Page 102 of Fallen Princess: Shadow Stalker

“We absolutely love what you’re doing so far,” declares Mark, the label’s CEO. “Your hard rock vibe is exactly what we’ve beenlooking for, and we believe we can create something exceptional together.”

I appreciate their enthusiasm for our sound and style but remain concerned. Charms and verbal assurances are valued, but the real substance and reliability come from the black-and-white words of a well-drafted agreement.

“I want you to know, Eden, that we appreciate your talent and artistic expression,” Sarah, one of the execs sitting opposite me, catches my eye and offers me a warm smile. “We’re here to support you, and we won't tolerate any form of bullying or mobbing towards our artists. Your music and creativity are what matter most to us."

There is a sense of relief from her words, and I appreciate her reassurance. It’s a refreshing departure from the harsh criticisms I faced in the past.

"By the way, I have to say, I love your look. It's powerful and fits the band's image perfectly," Sarah adds.

The execs lay out their vision for Velocity Vortex, proposing to release our first single online to build anticipation for the upcoming album.

"We've got a killer studio producer lined up who specializes in hard rock," adds James, the A&R representative. "They'll help enhance your sound without compromising what makes Velocity Vortex so unique."

I exchange glances with the other four on my side of the table, and I think we all sense this partnership is a golden opportunity.

As our meeting concludes, Mark hands over a business card to Jagger.

“We recommend finding a dedicated manager outside the band to handle the logistics and negotiations. Here's a contact who comes highly recommended. Trust us. It'll make your lives much easier."

Jagger takes it and pockets the card. I’m sure he’ll be in contact with the person as soon as we’re back in the car taking us to the airport.

We bid our goodbyes with a promise of a follow-up and make our way towards the elevator. There's a strong wave of excitement between us even though none of us have uttered a word yet.

“Eden,” Haze addresses me directly as we step outside the building and wait for our driver and Rick, my bodyguard, to bring the vehicle to the front. “How do you feel about this? We can all agree that it’s a priority for you to feel comfortable working with a label you can trust.”

The other three affirm their agreement in his statement, and I can’t help but feel a sense of relief from the band, which reinforces the shared commitment and alignment among us as a team.

“I appreciate the assurance and support from Sarah. It’s a sense of security we hadn’t experienced before.”

“Yeah,” Asher adds. “I did get good vibes from all of them. They didn’t once bring up our old band or musical pasts.”

“It means they are taking us seriously with the new sound and style we want to project,” Jagger casually places his hand on my lower back to direct me to the limo and allow me to enter it first.

“Keep in mind. It won’t be like before,” Callum says, sliding in last and sitting opposite me. “We won’t be getting arenas, more like smaller gigs, and probably put in triple the number of gigs to what we had to do in the past. We became an overnight sensation because of Tone Wars, which was viewed by millions of viewers who voted for our looks and sound. Now we’ve binned all that and are doing things our way, different name, and Eden as gorgeous as she is now, her style isn’t the same Eden Rivers the public is used to. Most didn’t recognize her from our last gig and thought it was some new bird.”

“I’m right here, asshole,” I snap, irritation lacing my words. “Stop talking about me as if I’m not even present.”

It's my biggest pet peeve, hands down.

Callum doesn’t respond; instead, he disregards my irritation with a flick of his brow as his eyes settle his sight on my face without any emotion.

I have no idea what his problem is. Ever since we played at the dive bar, he’s disappeared every evening and returned the next morning. I’m hesitant to ask him if he’s seeing another woman because I have no right to ask him such a thing. He made it clear that he doesn’t want to pursue anything but friendship with me, and while it hurts a little, thinking that he’s with someone else triggers a little green monster in me.

Even if I have no right to feel possessive over Callum, I can’t help the mixed feelings that swirl inside me. If he wants to move on, it’s his right, but I’m not sure how I’ll feel seeing him with another woman.

The discomfort and the sting of realizing that our paths have permanently diverged will probably break me. I miss Callum, and the quiet ache for what once was stirs inside me every time I think about him, let alone see him.

I also noticed he wasn’t vocal about coming to live with the others at my place.

So many questions churn endlessly around in my mind about him.

As the guys quietly talk among each other, I gaze out the window as we navigate through the streets, the harmonious blend of historic architecture, modern structures, and the occasional splash of colorful street art. I get the impression that this city prides itself on embracing individuality and fostering a sense of community.

My mind returns to our meeting with Quantum Records, and a sense of optimism fills me. The future looks bright for the band as we embark on this promising collaboration with our newfound allies in the music industry.

My gaze shifts downward to the hand resting on my thigh, and I instinctively intertwine my fingers with his. A subtle, knowing smile graces Haze's lips as our eyes meet. It's a gentle, reassuring expression that radiates warmth, and he tightens his grip on my hand as if to affirm the unspoken understanding between us. At this moment, words become unnecessary; he's attuned to the unique blend of emotions whirling within me.

I turn back to the window and watch the colorful murals and graffiti art punctuate the scenery, transforming blank walls into vibrant canvases that narrate the city's cultural ethos.

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