Page 10 of Savage Reign

But my mind’s already miles away, fixated on the chance to finally see her dance in person. Over the years, I’ve caught glimpses of her talent, but they’ve been nothing more than fucking breadcrumbs, leaving me starving for more.

I know Sofiya is leverage, a pawn… and a dangerous addiction I need to shake. Letting her become anything more would mean losing focus, and after putting a bullet in my brother’s head and clawing my way close to the top of Russia’s criminal underworld, I’m sure as hell not about to lose it all now.

CHAPTER

THREE

SOFIYA

The opening notesof the song fill the empty studio, and I catch my reflection in the mirror. My black leotard clings to me like a second skin. Every muscle is taut with energy, ready to spring into action. For a moment, I close my eyes, imagining the crowd’s buzz and the rush of anticipation I’ll feel in a couple of days when I’m onstage.

I take a deep breath and launch into a sharp turn that flows into a powerful leap. The mirrors echo my every action, each sweep of my arms and kick of my legs deliberate and precise. Months of relentless practice have made this routine second nature, and with each movement, I sink into the rhythm and let the story take over.

A smattering of applause takes me out of my bubble and pulls me back into the present.

“Knew we’d find you here,” Daria announces. She and Alex stand at the room’s entrance with my bodyguard, Samuil. He makes eye contact with me and nods before turning around to stand guard outside the studio.

“My home away from home,” I quip. “Where else would you find me?”

I reach for a towel to wipe my brow as Alex hands me a bottle of water, which I take gratefully, downing half of it in one go.

Daria and Alex are not only my best friends but also fellow students at the performing arts college. We met in our first year, stuck in a ballet class we all despised.

Alex narrows his eyes. “Have you eaten dinner yet?” When I freeze and anoh shitlook flickers over my face, he sighs. “Sofi, it’s nearly nine.”

I slump back against the wall. “I know, I know. Time got away from me.”

“I see we need to take over the situation.” Daria rests a hand on her curvy hip. Her stark black bob sways in front of her face, and she gives me a hard stare that nobody in their right mind would argue with. Daria looks like an emo dominatrix, with a septum piercing and a wardrobe of leather and lace—but she’s actually sweet once you get past her hardened, no BS outer layer.

Alex, on the other hand, is a human golden retriever, loyal to a fault and always looking out for his friends.

“Shower, and get dressed. We’re taking you out for food,” Alex insists. His stern tone would be more effective if he weren’t so damn boyish with shaggy, sandy blond hair and big pouty lips that make him especially popular with the other guys at our school.

I wouldn’t bother arguing even if I weren’t starving; when these two get something in their minds, there’s no dissuading them.

An hour later, we’re cozied up in our favorite diner across from the college, waiting on the meals we ordered.

I’m hoping to steer clear of any comments about my tireless rehearsing, but my stomach’s loud growl betrays me. All students put in extra hours leading up to graduation, but admittedly, I’ve been a little hyperfocused, practicing up to twelve hours a day, losing myself so completely that I forget basic things like eating.

Daria frowns, spreading a napkin on her lap. “What's going on? You don’t need to practice like you’re a first-year student, running yourself ragged. Save some energy for the actual recital.”

The waitress drops off our food, and I have to stop myself from tearing into my sandwich like a wild beast, even though I have the appetite of one. “Word is scouts from the major European dance companies will be at the recital, including one from the Berlin Contemporary Dance Company. I want it to go perfectly.”

Daria and Alex know that the Berlin dance company is my dream. Their performances are innovative and bold but always beautifully performed.

Alex frowns. “Itwillgo perfectly. You’ve put your heart and soul into this dance, and the teachers picked you for a reason—because you’re the best.” He lays his hand over mine. “Don’t let anyone make you doubt that.”

“I know. It must be nerves,” I acknowledge.

“Have you told Liza about Berlin yet?” Daria asks, taking a sip of her drink.

“A few days ago. She took it better than I thought. I mean, she was surprised and a little sad about me leaving, but I think she gets it. Now, I need to land a job in Berlin so I can support myself.”

“You will.” Alex wraps an arm around me. “Come on, you need a little motivation. Let’s play the game.”

“Again? Aren’t you guys sick of hearing about my dream life?”

“Absolutely not!” Daria rests her elbows on the table and leans her chin in her hand. “Because then I get to tell you mine.”

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