Page 78 of Salto

Bars were the last place I wanted to be.

CHAPTER 29

“Scarlet,” Rove called from his throne block. “Work your Jaeger again.”

I nodded, but a cold wave of fear coursed through me. With slightly shaky hands, I started chalking my grips, trying to ignore the dull ache still pressing into my lower back. I remembered our training in the dance room and relaxed my muscles. Just because it hurt didn’t mean I couldn’t do the skill.

“Make sure you tighten your core,” he said. “I want you to think about driving your heels to the ceiling and finishing the hollow before you turn.”

When I tried again, muscle memory took over.

Tap swing. Hollow. Release.

As I went into the Jaeger, a sudden sharp pain shot through my lower back and down into my hips.

I tried to ignore it, but it was so blinding that it screamed at me to pay attention to it.

“That’s it,” Rove said.

I continued despite the warning signs, and halfway through the transition, the pain stole the strength from my core.

And suddenly, the bar wasn’t where I expected it to be.

My grip faltered, not catching fully, and I peeled off dangerously fast.

I heard Rove curse under his breath as I started plummeting toward the mat. But before I could fully fall, a pair of hands caught my waist. He jumped down from the spotting block and guided me onto the mat as my knees buckled beneath me.

“Hey—hey,” he said, crouching beside me as I sank down.

I tried to wave him off, but my vision had gone fuzzy around the edges.

“I’m fine,” I said, but the words came out weak and strained.

He didn’t move away. His hands were still braced around me, steadying me.

“You’re not fine,” he said flatly.

I let out a shaky breath and tried to stand up, but the motion sent another sharp lightning-strike of pain through my back.

A whimper escaped before I could stop it.

“What’s going on?” he demanded.

I shook my head, swallowing hard.

“Nothing. I just need a minute.”

Another wave of pain rolled through my hips, and I pressed my hand against my lower back without thinking.

Rove noticed immediately. “How long have you been hurting like this?” he asked, his jaw clenching.

I hesitated. “Just today.”

He exhaled slowly. “You should have said something.”

“I’m fine,” I repeated, though the words came out strained.

Rove reached down, helping me to my feet. “Come on.”