Chapter 30 · Steal the Starlight - Chapter 30: Golden Handcuffs

"Take your hand off her." Wren's voice cracked across the dressing room, sharp enough to stop the technician mid-grab.

The tech had Ellis's wrist twisted behind her back. A black restraint band blinked red against her skin, tightening every time she moved. The room smelled like hot makeup lights, cheap hairspray, and the burnt-metal sting coming off the shard in her palm.

"She broke the monitor," the tech said. "The corp is billing her for it."

"Then send the bill to my manager." Wren crossed the room in three fast steps. Her gold jacket flashed under the lights, perfect and spotless, even though one sleeve was torn from the fight ten minutes ago. "Let her go."

The tech looked at Wren's face, then at the silver star pinned to her collar.

"You don't give orders here."

Wren grabbed his forearm. Her fingers pressed hard enough to leave marks. "I just did."

The band around Ellis's wrist loosened.

Ellis yanked free and shoved the tech into a rack of costumes. Hangers clattered. A sequined cape dropped over his head.

"Touch me again," she said, breathing hard, "and I'll break something more expensive."

"You already did.