He didn’t look at me; I ignored the sharp stab in my chest and shifted away slightly. I’d respect his wishes, much as I wanted to grab him and yell that nothing that happened had been my fault. Looking at the faces in the watching crowd, many of whom were far friendlier towards me than they had been when these Games had started, it occurred to me that I’d gained many allies. But I’d lost some too. I sighed inwardly; I couldn’t blame Byron for how he felt but it didn’t stop the hurt from searing through me.

There was a dramatic drum roll, then the Carnegie MC marched out. He was wearing a bizarre cape that flowed out behind him, as if he were some kind of tartan-clad vampire. He took his spot at the front, nodded to the pixie who handed him a microphone, and started to speak.

‘Ladies and gentlemen!’ he boomed. ‘I am sure you will agree that the 2016 Games have been the best ever!’ There was a loud cheer from the stands. I noticed that the loudest cheers came from the Carnegie onlookers. ‘We have never had such a close-run race or such a nail-biting finish.’

‘Or so many clichés,’ I muttered. I felt Byron glance at me and fell silent again.

‘We would like to welcome our third runner-up to the dais to receive his medal. Clan MacQuarrie will be very proud of their son this evening. Never before have they placed so highly.’

There was a loud round of applause as Angus stood up and walked over. He was smiling broadly but when he walked it looked as if he was still hurting. He bowed his head as the small iron medal was placed round his neck. He made a show of kissing it and held it up to the crowd. Then he looked in my direction and winked.

‘Our second runner up is Tipsania Scrymgeour!’ Carnegie declared.

Tipsania got to her feet far more stiffly than Angus and walked up to Carnegie. She’d gone all out with her outfit: it was a glittering dress which I could swear was made out of diamonds. There was nothing like flaunting your wealth in front of the great and the good. Now the Games were over, I wondered if she’d notice if I helped myself to a few of those sparkly jewels. It would be minor compensation for what I’d gone through, if nothing else.

Tipsania’s medal was bronze. Although she held it up in a similar manner to Angus, her lip curled slightly as she touched it and I grinned. I guessed she wasn’t used to such ordinary metals.

‘Our first runner up is…’ the MC paused, not for dramatic effect but because he felt disgusted by my name on his lips. My smile grew. He still had to say it. ‘Integrity Adair.’