Page 29 of Fire Dancing For Icey Dragons

To my surprise, the squad falls silent. Or maybe that shouldn't be a surprise. They've been listening to me for the past year, the only thing that's different today is that this is my last meeting.

"I hope you've all recovered from the celebrations after winning," I say. "It was well deserved. We worked hard for that trophy, and we should all be proud of what we achieved."

There are a few whispers between them, which I assume is because they're not used to me being so chill. That's fair. I haven't exactly been the most relaxed cheer captain in existence. If anything, I think I've proved every stereotype right in that regard.

"I'm really glad that I got to be your captain, especially for this competition." Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I think about achieving my goals and what my mum would have wanted for me. "But it's now time to hand over the baton, so to speak. Though it's actually just some keys." I hold up the bunch so that they can see.

Yuri hands me an envelope.

"Everyone has voted for which pair of nominees they want to see as captain and vice-captain of the Sapphire Sparks from next year until when they graduate or pass it on themselves." I look over the squad, my attention lingering on the cheerleaders who put themselves forward. I wouldn't like to say which of the names I'm going to pull out of the envelope, but I'm confident that the Sapphire Sparks will be in good hands.

Nobody says anything as I flick it open and pull out the piece of paper within.

"Krissi is your new captain, and Grace is your new vice-captain," I say with a smile. "Congratulations to you both."

Evie claps Krissi on the back, while Henry leans in to give Grace a kiss on the cheek. As much as their relationship was a distraction at the beginning, they're kind of adorable together, especially now they're no longer my problem.

I hold out the keys and Krissi gets to her feet to come take them. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me, everyone else voted for you," I respond.

"And you'd never have let it pass if you didn't approve."

"I'll never tell," I joke. "We can go over everything you need later. The equipment, bank account, that kind of thing."

"At my flat?" the leopard shifter asks, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I shrug. "Sure. I'll need to check if Blaze is in, but if you can get Grace there, I can sign everything over."

"Thanks, Zara. I appreciate it."

"Good. Because you'd better defend our title next year."

"Absolutely," she promises.

"Good. All right then, squad dismissed." It feels weird to be saying it for the final time, but I know it's just how it's supposed to be. And that now the title has passed over, I can focus on some other things.

"Want to go get a drink?" Yuri asks. "Or do you have plans?"

"I was actually going to meet Blaze at Pixie Cups," I admit. "He had a job interview this morning."

"Oh yes, definitely go do that. But we're having a girl's night tomorrow. Just the two of us, some knock-off sparkling wine, and a trip out to the club."

"You've got a deal." I hug my best friend. "I'm going to miss living with you."

"Who says you're not going to end up living with me again?" she jokes. "Get yourself a job in Birmingham and we'll be roommates all over again."

"I'm counting on it," I respond.

She breaks apart and heads off with some of the others. I wave goodbye to her, feeling kind of emotional about the turn of events.

I turn around, stopping in my tracks when I spot Blaze leaning against the wall of the sports building.

"I thought I was meeting you at Pixie Cups," I say as I head towards him.

"That was the plan, but I thought you might want a moment away from the audience first."

I laugh, but there's a hint of tears in the sound, even if I didn't really expect them to be there.

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