The audition room was packed by mid-morning, actors and models alike crowded into the waiting area with the particular nervous energy that came from knowing Ethan himself would be sitting on the panel. He was, without question, one of the most sought-after names in the industry, and few people in that room had ever had the chance to perform in front of him directly. Some looked genuinely thrilled at the prospect of meeting him at all, regardless of whether they landed the role.
Aria made her entrance late enough to guarantee every head would turn, in a flashy red bodycon dress and heels that had clearly been chosen for maximum visibility rather than practicality. Several people exchanged glances — this was meant to be an audition with fight choreography involved, not a red carpet, and her outfit made that particular detail hard to ignore. A few of the other models whispered among themselves, wondering how anyone could seriously attempt a fight scene in heels that tall.
