The Cultural Festival had officially kicked off, the arena alive with flashing lights, pulsing bass, and the deafening roar of the crowd. From my vantage point at the side stage, I could see the immense sea of faces far and wide, the air buzzing with anticipation, the energy so thick it felt alive.
The Elites sat on elevated platforms on either side of the arena, their eyes sharp, their polished, perfectly tailored suits catching the shifting lights as they watched the show with quiet, focused intensity.
Camila had opened the night with a performance that hit like a thunderstorm, her powerful voice cutting through the heavy bass, her every move perfectly timed, each note sharp and unrelenting. The crowd responded with a roar that echoed through the massive arena, the sound crashing against the walls like a tidal wave. She had set the bar high, and the weight of that expectation was already settling on my shoulders, my pulse spiking as the full reality of what lay ahead hit me.
Jade appeared at my side, her eyes wide, her chest heaving slightly from the nerves, her dark hair catching the flashing lights as she leaned in, her voice low but urgent. "Alright, Athens," she said, her hand gripping my arm tightly, her eyes bright, her pulse visibly racing at the base of her throat. "You ready to kill this?"
I managed a small, shaky smile, my heart still hammering in my chest, my mind still spinning, the adrenaline already coursing through my veins. "Hell yeah," I replied, my voice a little too sharp, a little too breathless, my fingers tightening around the strap of my robe. "Let's do this."
Following the cue of one of the stage coordinator, our group moved into position, stepping onto the elevated platforms below the stage. The metallic surfaces hummed softly beneath our feet, the faint, blue glow of the runes etched into the sides pulsing in time with the bass-heavy music thundering above us.
Quinn and Ms. Evira had just hyped us up with the most motivating and heartwarming pep talk ever, their voices fierce, their eyes bright, their confidence in us a steady, grounding force that cut through the adrenaline-fueled nerves.
Even Headmaster Jadean had made an appearance backstage, his sharp, commanding presence a surprise, his words of support catching us all a little off guard. His usually stern, unreadable expression softened just enough to reveal a hint of pride as he looked us over. Which, honestly, was quite unexpected.
Now, we were in our zone, our nerves coiled tight, our pulse racing, our minds focused as the platforms beneath us rumbled to life, the faint, electrifying buzz of active spells crackling through the air around us.
We were ready to grace the stage for the much-awaited main act.
The platforms beneath us began to rise, the low, steady hum of active spells vibrating through the polished metal as the soft, haunting melody of our opening track filled the arena, the sound wrapping around us as we ascended.
I was the first to break through the stage floor, the cool, focused air of the arena hitting my skin as the blinding lights flashed around me. The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices blending with the low, pulsing hum of the music, the sharp, electrifying crackle of magic crackling in the air.
The dancers followed, their platforms hovering up behind me, forming a sharp, triangular formation a few meters above the main stage, their shadows long and sharp against the polished floor, their movements perfectly synchronized, their energy fierce and commanding.
I let the music guide my movements, my body bending, swaying, my head tipping back, my hair catching the flashing lights as I spun, the long, shimmering train of my skirt adding a sensual, hypnotic edge to my every step.
I took a deep breath, the first lines of the song spilling from my lips, my voice clear, sharp, each word cutting through the heavy, charged air, my pulse already spiking, my heart already racing, my mind already slipping into the heady, exhilarating rush of performance mode.
Then the beat dropped. The lights around us exploded in a blinding flash of color, the air vibrating with the sudden, sharp crash of the drums, the crowd erupting into a fresh wave of deafening cheers, their voices crashing against the stage like a tidal wave, the sheer, raw power of it vibrating in my bones.
I reached down and pulled off my skirt in one smooth motion. The violet bodysuit beneath caught the light, the embedded crystals flashing like shattered glass, the sharp, jagged shards of color reflecting off the polished stage, sending bright, blinding streaks of light shooting out into the crowd.
Leaning into the music, I poured my voice into the chorus, strong and unyielding. The dancers unleashed their fiercest moves around me, blades of light sweeping their edges in time with the drums. Every heart in the audience pounded with ours; every eye in that sea of faces was fixed on us, riding the same wild wave of sound and spell.
A beat of silence cut through the frenzy before the music snapped into a driving, syncopated breakdown, deep tom-toms and sharp hand-claps propelling us into our dance break.
