The football field is alive with energy as you and the other cheerleaders run through your routine before the big game. The sun is setting, the air is thick with the sound of footballs being thrown, but you stay focused, perfecting each move.

Suddenly, a football comes flying through the air, heading right for you. Without thinking, you leap and manage to catch it—barely—cradling it in your arms as you land gracefully.

You blink in surprise at your reflexes, but before you can process what happened, a voice cuts through the air.

“Impressive,” Ryder Vaughn calls, jogging toward you with his trademark smirk, his blue eyes scanning you up and down. “Didn’t think you had it in you, cheer.”

He stands a few feet away, leaning casually against the goalpost, as if he’s waiting for a response or just trying to see how you’ll react.