𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃| ✎

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐰𝐨

The alarm clock sliced through the quiet morning, dragging me from the cocoon of sleep. I blinked groggily at the ceiling, the weight of the day resting heavy on my chest. Pushing myself up, I stretched and let out a soft moan, my muscles protesting the impending hours of ballet.

After a quick shower and a simple breakfast, I stood in front of my closet, debating on what to wear - something comfortable yet elegant for the long day ahead. As I slipped into a simple yet graceful ballet dress, the mirror reflected my nervous expression back at me. Inhaling deeply, I willed myself to focus on the performance, pushing the lurking anxiety to the back of my mind.

"Okay, Ava, you've got this," I whispered to myself, attempting to channel confidence. With a final glance at the mirror, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, the early morning light filtering through the city streets.

Outside, the city already buzzed with life, the rumble of distant traffic mixing with the chatter of early risers. I strode purposefully down the sidewalk, my anticipation building with each step.

As I emerged from the subway, the grandeur of the dance theater loomed before me, stirring a cocktail of excitement and nerves. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the day ahead.

~~~

As I entered the dressing room, the air was alive with the energy of anticipation. I could hear the distant murmur of the audience beyond the walls, and my heart quickened. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, smoothing down the delicate tutu of my performance costume. Suddenly, the door burst open and Sarah rushed in, her eyes bright with excitement.

"Ava, you look stunning!" Sarah exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration.

I chuckled softly, trying to calm the flutter of nerves in my stomach. "Thanks, Sarah. I'm so nervous though."

Sarah grinned, her laughter spilling into the room like a melody. "You've got this, girl! You've been training for this moment your whole life. And hey, if anything, just imagine the audience in their underwear!"

I let out a little moan of amusement, shaking my head at her antics. "Sarah, you're unbelievable."

As Sarah enveloped me in a tight hug, Mr. Stewart calls my name and I let go of Sarah.

Don't panic.
It's your time to shine.

~~~

Mr. Stewart leaded me backstage. As I stand backstage, the nervous butterflies in my stomach do the cha-cha. My ballet shoes tap out a staccato rhythm on the floor. "Ava, you're up next," the stage manager calls out, her voice a steady drumbeat in the chaos of my mind.

I step forward, my heart pounding like a timpani, and peek through the curtains at the sea of expectant faces. A hush falls over the audience as I glide onto the stage, the spotlight casting a warm glow around me.

The music begins, a soft hum in the air, and I leap into my solo performance. Each movement flows like a gentle stream, my body telling a story of grace and beauty. The audience responds with gasps and soft murmurs, their appreciation a soft symphony to my ears.

~~~

As the final notes of the music fade away, I strike a pose, feeling a surge of triumph coursing through me. The applause erupts like a thunderstorm, filling the hall with a cacophony of claps and cheers. I curtsy gracefully, a smile lighting up my face.

But little do I know, amidst the applause, a pair of intense eyes watch me from the shadows. His interest piqued as my final bow marks the beginning of a dangerous entanglement.

As the final notes of the music faded away, I watched her, Ava, strike a graceful pose on the stage. Her beauty and elegance ignited something within me, something dangerous. But I couldn't afford to indulge in such feelings. I had a reputation to maintain, a business to run.

Turning away from the stage, I made my way through the dimly lit corridors backstage. Luca, my trusted right-hand man, fell into step beside me without a word.

"Find out everything you can about the girl named Ava," I instructed, my voice low and commanding. "I want to know who she is, where she comes from, and who she's connected to."

Luca nodded, his eyes reflecting unwavering loyalty. "Consider it done, boss."

"Good," I said, my mind already drifting to the less glamorous aspects of my life. "And don't forget about the business at the docks. I want a report on the progress by tomorrow."

"Got it," Luca replied before melting back into the shadows, his form disappearing as silently as he had appeared.

As I continued down the labyrinthine corridors, the sounds of the performance echoing in my mind, I couldn't shake the image of Ava's poised form from my thoughts. It was a dangerous fascination, one that could spell trouble for both of us.
_________________________________