Heaven's Empire

Decision

I sat down opposite the panel, all of whom inspected me with frighteningly intense glares. All, that is, save for a Kensa, who spoke softly:

"Miss Du Kane..." I braced myself for whatever would come next. "We have reviewed your performance. I think it's fair to say we have all been rather impressed. Your scores on the written papers were very good indeed, displaying a level of knowledge and thinking far beyond what we generally expect to see. You passed the catwalk test with flying colours - did anyone explain why we had you walk with the dogs?"

"No," I said, my voice sounding weak.

"If you can control a team of huskies with poise and elegance, a normal runway is a breeze. Your willingness to take on the challenge was pleasing, and the overall result, especially considering you have never walked before, more than acceptable."

I blushed at the compliment, but reminded myself it might not mean anything.

"Now, as for your photos... well, the panel have just been discussing them. The summary is that you're a natural; the expressions are crafted and the results beautiful. But enough from me, what would everyone else like to say?"

"On-set conduct was exemplary," a suited man with a slight French accent murmured quickly.

"Specifications are among the best we've seen," added the woman who showed me into the room.

"The work ethic displayed today was rather extraordinary," said another suited, serious-looking man.

"True," A woman with mahogany skin added. "We're impressed by the way you haven't demanded food or rest by now, even if you perhaps should have. So many models these days complain so much about their work they end up doing little of it; you are an exception, truly."

"However," another began in ominous tones. "You are young, and inexperienced is an understatement. You have no portfolio, no track record; we cannot know if what we saw today is something we will see again."

"I understand," I swallowed, taking a steadying breath before adding: "Thank you for your time. I won't waste any more if it."

"Sit down," Kensa said firmly, and despite knowing running would be the best option, I obeyed. "You have heard the panel's thoughts, but you forget that I make the final decision, which we will discuss now. Alone."

The panel filed obediently out and only Kensa and I remained in the room. I could have sworn my heart was loud enough for the city to hear as the door closed behind the last person.

"It's true, what the panel were implying. You're good, but you're really not the sort of person that we usually accept. Young - very young - not to mention vastly lacking experience, as well as far from used to the world in which you would be living. You're a gamble, to put it lightly."

My face burned. I couldn't believe she had cornered me for the sole purpose of humiliation.

"But where would we be if we didn't take risks now and then?" I frowned, confused, and, she smiled:

"Congratulations, Anastasia Du Kane. Heaven's Empire has chosen to employ you as a model, and you will join the most admired women in the world in representing this brand and all that it stands for."

I could barely breathe as she uttered the words I shall never forget:

"You have earned your wings, Stasia. Now, it is time for you to soar."