A Glimpse of the Enemy

Daniel stood frozen on the pitch, his pulse hammering in his ears. Elias was watching him. The man he had believed dead. The man who had nearly destroyed him.

The roar of the CF Igualada fans faded into a distant hum as Daniel locked eyes with the figure in the back row. The stadium lights cast long shadows over Elias's face, but Daniel knew it was him. His heart pounded as his time-perception flickered instinctively, distorting reality for a brief moment.What are you doing here?Before Daniel could react, Elias was gone.Vanished.Like a ghost."Carter! ¡Vamos, focus!"Daniel snapped back to reality as Luis slapped his back. The game was still going. The ball was already moving again.🎙️ "CF Igualada equalized thanks to Daniel Carter, but the match is far from over. Both teams are pushing forward in search of a winner!"Daniel shook off the shock, forcing himself back into the match. He had no time to think about Elias now.With only ten minutes left in the game, the intensity reached its peak. Cerdanyola's midfielders were pressing high, forcing turnovers. The defenders were aggressive, closing down any space Daniel tried to exploit.Then, in the 85th minute, CF Igualada won a corner kick.Daniel positioned himself at the edge of the box, waiting for the perfect moment. As the ball swung in, chaos erupted in the penalty area—bodies jostling, shouts filling the air.The ball deflected off a defender and bounced toward Daniel.Time slowed.He saw everything—the goalkeeper's stance, the defenders scrambling to block him, the narrow gap at the near post.Strike now.Daniel reacted instantly, curling the ball with precision toward the net.🎙️ "Carter shoots—IT'S IN! GOAL FOR CF IGUALADA! Absolute brilliance from the youngster this is why we adore this game late late drama!"The stadium erupted. Daniel sprinted toward the corner flag, fists clenched in triumph as his teammates mobbed him.CF Igualada had won the match.The locker room buzzed with celebration. Luis danced around, shirt off, yelling, "¡Campeones, campeones!" The team laughed, energy still running high from the victory.Daniel, however, was distant. He could still see Elias's face burned into his mind.After a quick shower, he grabbed his bag and slipped out of the stadium, walking toward the empty street. Uncle Mateo had texted him, saying he was running late.The cold night air nipped at his skin. Igualada's streets were quiet, except for a few late-night diners. Then, a voice cut through the silence."You looked sharp out there."Daniel spun around.Sofia.She stood a few feet away, hands tucked into her jacket. Her dark hair was tied back, her gaze sharp."I was watching the game," she continued, stepping closer. "Your second goal was impressive."Daniel exhaled, forcing a smile. "Thanks. You should be playing too, though. You got promoted, right?"She nodded. "Yeah. Training's been tough." A pause. Then, softer, "Are you okay?"Daniel hesitated. Should he tell her?Before he could answer, Sofia's expression shifted. "Behind you."Daniel turned just in time to see a shadow move.A figure emerged from the alley—a man, dressed in black, his face partially hidden under a hood.A knife glinted in the streetlight.Daniel's muscles tensed.Sofia took a step back, whispering, "We need to leave. Now."The man lunged.