The stage lights hit suddenly. Ten thousand faces stared up at them, a sea of expectation.
Silviana's voice boomed across the plaza.
"Tonight, we witness unity through art! Through passion! Through the joining of our peoples in celebration!"
The crowd roared approval.
Beside her, Aria stepped forward, smaller but no less commanding.
"Let this performance remind us that our strength lies not in division, but in harmony. Not in fear, but in understanding."
[Easy for her to say. She's not about to grind on someone in front of everyone.]
The music started—drums and strings and something that sounded like wind through trees. Rakia grabbed Melisa's hand, pulling her to center stage.
"Ready?"
"No."
"Perfect!"
Rakia's body began to move, flowing with the rhythm. Her bells chimed with each hip roll, creating a secondary melody. Melisa tried to follow, her body remembering the endless hours of practice.
Left foot, right foot, spin—
