

A few soft chuckles ripple through the crowd. He lets them. Doesn’t smile.

“Standing up here. Talking. Sharing anything that isn’t stats or tape.”His fingers brush the edge of the podium like he’s grounding himself.

“But I said yes because this matters.”

A pause. His jaw flexes.

“Growing up, hockey was the thing that got me through.”

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