Page 183 of Fallen Princess: Shadow Stalker

“Through the ashes, a melody grows,

A symphony of strength, as the river flows.

Against the storm, we'll find our way,

Embracing the dawn of a brand-new day.”

We can’t resist the magnetic draw we have for each other as our ballad draws us closer. I join her once more in the chorus:

“Phoenix rising, from the embers we soar,

Defying fate, we'll break down every door.

In the echoes of the fire, a soul unchained,

A second chance, where dreams are regained.”

Our voices intertwine in a seamless dance, each note resonating with the raw emotion of our shared journey. With eyes locked, we leaned into each other, our bodies swaying in sync with the melody. Our fingertips trace the lines of familiarity on each other's faces, mapping out the journey we've traveled together. The chemistry between us is not just heard but felt, a physical force that binds us in the spotlight's grip.

I wrap my arm around her waist, and she leans in, resting her forehead on my shoulder as I sing the next verse:

“Through the silence of the night,

We'll find the courage to take flight.

Against the doubts, against the pain,

We'll rise above, like thunder and rain.”

She leans away, taking my hand in hers, and our fingers intertwine with each other as we sing the final two verses together:

“Phoenix rising, from the embers we soar,

Defying fate, we'll break down every door.

In the echoes of the fire, a soul unchained,

A second chance, where dreams are regained.

In the silence of the morning light,

We'll stand triumphant, embracing the fight.

Phoenix rising, a symbol of the wise,

In the dance of flames, where hope never dies.”

Our rock ballad becomes more than just lyrics and melody; it's a proclamation of the strong connection we share as a band. As the chorus swells, we hold each other tighter, the power of our song echoing the depth of our emotions. In this electrifying atmosphere, we connect with the audience on an intimate level, each lyric is sharing an emotion that surpasses the physical distance between the stage and the furthest corners of the arena.

As Haze plays the last set of chords, I pull Eden against my chest and kiss thefuck out of her.

Haze and Callum close in on us, reminding us that we’re still on a fucking stage. Reluctantly, I pull away, and Eden has the biggest, most beautiful smile on her face.

The crowd, swept away by the power of our performance, erupts in a thunderous ovation.

“Thank you,” I say into the mic and throw it into the crowd. I grab Eden and run off the stage with the others fast behind us. We follow Flavia’s assistant, who rushes us together with Carl’s new security team, surrounding us through the underground corridors of the arena to the limo that awaits with an open back door. I allow Eden in first, then jump in, and the other three follow.

Carl jumps inside the front passenger and instructs the driver to take us home.

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