With trembling legs and a racing heart, I approach him, no longer noticing the other people on the square. Only Maxime and that tiny spark of hope igniting inside me matter now.
My heart pounds hard against my chest. I gesture for him to follow me to where Sky has secretly taken her position. He does. Thank goodness.
I stop and turn to face him, breathless. I kick off my shoes, feeling the ground under my bare feet as I gather all my courage for what comes next.
Slowly, I close my eyes, signaling to Sky as we had agreed. With fluttering eyelids, I wait until the first notes start to play.
Now, Aurora. Now.
The times of doubt and blind fighting are over. I trust myself. Whatever happens in the next few minutes, I will allow it. It's okay to be vulnerable. I no longer want to control anything.
A shiver runs through my body as I lift my gaze and gracefully offer my hand to Maxime.
