The cheerleading squad gathered on the open field for the final pre-show practice before the big performance in front of the entire school. The sun was high, the grass slightly damp from the morning dew, and the air buzzed with nervous energy. Amy stood at the front as the new captain, clipboard in hand, barking orders like she had been in charge forever. Sera stood beside her like a shadow, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
Isla was already in the mascot costume — the oversized blue-and-white wolf head with floppy ears, the bulky fluffy suit, and the big cartoon paws. The head was heavy and made it hard to see properly. She felt ridiculous, but she kept reminding herself that she needed the extra credit.
Lina stood next to her, still in regular practice clothes, trying to offer quiet encouragem
