Chapter 31 · Steal the Starlight - Chapter 31: The Dress Rehearsal

"Take your hand off her, or I break the stage before the cameras even turn on." My fingers locked around the director’s wrist, and the black shard under my palm burned hard enough to make my teeth hurt.

Director Vale stared at me like I’d just threatened the mayor instead of the man holding Wren against the practice wall. His fingers were still clamped around her arm. Wren’s white rehearsal sleeve had already wrinkled under his grip.

"You don’t get to make demands," Vale said. "You’re here because the company owns your contract, your debt, and every inch of that ugly little power in your hand."

"Then invoice me for your broken fingers."

I twisted.

Vale swore and let go. Wren shoved him back with both hands, then stepped in front of me. Her shoulder brushed mine. Warm. Steady. Her breath hitched once before she covered it with a bright smile meant for cameras that weren’t even on yet.

"Ellis," she said through her teeth, "don’t crush the director. We need him conscious."

"Speak for yourself."

"You’re proving my point."

Vale flexed his wrist. "This is exactly why the audience loves you. The dangerous girl. The unstable villain. Very marketable.