Page 30 of Vengeful Melodies

My heart’s gone rogue, pounding a frantic solo inside my chest.

“Alix!” she calls, her voice slicing through the chaos like a melody I can’t forget.

Fuck.

Shedoesn’tknow.

Not yet.

Doesn’t know who I am.

Who she’s working for.

Who she kissed.

She thinks I’m just another stagehand. A nobody who made her laugh on a bad day, kissed her to make her cheating ex jealous.

And maybe that’s all I want to be for now.

Grey mouthssorry, but it’s too late. She’s moving toward me and I’m unraveling faster than I can catch myself.

“Hey, darlin’,” I say, forcing a smile. “What brings you here so early?” Coward.

“Oh, Grey got us in early to check out how things work before the tour kicks off,” she says, sincere and unguarded. “Didn’t realize you were part of the crew, too. Makes sense, you and Grey being tight.” I want to lie. To keep the truth locked down. But I can’t lie to her—not with those eyes. “Actually, Dreya… there’s something I need to—”

The door swings open, cutting me off. “Can’t have a band meeting without the drummer,” Bash grumbles, stepping out—and then freezing.

Dreya’s face shifts instantly. “You… you’re the drummer?”

Bash looks between us. “Fuck. She didn’t know?”

“No,” I say, quiet. “I should’ve told you.”

She blinks, then steps back like I just burned her with a brand. “I… I need to find Grey,” she says quickly. “I’ll see you later. Good luck… Alix. Sebastian.” And just like that, she’s gone.

Leaving me standing here like a raw nerve—shaking, ashamed.

“She didn’t know who you were?” Bash asks quietly.

“She’s not a fan,” I say. “She got VIP tickets for her ex. Walked in on him cheating. She doesn’t know shit about us. Doesn’t care. We’re just faces.”

Bash’s jaw tightens. “Her ex was our fan? Fuck him. He doesn’t deserve our music.”

I push into the room, closing the door behind me.

Koa doesn’t even look up. “Good. Everyone’s here. Label approved Dreya and Wren. NDAs signed. They’re riding with us. Safer that way.”

He pauses, eyes distant.

“Oh, and the VIP contest winner we’re bringing on stage tonight?”

He smirks.

“It’s Dreya.”

The silence crashes over us.

“She’s gonna get crucified if this leaks,” Bash mutters.