The dancers snapped into formation around me: two lines parting to reveal my center stage. Their steps were razor-sharp, heels and toes striking in perfect unison, arms folding and unfolding with exact, fluid motions. I mirrored them, every movement precise, a controlled storm of gesture and edge. The arena lights dropped to deep indigo, then flared gold in time with our footfalls, each flash painting our silhouettes in molten light.
Without missing a beat, we exploded back into the final chorus. The platform's runic edge glowed white-hot, launching us forward as the orchestra of drums and synths swelled behind me. I raised my arms, and a cascade of incandescent motes, enchanted sparks born from the stage's core erupted over the crowd like a fountain of light. Each note cracked through the arena, my voice soaring above it all, the dancers fanning out behind me in a grand, widening V.
As the last chord echoed, the sparks coalesced into a soaring arch of light overhead, framing us in a living halo. I held the final note until it trembled free, then let it fall away, leaving only the roar of thousands rising in a single, thunderous wave of applause and cheers. The dancers bowed, and one by one their platforms gently descended until we stood together on the stage floor. I lifted my arms, drinking in the moment as I took in the sea of faces: students from every corner of Elarion, members of the Council, the Elites of Lysoria, and citizens from Lowmere alike, all watching with eyes alight in wonder.
The roar and applause never let up. I scanned the audience until I found my people: Safyrr and Zarich, tucked into the elevated Lysorian section on the left wing. Safyrr was wiping away tears, while Zarich's arm rested protectively around her shoulders. Both of them were staring at me, their faces shining with pride and emotion.
I beamed back, pressing my fist to my heart and pointing in their direction. Before I could search the crowd for Riven, the lights began to dim, and cool blue washers swept the stage. That was our cue to exit. Reluctantly, I turned away from them, letting the magic of the moment linger in my veins as I stepped off into the wings.
As soon as we ducked backstage, Jade, Nova, Rey, and I threw ourselves into a tangle of glittering costumes and breathless laughter.
"Holy shit, we did it!" Jade squealed, spinning into Nova's arms. Rey whooped, bumping my shoulder in celebration, then all three enveloped me in a triumphant hug.
Before we could catch our breath, Ezzy charged in, followed by Quinn and Ms. Evira, and we collapsed into an ecstatic group embrace, squeals of victory and relief echoing off the backstage walls.
"Phenomenal work, every one of you," Ms. Evira said, her eyes shining.
Ezzy seized my hand, grinning wildly. "Okay, you two need to refresh and change. Closing Act in thirty!" Jade pumped her fist. "Let's go, superstar."
Before I could follow them, Quinn slipped in beside me and pulled me into a warm hug. "I'll meet you guys in a minute," I called over my shoulder as they dashed off. Quinn's eyes glistened as she held me tight. "You killed it," she whispered, her voice trembling with pride. "Absolutely killed it. Damn, I'm so proud of you, my prodigy." She stepped back, a mischievous sparkle in her eye. "I left a little surprise for you in the dressing room. Have fun, you big rockstar!" With one last squeeze, she slipped away, leaving me smiling, and more ready than ever to own the stage for the second time tonight.
The arena lights dimmed to a single pin-spot on the center stage, and the MC's voice boomed through the enchanted acoustics:
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your closing act: The Trix!"
A hush fell, then a swell of anticipation as a lone spotlight found Ezzy at the grand, rune-etched piano. She lifted her hands, and the opening chords, haunting and intimate, fluttered into the night, each note carrying the weight of unsaid apologies and fragile hope.
Ezzy's voice slipped through the melody, raw and vulnerable, weaving a tale of love's fierce contradictions. At the crest of the pre-chorus, the beat dropped into a throbbing pulse. From the shadows, I stepped forward, guitar in hand. My fingers found the opening riff, and as the chorus exploded, my chords roared alongside her:
"I love you in the worst way…
…just to watch you go."
The crowd erupted, voices rising to meet ours. As the second verse melted into my vocals, edging from hushed confession to defiant resolve, I moved into the spotlight, eyes blazing with every lyric:
"All the broken pieces left behind…
…you know I'll be the last to hold your mind."
Then came the bridge's final heartbeat, Ezzy's piano tapering to a single, trembling key. In that suspended moment, Jade emerged, stepping into the light. Her verse came fast and fierce, each word a razor-sharp truth:
"You build me up just to let me fall,
then watch the pieces break and call it love…"
The audience leaned in as her rap wound its tension tighter. And just when the silence nearly swallowed us, I lifted my guitar for one last salvo, fingers dancing up the frets in a soaring crescendo that rippled through the air.
