“Just go.” My temples throb, pressure building behind my eyes. The lights glare down, sterile and invasive. The room reeks of hairspray and synthetic perfume, each inhale coating my tongue in chemical sweetness. My skin itches beneath the silk, every nerve ending flaring and overexposed.
I begin pacing. Three steps forward, three steps back. I’ve observed enough creatures pace this way. Maybe this is penance. That’s how they felt like, all those years ago, locked in a cage for the sake of science while I stood by with a clipboard. How many had I watched fracture like this? How many had I helped contain in the name of advancement?
The mirror reflects a stranger. A curated version of myself. Another specimen, tagged and catalogued:Aria Ellis. Controlled. Compliant. Ready for public approval.Someone who wouldn’t scream at her sister, or throw accusations at the most powerful families in Eclipsera. Someone who knows how to play this game and smile while her cage grows smaller.
But I’ve never been good at playing games. Not even when Father insisted it was necessary, when he made me document the breaking points of creatures far more innocent than I. And now, witnessing Luna transform into their perfect puppet—speaking Alexander’s words with our father’s conviction—I’m not sure I want to learn.
Some cages aren’t built with bars. And some, once entered, don’t ever let you leave.
Kane fills the doorway, his appearance offset by something rare: concern. “You all right?”
I sink into the vanity chair, a sudden exhaustion settling in my limbs. “I just want it over with.” My hand drifts to the empty space beside me, fingertips brushing the cushion where Dom should be.Even now, when I need him most, Kian keeps us apart. Makes sure I remember who holds the leash.
“This came from the boss.” Kane offers an envelope.
For a moment, hope flares. A note from Dom. A message. Something. But the elegant handwriting isn’t his. And just like that, the weight returns.
Aria,
What a charming sight you were this morning, seething beneath all that silk. I do admire your commitment to restraint. It’s almost convincing. But let’s not forget, sweetheart, this isn’t just dress rehearsal anymore. The whole city’s watching now, and I expect you to behave accordingly.
Enclosed, you’ll find a little something, a family heirloom in a sense. Every Blackwood bride has worn those rubies at some point, usually on the day everything changed for them. Some called it tradition. Others, a curse. I imagine you’ll decide soon enough which suits you best.
Now, let’s go over your lines one last time. You’ll speak about unity, legacy and love. Say it like you believe it. Smile. Don’t twitch when they mention Dom. And for the gods’ sake, don’t improvise. We wouldn’t want to muddy the narrative: the most unattainable man in Eclipsera, tamed by the Ellis girl. It’s all very romantic. Very marketable.
-K
P.S. Dom’s been such a good boy lately. Would be a shame to ruin that progress just because his little bride can’t keep her temper in check. Perform well today, sweetheart, or you’ll bleed for your missteps, and he’ll have the best seat in the house.
The blood-red earrings glint in their velvet cradle, unmistakably priceless. I crush the letter in my palm. This is what I’ve been reduced to, a puppet performing for entertainment.
“Five minutes, Miss Ellis!” someone calls through the door.
The studio hums with artificial energy as hover orbs zip overhead like mechanical insects, their lenses twitching to capture every angle. The audience shifts in their seats, all of Eclipsera’s finest come to watch the show. I recognize faces from Mom’s tea parties and from Father’s lectures. People who sent condolence cards after their deaths and whispered about “such a tragic loss”, while calculating how to profit from their absence.
Madeline Shaw glides toward me with a smile bright enough to blind. “Aria Ellis! The woman of the hour.” She air-kisses both cheeks. “You look exquisite.”
I force my lips to curve. “Thank you for having me.”
“Of course, darling! And what timing, with your sister’s scientific marvel this morning, the Ellis name is positively everywhere today.”
I saw Luna’s interview while they pinned my hair, my jaw locked as she sold the vision with frightening elegance. They kept me from her, naturally. Alexander’s orders, no doubt. Not even Kane’s hovering presence could get me within reach.
Cornering her after? That was luck. Or maybe misfortune.
“Places, everyone!”
The lights burn against my skin as I settle into the interview chair.
“We are live in three, two . . .”
Madeline beams at the nearest orb. “Welcome back, Eclipsera! Today, we’re joined by none other than Aria Ellis, daughter of the late, great Cedric and Elyra Ellis.”
“Thank you, Madeline.”
“And now, the question everyone wants answered,” she leans in, practically trembling with anticipation. “Is it true? Has Dominic Blackwood finally been caught?”
The audience holds its breath. I smooth my features into the bashful smile they choreographed for me.
