Page 32

Aurelia

Training with Blush and Noir, I stand in my pointes, gripping a gold hoop above me, poised like a ballerina.

“Yes, girl, you’re getting it,” Noir says behind me, her hands steady on my hips.

It’s late, but I’ve been pushing hard, determined to perfect my form after Noir’s incredible performance on Dark Night.

When she lets go, I lower myself and release the hoop.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving,” Blush says, a yawn slipping out with her words. I think about what we did last night, all four of us, how crazy shit got, but how it hasn’t changed a thing in our friendship or made things awkward. Blush just said she had a great time and thanked me.

“Why don’t you two head back?” I offer. “I’m only staying another half hour.”

“You sure?” Noir asks, her brow raised. “You’ve worked really hard tonight.”

“I’m good, I promise,” I nod. “I won’t be long.”

They exchange glances, then finally agree, leaving the Cirque quietly behind them.

As the tent settles into silence, I return to training. Dancing beneath the spotlight, I move with purpose, letting the music in my head guide me. Each motion is deliberate, toes pointed at every chance, grace flowing through every limb.

Suddenly, a woman clears her throat behind me, and I freeze before slowly turning around.

“Madame,” I say breathlessly. “What are you doing here so late?”

“Darling, this is my Cirque. I can stay as late as I please,” she responds calmly.

I nod, and her dark gaze sweeps over me.

“Ballet?” she asks, gesturing to my shoes.

I glance down. “I’m trying,” I sigh, then meet her eyes again. She just stares.

“We’ve never had a ballerina here before.”

“Never?” I ask, brow raised.

She shakes her head once, but there’s something in her stare that pins me in place. It feels... off.

“Aurelia,” she finally breathes, “I don’t think you can stay here any longer.”

My gut drops as I stare at her.

“What?” I ask, brows pinched, heart thumping.

“It’s not you, not really. But I don’t believe it’s safe for you right now.”

I fold my arms over my chest.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“I found out about your past and…”

“I’m dealing with it, Madame,” I cut her off. “My foster family… there’s only one left, and Wrath…”

She shakes her head once, firm.

“I’m not talking about your foster family, Aurelia. I’m talking about your original bloodline.”

I pull my head back in confusion, my face twisting.

“My original bloodline?”

“Yes.” She steps forward once, her eyes actually showing concern for me for the first time, and it sends a weird chill through me.

“Your mother…”

She suddenly stops, her gaze flicking past my shoulder, eyes widening slightly, and I feel my heart stop completely.

Before I can do anything, something is slapped over my mouth from behind. A cloth soaked in something toxic.

I try to fight, but everything starts turning into a blur of colors.

Madame spins in front of me like she’s part of the distortion, and just before everything blacks out, I hear it, right by my ear.

A silent bullet is released, and Madame drops to the floor.

Then I fall into darkness.