Page 7 of HIS GIRL.

As the days went by, Hera and Eryx continued to work tirelessly on their pas de deux routine. They practiced every day, perfecting their lifts and turns, and their chemistry on stage grew stronger with each passing day.

But despite their hard work, Hera couldn't shake off the feeling that Nina was still plotting against her. She would catch glimpses of Nina watching her from across the studio, her eyes narrowed in a calculating gaze.

One day, as Hera was leaving the studio, she received a mysterious message on her phone. "You'll never make it to the top," the message read. "You're not good enough."

Hera's heart sank as she realized that the message must have come from Nina. She felt a surge of anger and frustration, but she knew that she couldn't let Nina get to her.

She showed the message to Eryx, who was furious. "We'll report this to Madame Butterfly," he said. "Nina needs to be stopped."

But when they went to Madame Butterfly's office, they found Nina already there, a smug look on her face.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Nina said, her voice dripping with innocence. "I would never send a message like that."

Hera and Eryx exchanged skeptical glances. They knew that Nina was lying, but they couldn't prove it.

Madame Butterfly looked at them sternly. "I'll investigate this further," she said. "But in the meantime, I want all of you to focus on your dancing. The showcase is just around the corner, and I expect to see your best work."

Hera and Eryx nodded, but they couldn't shake off the feeling that Nina was going to stop at nothing to sabotage them.

The battle for the top spot was getting uglier by the day.

Hera's eyes flashed with determination as she stood up to Madame Butterfly.

"I understand that you want us to focus on our dancing, but I'm not going to let Nina's bullying and sabotage go unchecked," she said, her voice firm and confident.

Eryx stood up beside her, his eyes locked on Nina. "We're not going to let you get away with this, Nina," he said, his voice low and menacing.

Nina sneered at them, but Hera could see the faintest glimmer of fear in her eyes. "You'll never be able to prove it was me," Nina said, her voice dripping with malice.

But Hera just smiled. "Oh, I think we can," she said, pulling out her phone. "I've been keeping a record of all the times you've tried to sabotage me, Nina. And I have proof that you sent that message."

Nina's face went white as Hera showed Madame Butterfly the evidence. Madame Butterfly's expression turned stern, and she turned to Nina. "Nina, I'm afraid you've gone too far this time. You're going to have to face the consequences of your actions."

Nina's eyes widened in shock and fear as Madame Butterfly announced that she would be expelled from the academy, effective immediately.

Hera felt a sense of satisfaction and relief wash over her. She had finally stood up to Nina and put an end to her bullying and sabotage.

Eryx turned to her and smiled. "I'm so proud of you, Hera," he said, his eyes shining with admiration. "You're an amazing dancer, and an even more amazing person."

Hera smiled back at him, feeling a sense of happiness and fulfillment. She knew that she had found a true partner in Eryx, both on and off the stage.

As Madame Butterfly finished speaking, Nina stormed out of the office, her face red with anger and humiliation. Hera watched her go, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

Madame Butterfly turned to Hera and Eryx. "I'm glad that's finally been taken care of," she said, her expression stern but satisfied. "Now, I expect you both to focus on your dancing. The showcase is just around the corner, and I expect to see your best work."

Hera nodded, feeling a sense of determination. "We will, Madame Butterfly," she said. "Thank you for taking care of Nina."

Eryx nodded in agreement, his eyes locked on Hera's. "We appreciate it," he said.

Madame Butterfly nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Very well. You may go now."

Hera and Eryx left Madame Butterfly's office, walking out into the cool evening air. As soon as they were out of earshot, Eryx turned to Hera and took her hand.

"I'm so proud of you," he said, his eyes shining with admiration. "You stood up to Nina and didn't back down."

Hera smiled, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction. "Thanks to you," she said. "You were right there with me, supporting me every step of the way."

Eryx's eyes locked on hers, burning with desire. "I'll always be here for you, Hera," he whispered. "In every way."

Hera's heart skipped a beat as Eryx's words sent shivers down her spine. She knew exactly what he meant, and she couldn't wait to explore the passion that had been building between them.

A/N: I suggest you listen to in for it ft Tech, ghostly echos..

As they walked out of the academy, the cool evening air seemed to vibrate with tension. Hera could feel Eryx's eyes on her, burning with desire. She knew that she wanted him, too - she could feel it in every fiber of her being.

They walked in silence for a few blocks, the only sound being the click of their shoes on the pavement. Hera felt like she was walking on air, her heart pounding in her chest.

Finally, Eryx stopped in front of a small café. "Let's get some coffee," he said, his eyes locked on hers.

Hera nodded, her voice caught in her throat. They went inside, the warm glow of the café enveloping them like a hug.

As they sipped their coffee, the tension between them grew thicker. Hera could feel Eryx's leg brushing against hers, sending shivers down her spine.

Finally, Eryx reached out and took her hand. "I've wanted to do that all day," he whispered, his eyes burning with desire.

Hera's heart skipped a beat as she felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. She knew that she was his, completely and utterly.

Without another word, Eryx pulled her out of the café and into the night. They walked for a few blocks, the city lights blurring around them.

Finally, they stopped in front of a small apartment building. Eryx looked down at Hera, his eyes burning with desire.

"My place," he whispered, his voice husky with need.

Hera nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that she was ready, that she wanted him more than anything in the world.

With a gentle smile, Eryx took her hand and led her inside.