The instructors on the stage suddenly stepped aside.
All of them.
Moving in perfect sync like they were clearing a path for something.
Or someone.
The air twisted.
Space folded.
And then, Belle appeared out of thin damn air.
She landed on the stage without a sound.
Graceful.
Effortless.
Deadly.
Like gravity itself bent politely to let her through.
She wore a black uniform today. Not just any uniform, it was a uniform I had specifically ordered for her, because why not?. It was regal, sharply cut, and highlighted every one of her features.
Gold accents caught the light like tiny suns. A black coat hung off her shoulders, drifting with the wind like it was alive. Her signature blindfold hid her eyes, but somehow made her look even more terrifying.
She stood there like a goddess of war. Or the commander of an imperial army. Or a sovereign deciding who lived and who didn't. Maybe all in one.
And I… couldn't help staring.
How?
How did she do this?
