“Go, Calliope! You’ve got this!” Alaric called out, his voice carrying over the light buzz of chatter from the other students gathered in the stands. He waved enthusiastically, standing on the tips of his toes to make sure she could spot him through the crowd. His gray eyes sparkled with excitement as he cupped his hands around his mouth to amplify his cheers.

“Show them what you’re made of!” he added with a grin, his usual air of confidence lending a bold edge to his words. Settling back into his seat, he leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on his knees as he kept his focus on the pitch, ready to cheer again at the first sign of her taking flight.