Page 243 of Eternal
In the mirror.
She’s broken, sad, and lonely.Unworthy.
She’s still here, is she beautiful?
The girl who thought she’d grow up to be a princess. The one who wanted to dance in school halls, spin rhythmically, pretend the world was gentle?
She loved music once. Before it stopped being art, before it became an escape.
Then came the scars, the dark circles, the weight that vanished with every addiction, every night she didn’t come back whole.
She isn’t a princess, she never was, she’s ruined. But she’sme, and I have to carry her to the gala.
It’s never over… my kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder…
I’m done now, I can finally go.
I pull up to the venue, kill the engine, and yank off the helmet, the air’s cool against my skin, and my hair’s a mess.
“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath, shaking my head as I run my fingers through the curls.
Some settle, most don’t, it’s okay I don’t care.
I let out a long breath, pushing the helmet onto the bike’s seat before straightening up. Not very smart of me, driving like this when I’m tipsy, but who’s gonna stop me? Vik? He’d yell and probably steal the keys for good, but he’s not here, and I’m alone in this city.
It’s just a little buzz anyway, enough to make everything feel lighter but not enough to actually lose control.
I smooth down the dress, check my bike one last time, and walk toward the entrance.
That’s when I spot them outside.
The four of them, all gathered together, just standing there. The Don, the Emira, the Pakhan, and Bennedito.
And there’s someone else, a woman with purple hair. She’s leaning back against the stone pillar, laughing at something Nikolai just said.
I take another breath, adjust my hair again even though it’s hopeless.Screw it.
“Voron!” The Don’s voice is low but warm, the way he always says my name like he’s about to make a joke. “You came.”
I offer a small smile. “Didn’t have much of a choice.”
Ben chuckles and nods. “Glad to see you here. You look amazing.”
The woman with purple hair extends her hand, a small grin pulling at the corners of her lips. “Hi, I’m Brian,” she says. “Nice to finally meet you.”
I shake her hand, surprised by how warm and firm it feels, and the Pakhan nods in my direction. “Thank you for today,” he says simply.
I give him a small nod, acknowledging him, then turn to Zanae, she’s watching me, already smiling. “The dress suits you perfectly.”
“Thanks, you picked the perfect one,” I mutter, grateful for the compliment.
Her smile widens as she gestures toward the entrance. “Let’s go inside.”
I follow them, slipping into the crowd as they lead the way. Let the party begin, I guess.
70
AZRA
