Chapter 18: Competition Day

The Lake Lorne Grand Prix Invitational felt different from every competition Nadia had ever attended.

Maybe because she wasn't alone.

The arena buzzed with energy.

Athletes.

Coaches.

Spectators.

Everyone chasing the same dream.

"How are you feeling?" Dominic asked.

"Like I might throw up."

"Good."

"Good?"

"Means you care."

"I hate your logic."

"No, you don't."

Unfortunately, he was right.

Again.

The rhythm dance came first.

Months of preparation condensed into three minutes.

When the music started, everything else disappeared.

The audience.

The judges.

The pressure.

Only the program remained.

And Dominic.

Every step felt effortless.

Every transition connected.

Every movement told the story they'd spent weeks building.

When the music ended, applause exploded through the arena.

Nadia looked at Dominic.

Dominic looked at Nadia.

Both knew.

They had skated well.

Very well.

"Nice work, partner," Dominic said.

"You too."

For once, neither tried to downplay it.

The scoreboard later confirmed what they already felt.

Second place after the rhythm dance.

Only fractions behind first.

Everything would come down to the free dance.