The Hybrid Alpha

~TWO~

I find myself getting dressed into a strapless, light pink dress and tieing my laces of my pastel pink boots. There was a gala tonight hosted by Ray which got me feeling a bit uneasy. I find myself walking to Ray and observe her outfit which consised of a shimmering grey dress and black heels.

"Heyy!" I cheerfully sing as I give her a quick hug.

"Hey, killer boots..." She replies eyeing me over just as I did a moment ago.

"Shall we?" I ask while holding my arm out.

"We shall." She lets out a giggle while linking her arms with mine.

We stroll over to the sleek limousine parked outside, the anticipation buzzing in the air as we hop in. The drive is short but as we approach the venue, my eyes widen at the sight of a grand cream-tiled building. It towers above us, elegant yet imposing, its height almost intimidating. The architecture whispers of opulence and power and I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation as we prepare to step into a world that feels both alluring and daunting.

We enter the building, my eyes scanning everything at once. We were at an Art gala and it looked stunning with the huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling to the decorated walls with beautiful paintings and sculptures. Here they held auctions and might I add earns more than enough money. I scan the room for my bestie and find her talking, wait- correction, flirting with a guy by the DJ set. I walk up behind her and scream "boo" in her ears.

She seems startled at first and turns around to give me a bear hug. She was the singer for tonight, a voice of an angel might I add.

"Hey Kat!"

"Hey Amber" I reply cheekily for interrupting and embrace her.

"Are you ready?" I ask as we pull away. I was expecting her to say 'hell yah,' her usual enthusiastic response but instead, she gives me a sly smile, her red bangs framing her face like a fiery halo. There's a glint in her eyes that makes my heart race.

"Not today, but I found back-up"

"Oh yeah, who?" I question while looking around.

"You, silly!" She says. My eyes go wide and my mouth forms an "O" shape.

"No way, why aren't you singing today?" I say faster than I was meaning to.

"I have to leave early to catch a flight" She says with a sorry look. She was a professional model and was always called for photoshoots and model ops.

"I don't kno-" She cuts me off, "I heard you murmuring 'On my Way', Kat" she says while rolling her eyes.

"Ugh fine, just this once-" I mumble under my breath. We hug each other as she turns to leave with the guy she was flirting with whose name was Kevin. Waving her goodbye, I shake off my nerves like leaves caught in a gust of wind, scattering my doubts as I prepare for what lies ahead. The uncertainty fades, replaced by a sense of determination that fuels my next move.

I walked backstage and was directed to a flight of steps leading to the stage. I had done this multiple times but always as a duet. Tonight, it was solo. I clench my shaky hands once I see Ray motioning for me to come up. I take a deep breath and take the mic from Ray when I hear her whisper, "crush it".

A small smile tugs my lips as I face the darkness with the spotlight blinding my eyes yet I keep them focused straight ahead.

"....So take aim and fire away

I've never been so wide awake
No, nobody but me can keep me safe
And I'm on my way
The blood moon is on the rise
The fire burning in my eyes
No, nobody but me can keep me safe
And I'm on my way..." as I finish a loud echo of applause goes around the room making me smile in return as I see Ray giving me the thumbs up from behind the curtains. I walk off stage and hug the life out of Ray.