Page 7 of Blood Lord

Through the partition to my right, I hear the other performers grumbling. Some complain about Nielmor's profits off their hard work; others gripe that they deserve more of the applause since these oddities aren't really doing anything.

One thing is consistent through all of their opinions: I'm not worth Nielmor's attention.

I've had a target on me for a long-time for being Nielmor's favorite, and it's one of the reasons he always keeps me separate. The Thirteen only knows what would happen to me if Nielmor stepped away, leaving us truly alone.

Usually, they ignore me, knowing that incurring Nielmor's wrath isn't worth it. It's better to let go of anger than become a flaming skin hoop.

But others, usually the newer ones that haven't learned their place, try to torment and humiliate me. I've had costumes destroyed, skin-irritating herbs ground into my makeup, and enchanted combs switched out with mine that burned my locks to odd lengths.

In the end, I avoid everyone else. It's easier than letting Neilmor get involved.

Well, everyone but Aaron. He is our Invincible Man. When Aaron was a kid growing up in Liiandor, one of his masters lit him on fire, laughing as they watched him try to put out the enchanted flames.

He survived it, but his nerve endings had been fried, and now, he doesn't register pain. He says that it's a silver lining because, although his act is just Nielmor mutilating him and twisting him before the crowd, he can't feel it like everyone else can. At least, he's not one of the freakshow.

Or that's what he used to say, but his attitude has started to turn sour as of late.

Just as I hear Nielmor enter the Big Top with his footstool bit, the partition pushes open behind me. I sigh, turning to face whoever has come to try and shake me up before my act, but I relax when I see Aaron.

"You did great tonight," I tell him, not oblivious to the way his eyes rake down my body.

He shakes his head. "Selene, you are always so stunning. Is this outfit new?"

I nod, giving him a slight shake of my hips that make his eyes widen. The fringe that hangs from my waist shakes with my body, catching the light, and I dazzle like a star. "It is."

His big brown eyes move back up to look at me, and he takes a step forward, reaching for my hand. I let him take it, knowing that Aaron is never a threat to me. He's really the only friend I have in the circus, and while that's as deep as it goes for me, it's clear he has a soft spot.

Some even say he's in love with me.

I don't pay that any mind. I enjoy the companionship with Aaron, but he and I don't agree on our life's paths. And I can feel the question coming before he even asks it.

"Selene, run away with me."

I offer him a smile, though I feel exasperated that he is on this again. "Aaron, I am about to go on."

He shakes his head. "I can't do this anymore. I can't let this be all that my life is. Do you know what he does to me out there? We need to get out of here before he notices that we're missing. With the audience watching, he won't be able to hunt us down immediately. It'll give us time to escape."

I sigh. Aaron has done this almost every performance night lately.

I hate that his role is something he's been forced into, that Nielmor is exploiting his pain and traumatic experiences. But that is not me. I love to sing, to perform, and I have no intentions of leaving the circus. Which I've told Aaron time and time again.

Nielmor saves me just in time as the lights above start to dim, shifting around to flicker strobes of spotlights as his voice grows.

"And now, a voice from the Thirteen themselves, ladies and gentle-elves, the Fallen Star."

But Aaron is rather persistent tonight. He won't stop, even as I take a step back, sliding my hand from his grasp. "Selene, think about it. The Fallen Star and the Invincible Man! We could have our own show, away from that deranged lunatic. We could go anywhere! Do anything!"

My hand parts the curtain before me, building suspense for the audience as I shake my head at Aaron. My gaze isn't unsympathetic as I tell him, "I can't, Aaron. I belong here. But I hope that you make it to wherever you are going. Truly, I wish you the best."

And with his enraged face going slack at my words, I turn away. I know he's hurt and angry, but he will be okay. Maybe one of these days he will understand that I won't change my mind.

The music swells as I step out under the dazzling lights, and the floating orbs zone in on my location, highlighting my body from every angle as I walk to the center stage. Nielmor bows as he slowly backs away, leaving me alone to command my audience.

I wave as they all comment on my appearance, and I catch snippets of the conversations.

"She's the one I've heard about."

"I hope it's worth it."

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