Chapter 26 · Dancing in the Dark

"Stop acting like you’ve got it all figured out, Sera. It’s pathetic."

Nora’s voice didn’t sound like the Golden Girl’s anymore. The polished, melodic tone she used for the crowds was gone, replaced by something jagged and raw. She didn’t just say it; she stepped into my space, her shoulder brushing mine, forcing me to lean back against the cold velvet of the curtain.

I didn’t move. I couldn’t. The air between us felt thick, like it was vibrating with the shadow magic she was trying so hard to suppress. I could smell her—expensive jasmine and something metallic, like ozone before a storm.

"I'm not acting," I snapped, trying to keep my voice steady despite the way my heart was hammering against my ribs. "I'm just waiting for the punchline. When do you stop lying? When does the 'Hero of Solis' actually tell the truth about anything?"

Nora let out a sharp, humorless laugh. She reached out, her fingers grazing my jawline. Her skin was unnervingly warm, a stark contrast to the chill of the room. She didn't pull away. Instead, she tilted my head up, her eyes searching mine with a desperation that made my stomach flip.

"The truth?"