Page 126 of Blackheart

“Tragically sharp features. Xavian’s sister for sure.”

“A Blackheart, clearly. Look at her hands. You can always tell by the veins.”

“I’d heard she was Dark Natured, but a Blackheart… are you sure?”

Riven cleared his throat.

I tried to keep a straight face, but picked at the skin on my thumb. I thought I’d be used to people talking about me after years in the Waywards, but this was different. Before I was hated simply for being a Blackheart, but so were others.

Here I was the sole person being criticized and speculated over like a three-headed pigeon with a piglet hanging out its ass.

“Breathe,” Riven murmured, squeezing my shoulder.

In the private booth, there were two chairs, with a note in each seat.

The stage was magnificent from above, though it was almost humorously large, especially imagining Lady Jocelynn talking endlessly while standing on the long platform.

I picked up the note and took my seat, Riven doing the same beside me. It read:

Welcome to The Crow’s Whisper.

Beverages encouraged. Willingness to listen required.

Enjoy,

Lady Jocelynn Wrenavia

I grinned slyly and closed the note. “Well, you heard her. I’m going to need a drink.”

“Of course,” Riven said, back on his feet.

I stayed put while he fetched refreshments, as I had no desire to mingle.

I scanned the area below. White cushioned seats with silver armrests lined the theater. Many were occupied, and more guests trickled in every moment, laughing richly and adjusting their lavish jackets. High above was a bundle of soft white orbs illuminating the room.

There was enough space for a thousand people, maybe more. How long would it take to get to the exit if something catastrophic were to happen? During the Sapphire attack in the Waywards, it had taken me so long to get to Luna and… Riven. Together.

I was going to be sick. I closed my eyes and shook my head, a failed attempt to erase the memory.

The orb lights flickered twice, signaling for everyone to find their seats. From the far side of the stage, a harp played a pure solo before rumbling drums and a group of melancholic strings joined in. The song filled the theater, pulsing through the air.

Golden light danced around the stage, revealing glimpses of musicians in the shadows, dressed in black and vigorously working their arms. The drums intensified, the lights growing brighter and the music stronger until complete darkness blanketed the theater in one beat, bringing with it a jarring silence.

One second of silence, two, three?—

Bum, dum, dum, bum, bum, bum!

Blue, violet, and white lights flooded the center of the stage. “The oneeeee and onlyyyyy… Lady Jocelynn Valeria Wrenavia!”

Jocelynn exuded extravagance. Her hat made the other ones she’d worn look mundane. Colorful feathers, glittering jewels, and beaded pearls were attached to the side of the headpiece. Her plum and black gown hugged her arms and concealed her chest, while the train was almost the length of a wedding aisle.

Lady Jocelynn held her arms out and flashed a smile to the crowd. “Welcome to The Crow’s Whisper! A show unlike any other in Castivian!”

Riven returned, quietly handing me a clear, sparkling cocktail before sitting back in his seat.

“Sorry for the wait,” he whispered.

I thanked him, but was captivated by the stage. I didn’t want to miss a thing, even for Riven.