Page 76 of Duty Unbound

The response came back almost immediately.

Yes. Swiped in about twenty minutes ago.

That was cutting it close, but at least Clark was here. Crisis averted.

“He’s here somewhere,” I announced. “Jace confirmed he checked in. Maybe he’s warming up in another area?”

“Well, someone find him! We need to circle up in five!” Dexter threw his hands up dramatically before rushing off to corral the other dancers.

I watched the commotion with a strange detachment. This had been my life for so long—solving crises, putting out fires, keeping Nova’s world running smoothly. But lately, especially since Ethan had come into my life, I’d started to wonder:was this really what I wanted?

I needed to talk to Nova about my future—about possibly stepping back after this tour. But finding the right moment seemed impossible. Nova was either surrounded by people or in performance mode or dealing with her own dramas. And bringing up my desire to leave would only create more chaos.

Later, I promised myself. After the tour break. I’d find the right time.

“Circle up, everyone!” Nova called a few minutes later, clapping her hands.

The dancers gathered around her, all in their opening costumes and masquerade masks for the first number—a dazzling array of feathers, sequins, and leather. It was truly spectacular, and I felt a flutter of pride despite my misgivings.

“Wait!” Dexter cried. “We can’t start without Clark!”

Just then, a figure in an elaborate black and gold mask rushed into the group. “Sorry, sorry!” he panted.

Relief washed over everyone as Clark slipped into place, his mask covering most of his face. I couldn’t see his expression, but his body language seemed tense.

“Well, thank God,” Dexter muttered. “Don’t do that again!”

“Places, everyone,” Nova said, then surprised me by reaching out. “Mel, come join us today.”

“Me? But I’m not performing.”

“I know,” she said, tugging me forward. “But you should be part of this.”

She leaned in close as I stepped into the circle. “I’m sorry about last night,” she whispered. “For leaving you behind. That wasn’t right.”

The apology caught me off guard. Nova rarely acknowledgedwhen she’d messed up. And after what had happened with Ethan afterward, I couldn’t even be upset about it.

“It’s okay,” I said honestly. “Everything worked out fine.”

Clark grabbed my other hand as I joined the circle, giving it a squeeze. Maybe he’d heard Nova’s apology.

Nova addressed the group. “We’ve had an amazing tour so far,” she said, her voice building with the familiar preshow energy. “Let’s make this one unforgettable!”

“One, two, three—” Nova started.

“Nova rising!” we all shouted together, hands thrusting upward.

The circle broke, everyone rushing to their places. I followed behind, finding my usual spot in the wings where I could watch without being seen. Despite everything, I did love this part—the electricity in the air, the anticipation, the pride of seeing something we’d all worked so hard on come to life.

The lights dimmed, the crowd roared, and the music began. Nova emerged through the smoke in her mask, her voice soaring over the opening notes. The dancers followed, moving in perfect synchronization as they filled the stage with color and light.

But almost immediately, I could tell something was wrong. Nova’s movements, usually so fluid and confident, seemed slightly off. Her eyes kept darting to the side, searching for something.

I tried to figure out what was throwing her off, but I couldn’t see anything specific. Did she need something? Was her in-ear monitor not working properly? Something wrong with her shoes? Her costume? Her hair? I couldn’t place it, but I knew something was wrong.

“What the hell?” Dexter appeared beside me, his face contorted with fury. “Where’s Clark? He’s not out there!”

That was it.