The academy glowed with lanterns strung across courtyards and archways, laughter spilling into the night air. Banners waved proudly, music drifted from every corner, and the auditorium brimmed with students, parents, and esteemed guests. The festival was no longer just an event — it was the academy's stage to show the world its brilliance.
Backstage, Hannah's hands trembled as she adjusted her costume. Sara stood beside her, steady and calm, while Lina fussed over last-minute details. Adrian leaned against the wall with his usual smirk, though his sharp eyes missed nothing, and Daniel checked the stage cues with military precision.
"You'll be brilliant," Sara whispered, squeezing Hannah's hand.
Hannah swallowed hard. "What if she tries something again?"
"She will," Daniel said evenly, his gaze flicking toward Emily across the room, who laughed with her entourage. "But this time, we'll be ready."
Emily swept past them, her gown a cascade of shimmering gold. She looked every bit the queen she imagined herself to be.
"Break a leg," she said sweetly, her smile laced with poison. Her friends snickered behind her.
Sara stepped forward before Hannah could shrink back. "Don't worry, Emily," she said lightly. "The only one stumbling tonight will be you."
Emily's eyes narrowed, but she walked away without another word.
The performances began, each act dazzling the audience — dancers, musicians, theater plays. Excitement buzzed as anticipation built for the highlight of the night: the vocal showcase.
Emily performed first. Her voice soared, flawless and commanding, filling the auditorium with admiration. Applause thundered as she bowed gracefully, her eyes glittering with triumph. She cast a sidelong glance at Hannah, certain she had already won.
Hannah's turn came next.
Her heart pounded so hard it hurt. As she stepped onto the stage, the crowd's whispers washed over her like waves. She could see her father and brother in the audience, their faces tense. And somewhere near the front row, Grace, her stepmother, sat with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
The spotlight hit. The music began.
For a moment, everything froze. Then she sang.
Her voice was soft at first, quivering — then it rose, stronger with each note. The auditorium hushed, enraptured. Hannah wasn't just singing; she was telling her story — of pain, of hope, of a heart that refused to stay broken.
Gasps echoed as her voice soared higher than anyone expected, rich and pure.
Sara, watching from the wings, felt tears sting her eyes. This is who you really are, Hannah.
Then it happened.
As Hannah moved across the stage, her gown snagged on something sharp. A seam ripped with a sickening sound, the fabric threatening to split. Panic shot through her veins. She stumbled, her voice faltering.
A hush fell over the crowd. Emily's lips curved into a cruel smile.
But just before disaster struck, Adrian was there — leaping from the wings with impossible speed. He knelt, as if adjusting the stage prop, subtly pulling the fabric free and covering the tear with a flourish that looked choreographed.
"Keep singing," he muttered low enough only Hannah could hear.
She drew a shaky breath and continued. Her voice wavered at first, but then — stronger, steadier — it soared again.
The audience erupted into applause, thinking it was part of the performance.
Emily's smile cracked.
When the final note ended, the auditorium rose to its feet in thunderous ovation. Hannah stood frozen, wide-eyed, as the sound washed over her.
Tears blurred her vision. For once, they weren't tears of fear or shame — but of pride.
Sara and Lina rushed to embrace her the moment she stepped offstage. Adrian gave a casual shrug, though his smirk betrayed satisfaction.
"You were perfect," Sara whispered fiercely. "Absolutely perfect."
Hannah laughed shakily, wiping her eyes. "I almost wasn't."
"But you were," Daniel said firmly. His hand brushed lightly against her shoulder — grounding, steady. "You didn't fall. You didn't break. That's what matters."
Across the room, Emily's mask of confidence had shattered. Her friends tried to console her, but whispers were already spreading through the audience. People had seen her smirk when Hannah faltered. They were piecing the truth together.
Grace's sharp eyes lingered on Emily from the front row, her lips pressed thin. She didn't tolerate failure — especially public failure.
Emily clenched her fists until her nails cut into her palms. She had planned everything perfectly, yet Hannah still stood radiant in the spotlight.
Fine, she thought bitterly. If humiliation won't break her, then I'll destroy her another way.
Later, under the starlit sky, Sara, Hannah, Lina, Adrian, Daniel, and Ryan gathered in the courtyard, away from the crowds. Laughter bubbled as Hannah relived the moment, her confidence glowing like a newfound flame.
For the first time, Hannah felt like she belonged.
But Sara, gazing at the stars, felt a chill settle in her chest. Tonight had been a victory — but Emily wasn't finished. And behind Emily lurked darker forces still.
The war for survival in this gilded cage had only just begun.