Danny's Demons

Firework

From her seat at the front, Octavia stared agape as her friend was about to do a solo performance just for her. At first, there were raised brows and curious glances from the audience, particularly from Stella.

The lights dimmed, and the room went quiet. A single spotlight illuminated the dance floor, revealing a small orchestra of demons with instruments.

This is different from the usual grandiose performances expected at such high-society events. The orchestra was appreciated. She braced herself for the worst, ready to intervene if necessary.

Dressed in the same sharp suit and with a microphone, Danny took a deep breath.

Danny turned to the band members beside him. "Stolas gave you the song, right?" He ignored the fluttering in his stomach.

Several imps gave him enthusiastic thumbs up. One of them winked. "We've got you covered, kid."

He recalled Charlie's advice. 'If I sing from the heart, the world will help.'

In truth, music was more than just entertainment—it was woven into the very fabric of existence. In moments of high emotion, melodies could manifest and transform the world around them, making even the most stoic of demons tap their feet in time.

From deep within his chest, he could feel the same pull from before. 'Alright. Let's do this.' He stepped forward into the spotlight in the center. All eyes turned to him.

Danny smiled at Octavia before glancing toward Stolas and Charlie. The princess silently clapped her hands excitedly before giving her a double thumbs up.

The band began to play, and Danny's heart raced. His foot tapped to the beat, and his voice joined the music before he knew it.

YT: Katy Perry - Firework | Epic Orchestra

"Do you ever feel like a plastic bag

Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?"

For a brief moment, Stella felt her chest shutter at those words.

"Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin,

Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?"

Lilith's shoulders shifted, avoiding the gaze of her husband.

Meanwhile, Danny felt the internal hum as he lost himself in the song and walked about the floor. His confidence rose as his intent and actions grew in sync with building music.

"Do you ever feel already buried deep?

Six feet under screams, but no one seems to hear a thing...

Do you know that there's still a chance for you?

'Cause there's a spark in you..."

Octavia and Charlie raised a hand to wipe the slight wetness in their eye. Octavia wasn't used to being the center of attention, but hearing Danny sing just for her felt amazing.

The string section started playing, shifting the atmosphere. They could feel the intensity building.

"You just gotta ignite the light

And let it shine."

"Just own the night

Like the Fourth of July!"

Even the more stoic guests were tapping their feet or swaying to the rhythm.

With a subtle flick of his wrist, Stolas sent out his magic. A shower of sparks resembling that of a firework spewed from his chest.