The final chorus collided with that electric riff, Ezzy's piano and Jade's echoing rhythms merging in a triumphant roar. The arena trembled with sound and light, magic crackling along every beam, every note a blazing torch that lit the night sky.
As the last chord rang out, we held that moment, guitar and piano fading into a single sustained hum, before the arena erupted in thunderous applause, the cheers washing over us in a tidal wave of triumph and release.
Above us, shimmering rune-glyphs ignited in the night sky, fiery arcs of gold and violet that traced impossible patterns overhead. Plumes of iridescent sparks shot skyward from the stage edges, drifting like star-dust through the warm evening air.
A wall of cascading light unfurled behind us: hundreds of enchanted lanterns floated upward in choreographed formation, their gentle glow pulsing in time with the lingering beat. Beneath our feet, the stage floor rippled once more with active spells, sending concentric waves of silvery light across its polished surface.
We stood, breathless and triumphant, bathed in the glow of fireworks and magic alike, knowing we had truly closed the Cultural Festival in unforgettable style.
As the last embers of light faded, the announcer's voice rang out, warm and proud:
"Ladies and gentlemen, give it up one more time for The Trix! Thank you for coming out to the first-ever Elarion Cultural Festival. May this night mark the beginning of a new tradition!"
High Profile Officials rose to their feet, the Elites on their elevated platforms applauding with rare abandon. Students from both Lowmere and Lysoria waved their banners and glow-lanterns in unison, the arena awash in flickering light and celebration.
Backstage was a whirlwind. I barely had time to hand the custom, glittering red guitar, Quinn's masterpiece, to the stage crew before the applause and cheers rolled in once more. Performers, festival coordinators, friends, family, even boyfriends, flocked around us in a jubilant crowd.
Myrren stood to one side, her usual composure softened by a rare, genuine smile and a proud nod that warmed my chest. Beside her, Lara hovered, tears brimming in her eyes, hands fisted to her mouth. My heart lurched at the sight. Damn.
I weaved through the throng of well-wishers until I reached Safyrr, her silver tattoos catching the backstage lights. She opened her arms wide. "My girl!" she exclaimed, pulling me into a warm embrace.
Her voice trembled with pride as she cupped my face. "Words aren't enough to describe just how amazing you were tonight. You are truly gifted." My heart swelled as I leaned into her hug. "Thank you, Safyrr. For everything."
She squeezed me once more, then stepped back to take me in, eyes shining. "This is only the beginning, Athena. Remember that."
I nodded, swallowing against the lump in my throat. "I'll never forget."
Pulling away, I planted a quick kiss on her cheek. "Go find Zarich," she teased gently. "He's probably pacing."
I laughed and scanned the crowd and spotted Zarich and Riven standing together just beyond the stage entrance. Their postures were relaxed, but the way Zarich's gaze darted to Riven and back told me something was up. I weaved through the throng toward them. As I approached, both of them looked up simultaneously, their smiles easing the tension that had lingered between them.
Zarich broke into a grin. "There she is, the mega rockstar!" He swept me into a quick side hug. "You were incredible, Athena."
"Thanks, Zarich!" I grinned, stepping back just as Riven reached for my hand and pulled me close. Wrapping his arms around my waist, he leaned in, voice low and rough with emotion. "Damn, babe, you were something else up there tonight. I've been dying to get you in my arms and tell you just how amazing, and how sexy you are."
I smiled up at him, my heart still racing. "You did a pretty good job telling me just now."
His grin turned mischievous. "So… do I get a private show sometime?"
I leaned in, my lips brushing his ear as I whispered, "Depends on what kind of private show we're talking about…" I bit my lip, watching his eyes darken with promise.
I winked at him before turning back to Zarich. "So… what were you guys talking about? Seemed pretty serious. Everything alright?"
Zarich leaned his shoulder against the wall, hands in his pockets like it was just another casual conversation, then glanced over my shoulder at Riven before leaning in, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. "Yeah… everything's alright. He was a no-show. Last report we got, no trace of him anywhere nearby."
