Chapter 8

Lyra's POV 

I arrived at the rehearsal hall which was busy with sound engineers and technicians working on the speakers, lights and every other instrument in preparation for our concert which was meant to be held this evening and was still about 8 hours away.

Cassian was already there, sitting on a chair at one corner, swiping through the pages of some files, with that aura of authority he naturally carried.

“Right on time, ” he said looking up as we shared a light hug.

“I always am”, I teased, setting my bag on the table that was just right behind his seat.

He nodded towards two figures standing near the control booth. “So Lyra, two more people have been added to our team. Meet Ava, she's a professional Journalist. She handles everything media and publicity. And Theo, a professional sound engineer and system analyst. Together, I believe you guys will make a great team.

Ava extended her hand for a handshake. “You have nothing to worry about, we'll control the narrative. The world will know you even more, whilst they'll still remain in the shadows. She said with a half confident smile.

Theo didn't smile, but still stretched out his hand for a handshake. “We got you, every single mistake they make becomes a scandal in no time.”

I liked them instantly, no beating around the bush, just precision and purpose. They knew what they were here for.

Cassian gave a nod of approval. “Good. Since we all understand each other, then let's begin.”

The rehearsal started.

The Choreographers practiced their dance, the back up singers practiced their parts and every nook and cranny was just busy with different activities.

At one point, I got tired and decided to rest a bit at one corner, but then I caught myself staring at nothing, at the empty corner where Liam used to stand, checking his watch and waiting for me to finish a set.

Cassian's voice came, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Are you okay?”

I blinked, trying to stop the tears that were about to fall. “Yeah.. I'm good. Just thinking.”

He studied me for a while and then asked. “Liam?”

I didn't answer. I couldn't. My throat had already tightened and words couldn't make it out anymore.

He moved closer pulling me into a comforting hug. “You have to be strong for him, you know.” 

“I'm trying… it's just so hard without him”.

And for a moment, none of us spoke. The silence between us said enough.

By evening, the hall was alive again, coloured lights filled the stage and the audience cheered in anticipation. For tonight, I was to present alone.

Cassian gave a short nod from the side of the stage. 

Ava blew a kiss.

And Theo lifted a thumb from the soundboard.

I stepped onto the stage, cheers from the crowd, almost deafening.

The piano began.

I steadied the mic under my fingers and then the lyrics came, raw and emotional, bleeding from memory of my past.

“You left me where the storm began

I tried to fly with broken hands 

But love had burned,and left its flame.

I am no longer the girl you left to drown

I am now the fire you could never take

And I'll continue to rise and rise again

With your name buried deep below the earth.”

I dropped the last line as the room went still, and then a thunderous applaud filled the entire hall.

I climbed down to the backstage. Feeling the weight of the show I had just made.To them, it was entertainment. To me, every note was a confession. Every word was a reopened wound.

“You were perfect up there”. A voice commended behind me, Dorian's.

“I know,” I answered without even making an attempt to look back.

“Lyra…”

Ava suddenly appeared before me with a plain smile on her face. “That's okay… you may leave now.”

“I just wanted to have a conversation with her,” Dorian protested. 

“That's enough conversation already. This is not the time for… personal visits if any sort. You may leave now, sir”. She said, spreading out her hands and standing between us.

His gaze crossed over to mine for a moment. Then he nodded and went out.

“You didn't have to.” I muttered to Ava.

“He doesn't deserve even a second of your breath”. 

Later, the hall was now completely empty. I stood by the window as I watched Dorian's car fade down the road. I whispered to the glass, too softly, I was sure only I could hear it.

You're breaking already? I haven't even started with you yet. You must suffer for all the pain you caused me”. 

“You're ready to go?” Cassian's voice came from behind. 

“Oh yeah.. lead the way”.

As we were walking out, a vibration came from his phone. A name flashed on the screen.

SERAPHINA - CALLING

He turned it down immediately and shoved it back into his pocket like it was nothing.

Seraphina?... Why would she be calling him?... Maybe she was calling to yarn her usual rants and complaints as usual. But even at that, why was he sneaky about the call.

I looked at him for a while. Maybe he knows best… he has no reason to hide anything from me.