Page 203 of Juliet & Her Romeos

Swan has spent his life protecting and looking out for other dancers. He’s right that there are certain members who are loyal enough to keep any secret.

I bet that there are some who’d die for him.

“You can practice in the Cinders Ballet Academy,” Silvanus offers. “I’ll have a small group of the best and most discrete dancers join you.”

Ambrose balls his hands into fists. “Mom’s own dancers, who she thinks are her pretty puppets, will be the ones who’ll drive her to make the mistake, which finally revealsherto the world as the bad Alpha.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Prima Ballet Theater, Sanctum

“The Rose vs Slipper Ballet Contest is finally here.” I look around myself at the backstage of the Prima Ballet Theater in wonder. I’m back here again but this time, as the first Omega principal. Plus, the first to take part in this event. “The last few days of rehearsal have been grueling, but Silas has been incredible. He came through on his promises and truly managed to get his dancers working with ours.”

Swan adjusts my elaborate silver and crystal headdress. “Except, it’s not a contest anymore. This is how to lead a revolution from within. Olivia, the Dance Master, Dimitri…none of them will see it coming.”

Despite my nerves, I grin. “And everybody involved kept the secret. Miss Katerina tried to break us, then transform us into hard versions of herself: ruthless and competitive. She believes that the world is separated into winners and losers, who arebattling against each other. Silas’ dancers, however, are loyal to him because he’s protected them for years.”

“And mine are loyal because I’m the brave hero who steals alcohol and chocolate for them.”

I attempt not to laugh as I reply, “More likely they fancy your tight ass in these costumes, Feathers.”

“That too.” Swan winks. “Plus, I am the best Beta dancer of my generation.”

“And the humblest.”

“Did I mention that I’m partnered with the best Omega dancer?” Swan lowers his forehead to mine, meeting my gaze fiercely. The air is electric with tension. “And that we’re about to make history together?”

I gently kiss him. “Did I mention how grateful I am to my mentor, who’s always believed in me?”

“Yousaved me, my Queen. You’re my fated. Now that we’ve found our pack, I believe that we can achieve anything.”

My heart soars.

Finally, excitement rushes through me, overtaking the nerves.

I can sense the nerves from the rest of my men through the bond, however, along with their exhilaration.

Tonight is the most important of our lives.

I wrinkle my nose at the unique smell of the theater: dust burning in the footlights, the musty scent of velvet seats, and greasepaint.

Swan and I are dressed in matching, flowing white outfits. Swan’s hair is entwined with purple roses. It looks beautiful. His makeup is shimmering and gold, whereas mine is pale and silver.

I’m wearing a Cinders emblem over my heart, whereas Swan has the Romeo one.

I’ll be playing Nova in this performance, and Swan will be Felix.

It’s uniquely painful to be performing notwithmy mom but as her. When we started working out ideas for this production, it took immense bravery for both Swan and me to get over what it truly meant to step into the ghostly role of people who we’d loved and lost.

Yet it’s also the greatest honor in the world.

My stomach churns.

The costumes are floaty with gorgeous feathery, full sleeves that hang in fluttery ribbons to our waists.

When we pirouette, they’ll fly around us like wings.

I touch my glass slipper necklace for luck.

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