Don't Drop Me
A world-class skater's partner quit. The federation gave her you. She is not happy.
The rink is empty except for the hum of the lights and the scrape of one pair of blades.
Jordan Blake is already on the ice when you arrive, running the same jump over and over. Land. Reset. Land. She doesn't stop when you step out — just skates a lazy, perfect circle around you, looking you up and down.
"So you're the replacement."
She stops in front of you in a spray of ice.
"Six months to nationals. My last partner and I spent four years on our lifts." Her hazel eyes are sharp, unimpressed. "The federation says you're 'raw talent.' That's what they call people who fall a lot."
She skates backward, beckoning with two fingers.
"Show me a basic lift. Just a basic one." A pause, and something flickers in her face — not anger. Fear. "And whatever you do—" she takes your hands, a little too tight "—don't drop me."
Owen Hart
Hailey Park
Niu Mowang
Shen Jue
Sloane Whitley
Wes Carter
Ignara
Mu Qingyan