Page 223 of Bliss & Her Idols

Each student is outstandingly talented.

Jin is giving them a pep talk. The Idols are spellbound by him.

They look at him with an open adoration that is sincere. Having watched them together during practice and Jin’s hyper and joyful way of bringing them together with laughter, kindness, and magic, I’m certain that it’s not because he’s a celebrity.

Jin has an entire hidden life with these Idols, just like Immortal has, which I don’t know.

To them, these two men are their saviors and protectors.

And how much more important isthatthan being famous? To save even one person, let alone an entire Idol camp?

My heart swells with respect.

The emotion must be strong enough that it reaches through the bond because Jin falters, glancing across at me.

He smiles and waves, and I wave back.

Jin is wearing the same as the rest of the Idols: the black t-shirt and joggers of the Idol’s uniform.

His hair hangs untamed around his shoulders without clips holding it back.

Jin wanted to appear before the world stripped back. It was his idea to take off the mask and show himself as simply one of the other Idols, rather than in the rich satins and silks, which he’d been forced into wearing.

They’re not his real style or identity.

“When I’m Chief Alpha,” Torin replied, refusing to accept that we still could fail, despite the fact that we all knew the danger, “every Idol will have a proper contract, pay, and can wear whatever they choose. The kids will have a bank account with access to buy their essentials for themselves, including their own clothes. They’ll have help to choose their own identities, rather than a marketing team imposing their signature look and branding on them. Until then, why don’t we all wear the same? People will be able to see that I don’t think I’m above anyone else on this estate.”

I smile as I study Torin.

True to his word, he’s donned the same simple Idol uniform.

Has any Alpha on this estate worn that before?

He deserves to be an honorary Idol. He’s earned it.

Torin stands at the back of the stage next to Immortal. The two men are tuning up their indigo electric guitars.

Torin has that furrow between his brows again, the one that he had when he was sitting on his floor, composing with his acoustic guitar on his lap.

He looks as much in the zone, as when I write.

Finally, he’ll be able to perform on a stage like he always should have been able to.

Fuck what his family will think about that.

Fuck how much he will be judged for it.

Immortal catches my eye and shoots me a wink.

Jin offered to put makeup on Immortal to cover his bruises, but Immortal shook his head.

“Aren’t we meant to be taking off our masks and showing the world the truth?” Immortal ran his hand down the length of his body. “I’ll still be the prettiest on that stage.”

He has some serious competition.

With so many Idols on the stage at once, along with my Alpha, it’s like looking at a gathering on Mount Olympus.

Somehow, the fact that they’re only wearing simple black outfits, merely emphasizes their beauty more.

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