"We've missed you so much! Where did you go without telling us?" Stacy asked, she and Calista hovering close to Genesis. They had been so worried about her, but neither of them had dared to step foot in the estate again—not after the last time, when Knight had gone wild after that balloon burst, making Genesis scream and wake up. Since then, they'd been too scared to go back.
But Genesis hadn't just ghosted her friends. With her stay at the academy, she rarely had her phone. She wasn't allowed to use it unless she finished training, and that usually consumed her entire day. When she did get her phone, she tried calling Knight—and when he didn't answer, she replied to the most important messages. Stacy and Calista's texts came first, asking why she wasn't in class. She only told them she'd gone on a "journey," never saying where. Jaden had also messaged her, but she couldn't bring herself to respond—not after he had kissed her without her permission. Still, she read his words, relieved to see he was alive, breathing, and apparently unharmed by Knight.
"So tell us," Calista pressed eagerly. "What kind of journey? You said you went on one, but you never explained. And now you're back—talking—so spill it already!"
Genesis smiled faintly, shaking her head. She hadn't even had time to properly set her bag down in the ballet studio before her friends were bombarding her with questions. She finally dropped the bag onto the floor, then turned back to face them.
"Tell us," Stacy urged.
"Calm down," Genesis said, her raspy voice cutting through their excitement.
Both girls giggled like schoolchildren.
Stacy clutched her chest dramatically, eyes wide with mock adoration. "Ahhh, I love your voice, Gen! You sound so—" she fluttered her lashes, grinning mischievously, "—so sexy. Like some mysterious movie star."
Genesis laughed softly, the husky sound warm but fleeting. Her cheeks flushed pink. "Stop."
Calista leaned in, her eyes glittering. "No, really. It's not fair. You vanish for weeks, come back glowing, and now your voice is like… this." She shivered playfully. "This voice that could melt anyone."
Genesis shook her head, amused. "I can't… tell you where I went. Not yet." Her smile was faint, careful. "I'm not… allowed. Until Kieran says I can."
Both girls groaned, pouting in unison. "Ohhh, come on," Stacy whined. "We're your best friends! You can't keep secrets forever."
Genesis only shook her head, lips twitching as though she wanted to laugh.
Calista tilted her head suspiciously. "Wait… did that place help you get your voice back? Is that why you disappeared?"
Genesis lifted her chin slightly, her voice low and thoughtful. "Not… exactly. I just… found it. Again."
For a moment, her friends were quiet, their teasing replaced with something softer, more reverent.
Then Calista broke the silence, her tone casual—but a little too casual. "By the way… Jaden's been asking about you."
At the name, Genesis stiffened. The strap of her bag slipped off her shoulder. She quickly turned away, masking her reaction. "He… did?" she asked, her voice steadier than she felt.
"Mmhm," Stacy said. "He texted us, asking if you were okay, why you weren't in class. We told him the same thing you told us—that you went on a journey."
Calista studied Genesis carefully. "He seemed… worried. Really worried."
Stacy leaned closer, whispering like it was a forbidden secret. "Did… something happen between you two?"
Genesis's throat tightened, her voice faltering for the first time since her return. "N-no. What… what could've happened?" She shook her head too quickly, too hard, and forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
Both girls narrowed their gazes, unconvinced, but before they could press further, the door to the studio creaked open.
Miss Reneta glided in with her usual elegance, her dark eyes sweeping over the room. When her gaze landed on Genesis, her expression softened, breaking into a rare, genuine smile.
"Genesis," she said warmly, her accented voice lilting. "It's good to have you in class again, sweetheart."
Genesis dipped her head, her voice husky but respectful. "Thank you, Miss Reneta."
The teacher clasped her hands together. "No more chatter now. Arrange yourselves—we have much to do."
The girls scrambled into position, lacing their shoes, stretching at the barre. Genesis joined them, the old rhythm sliding back into her bones. But this time something was different. Every movement felt sharper, cleaner—her lines longer, her balance surer. The Academy had carved something new into her body, something she hadn't realized until now.
As they worked through pliés and grand battements, Miss Reneta circled the room, her eyes sharp, critical… but pleased. Finally, she clapped her hands once.
"In six weeks, we will hold a concert. There will be two solo performances and one pas de deux with members of the advanced class." Her gaze swept the girls like a blade. "I will be choosing who performs."
A ripple of excitement broke out, whispers and squeals slipping through the group. Stacy clutched Calista's hand with a grin. Genesis's heart skipped. Her first performance—her first chance to dance with her voice, with all eyes on her.
Just then, the door opened.
The advanced instructor strode in—tall, strict, flanked by two male dancers. Genesis's gaze lifted, and her breath caught.
Jaden.
His eyes widened, his entire body freezing the instant he saw her. Genesis stood in her pale pink wrap skirt and leotard, hair neatly pulled back, cheeks flushed from exertion. She looked… luminous. Different.
Untouchable.
The other boy shifted awkwardly as Jaden's gaze burned into her, but Miss Reneta wasted no time.
"Gentlemen, welcome. We are pairing for pas de deux rehearsals. Watch carefully." She clapped sharply. "Each girl will dance. I will decide solos after. Then, partners."
The pianist's fingers fell across the keys, and the studio filled with music.
When it was Genesis's turn, she stepped forward. The floor was cool and smooth beneath her slippers. She lifted her chin, extended her arms into fifth position, and then—she moved.
The world dissolved.
Her port de bras flowed like water, each tendu precise, her arabesque stretched to a perfect line. She turned into a pirouette, centered and controlled, then leapt into a grand jeté so clean it drew a collective gasp.
Even Miss Reneta's brows lifted.
The final note lingered, and silence clung to the air. Genesis stood still, breath steady, her face serene.
Miss Reneta's lips curved faintly. "A solo, yes. That much is clear." Her eyes flicked to the advanced instructor. "And for the pas de deux…" She paused, deliberate. "Genesis will partner with Jaden."
The words struck like a chord.
Jaden stiffened. Genesis's stomach lurched.
"Go," the advanced instructor barked. "Jaden—join her. Begin the choreography."
Jaden crossed the floor, his jaw tight, his movements stiff with restraint. He stopped in front of her, his hand extending—warm, steady, familiar.
Genesis's pulse thundered. Her fingers hovered, trembling, just inches from his.
The studio held its breath.
The music began again.