The Grand Tent glittered like a palace when night fell. Golden fabric shimmered under lantern light, and banners embroidered with silver stars rippled high above the crowd. For Naki, stepping inside was like entering another world—one built not of patched cloth and family chaos, but of precision, prestige, and expectation.
Tonight wasn't a public show, but a private rehearsal for the aristocrats sponsoring Madame Rosa's troupe. Still, the air was tense, heavy with the weight of judgment.
"Remember," Rosa commanded, pacing before the performers. "Every step, every breath, every leap must be flawless. We are not a family circus. We are excellence itself."
Naki nodded, but unease prickled her skin. Around her, the veteran acrobats whispered, their voices sharp as blades.
"Village girl won't last five minutes.""She only got here because of luck.""Let's see how long the clown can pretend."
Their laughter made her stomach twist. She tightened her grip on the trapeze bar.
Sky sidled up beside her, smirking. "Ignore them. Or prove them wrong. Your choice."
Naki glared. "I don't need your advice."
"Then prove it." He winked, swinging effortlessly into the air.
Her cue came. Naki vaulted into the ropes, flipping midair, twisting into the stunts Grandpa Ofori had drilled into her bones. For a moment, she soared. The golden lights painted her body like a streak across the sky.
But then one of the veterans deliberately swung across her path, forcing her to hesitate. Gasps rippled from the audience as Naki wobbled, gripping the bar tight.
"Careful, clown girl!" someone jeered from below.
Her heart pounded. The golden stage suddenly felt like a trap, every sneer dragging her lower.
Balance, she heard Ofori's voice whisper in memory. Balance is not just in your feet. It is in your spirit.
She inhaled, steadying her breath. The ropes swayed like an old friend's hand. With a surge of courage, she leapt again—this time not in defiance, but in harmony with the rhythm of the tent. She spun twice, landing cleanly on the platform.
The crowd of aristocrats clapped politely. Rosa's sharp eyes flickered with approval, though her lips never curved into a smile.
But the veterans scowled. Their whispers turned darker.
As Naki climbed down, Sky leaned close, voice low. "Not bad. Almost looked like you belonged."
Naki's lips curved into a thin smile. "Almost? You'll eat those words soon enough."
For the first time since arriving, she felt not just fear, but resolve. The golden stage was harsh, but she would not break. She would shine, no matter who tried to dim her light.