On the board, the Black Queen was threatening checkmate. Panic rose in Leo’s chest. He wanted to move his King. Run. Hide. That was what he always did.
He opened his eyes. He didn't see pieces of wood. He saw coordinates. He saw lines of force.
Leo didn't feel like a beginner anymore. He felt like an architect.
Leo sat hunched over a board in the corner, his knight trapped in the center, surrounded by black pawns. He moved a rook, hoping for a miracle.