My heart skipped. "Someone must have warned him about the Council's intentions." I looked out into the crowd, spotting Lara laughing with Ezzy and Jade. "And I might have an idea who…"
Behind me, I felt Riven stiffen, his hand tightening at my waist. I frowned and looked back over my shoulder. "You okay, babe?"
He pressed a reassuring kiss to the top of my head. "Just glad you're safe."
I squeezed his forearm, leaning into him. "I better go get changed. As much as I love this outfit, I'm dying to slip into something comfortable."
He gave me a small smile. "Go on, I'll wait for you here."
I offered a quick nod to Riven and rounded the corner toward the dressing room, every thought drifting to my bed and its promise of warm blankets. As much as I'd savored today, exhaustion was finally catching up to me. Just as I reached the door, I caught the tail end of two voices, just past the corner of the quiet hallway.
"—can't hide the truth from them much longer," a soft, tremulous voice breathed.
My pulse thundered. Recognizing it instantly, I edged closer to the wall, careful not to make a sound.
"Don't you fucking dare tell me what to do, Safyrr. I'm capable of handling them on my own. I've done it for years, and you'd better remember your fucking place. I will not have you interfering in their lives," Myrren snapped back, her tone dangerously calm.
Safyrr let out a mocking laugh. "Oh, Myrren! Always convinced you hold all the cards. You might want to open your eyes and see the harsh reality. These girls are sharp and smart. If you knew what was good for them, you'd start talking before things spiral out of control."
"The clock is ticking, Myrren…" Safyrr's voice faded as she walked away.
I stepped back slowly to return to the dressing room, and collided into someone. Whirling around, I found myself staring into Lara's stunned turquoise eyes. Lara's mouth parted as if to speak, but no words came. The corridor felt impossibly small, the hush of the empty hallway pressing in around us.
What I'd just overheard was nothing new. Myrren has always shut down any questions about my past, insisting the truth stay buried. Thank heavens for Safyrr. She did her best to give me some truths to hold on to, even while knowing it wasn't her place to tell it all. For Lara, hearing that her "mom" was hiding something important probably only confirmed what she already suspected. And fuck, it made things more complicated.
Lara glanced over my shoulder, then back at me, her voice trembling. "They… they were talking about us, weren't they?"
Shit. I rubbed a hand over my face, caught between wanting to downplay this and the need to to address what we'd both overheard. On a whim, I grabbed Lara's hand, and pulled her toward the dressing room. "Come with me," I said quietly. "Let's talk in here."
I closed the door behind us and leaned against it for a moment, grateful the room was empty. Moving to my dresser, I peeled off the bracelets and slipped out of my earrings, then gently wiped away the last traces of stage makeup.
Through the mirror's reflection, I saw Lara's anxious eyes watching me. I let out a long, tired sigh. "How much did you hear?"
Lara folded her arms, frustration cracking her voice. "What does it matter, Athena? We both heard it. Mom's hiding something huge from us. Doesn't that bother you at all? Why are you acting so… indifferent?"
I let out a harsh laugh, stepping around to face her. "Oh, my dear Lara, in case you didn't know, I fucking lived my whole life with Myrren keeping me in the dark. I fucking begged and pleaded with her to give me even a scrap of truth. But she never did. You want to know what this was all about? Why don't you try your luck and ask her? Maybe she'd relent. And if she does spill the beans, keep me in the loop, will ya?"
Lara stared at me for a long beat, the hurt in her turquoise gaze cutting sharper than any blade. "I—I didn't know," she finally whispered, voice cracking. "I thought… I thought you knew something I didn't." Her shoulders sagged, and a single tear traced down her cheek. "I thought we were in this together."
I shook my head, leaning against the dresser. I looked up at the ceiling as if the right words might be written there. "Lara… fuck! I'm sorry I snapped. But you deserve the truth as much as I do." Her lips trembled into a small, bitter smile. "Then let's find it. Together."
"Yeah… no," I cut in, voice cold. "Sorry, not sorry, Lara, but you should know by now I don't trust you. You made your choices, and here we are."
"Athena, come on," she shot back, exasperation creeping into her tone. "This is getting old. Stop with these shitty accusations you've been throwing at me for a while now."
"Okay that's enough, I'm not doing this shit," I replied, grabbing my bag off the chair. "Gaslighting? Really, Lara?"
Without another word, I headed straight to the bathroom, leaving the tension of that half-finished conversation hanging in the empty dressing room.