that passes fills me with a kind of power I can’t explain.
I feel invincible.
I’m not just a morning star—I’m an entire universe.
And when the audience cheers and I feel myself wrapped up in Vas’s arms, I know there is no going back from this feeling.
Because now I know what living feels like.
And it’s dazzling.
* * *
“I’m so proud of you!” Vivien squeals, her arms tight around my neck.
“You were incredible,” Dexi says.
“Your chemistry is off the charts,” Jin adds.
I make a face. “I mean, that wasn’t really what we were going for, but I’ll take it.”
Jin shrugs. “People see what they want to see.”
Vas is standing beside me, looking at me like I’m made of sunlight. Vivien seems to take this as a cue.
“Okay.” She skips toward the door, dragging Dexi by the wrist. “We’ll see you in a bit.” She pauses near the doorway. “Want to go out for ice cream to celebrate?”
I nod giddily. “I’d like that.”
Jin perks up, following them out of the dressing room. “Are there drinks involved in this celebration? Because I know a place….”
I turn to Vas. “You’re coming too, right?”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” He steps forward, locking his fingers through mine. “They’re right, you know. You were incredible. Everyone in the crowd loved you.”
I bite my lip and bounce on my heels. “Do you think so? I know it’s weird to be so desperate for a stranger’s approval, but there’s something about the way they look back at you. Like they want you to know when they’re happy. Like they’re thanking you for giving them something wonderful. And I’ve always wondered what that would feel like, ever since I was a kid watching other people perform.”
“And what does it feel like?” Vas asks gently.
I lean my head back and shut my eyes tight. “Like someone else knows what I’ve been saying all along—that I’m a good aerialist, and that I belong in the circus.” I open my eyes. “I guess I’ve always wanted the validation.”
“I knew you were good the first time I saw you in the big top,” Vas says.
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, right. You hated me back then. You were practically sneering the whole time you were playing your violin.”
“That’s not true! I’m just not good around strangers.” He pauses. “Especially cute ones.”
I smile, poking him in the ribs to make him laugh. “You thought I was cute?”
He pulls me close to him, folding his hands around my lower back. “I did. But that’s not why I liked you. There was something else about you. This—this kind of focus, I guess. When you’d practice, you’d have this look in your eyes—like it was you against the world, and the rest of us could either get on board or get out of your way.”
I make a face. “That’s why you liked me?”
“I mean, you have really nice lips, too. And eyes,” he says, like it’s an afterthought.
I shake my head, laughing.
“Ah, there you are.” Simon’s voice sounds from the doorway.
He’s dressed in his suit and top hat, his eyes as mesmerizing as ever.
I’m still smiling, thinking he’s here to congratulate us, when I catch the worry in Vas’s face. The furrowed brow, the twitch in the corner of his mouth, and the way his shoulders pull back like he’s bracing for news.
Something isn’t right.
I feel Vas’s hands slip away from me. “It’s not like you to wander backstage after a show. Is something the matter?” he asks coolly. He knows Simon—he knows his tricks.
I feel my body shrinking and shrinking, until I’m barely the size of an ant.
Simon smooths his mustache with his fingers, searching for his words.
I don’t think he has to search very hard. I think he came here knowing exactly what he wanted to say.
“You put on a great show tonight, and you should be very proud of yourselves.” Simon’s eyes dart between the two of us before landing solely on Vas. “Look, there’s no point in dragging this out. There’s a new trapeze artist arriving in the morning, and I’m going to need you to teach her the routine. Get her up to speed.”
Vas clenches his jaw.
I still don’t understand what’s happening. Or maybe I don’t want to.
“Is… Is this for another act?” I ask, my voice cracking.
Simon pulls off his hat, spinning it casually in his hand. “No, she’s here for your act. You’ve done really well, and I don’t say that lightly. But I need a professional, and I hired you as a trainee. I’m