Page 208 of Gathered Sparkle

Is it any wonder, though?

It’s hard to act like this is just another show.

Like it’s not the day we’ve worked toward for years. Like it’s not our last night in Vegas, and we’re not about to run from the police and Veronica’s wrath.

His eyes sweep over us, taking us all in, and the gravity of it hits me again.

This is the night we’ve bled, broken, and sacrificed for.

“All right, boys,” Oscar begins. “This is it. The big one. We’ve been through hell to get here. And you all stayed.”

Sylus catches my eye and flashes a crooked smile, but his hands are twitching at his sides. Ezra simply nods, quiet as always, but his shoulders aren’t as squared as they usually are.

“Blood doesn’t make a family.” Oscar’s voice softens, but somehow, it hits harder. “It’s loyalty. It’s showing up for each other, no matter how hard it gets. And every single one of you… you’ve been more than family to me. Magic isn’t in the tricks but in the people you share it with.”

Sylus clears his throat, suddenly fascinated with the floor. Koen shoves his hands deep into his pockets, and even Levi’s mask of confidence falters a little.

“I’m proud of you.” Oscar’s eyes find mine, and I feel the sting of tears behind my eyes. “Of all of you.”

It’s not the first time I’ve heard those words, not from him. But tonight, it’s different.

He’s not just reminding us.

He’s saying goodbye in case this blows up in our faces.

The realization grips me by the throat, and I forget how to breathe because this isn’t only a show. It’s everything. It’s our final act before the curtain falls, and we’re either free—orwe’re done.

And somehow, despite everything, Oscar is standing here, steady and unshaken, loving us with everything he’s got. “We pull this off tonight, and everything changes. We finish this, and we’ll be sipping drinks on the beaches in Malta by Christmas morning.”

The thought of all of us somewhere safe and far away, the weight of everything finally off our shoulders, feels like a dream I’m scared to let myself believe in.

“All right.” Oscar claps his hands together. “Gentleman, this is the moment we’ve waited for. Let’s get this show started.” Koen and Levi exchange one last glance before heading toward the stage entrance.

Sylus ruffles his hair and heads toward the side exit to prep the illusions. Ezra straightens his jacket and slips into the crowd to take his position. The quiet hum of the crowd grows louder as the house lights dim, and the show is about to start.

“You know.” Oscar adjusts his cufflinks, his face still calm, but I notice his hand tremble.

Wait—

“You’ve always reminded me of someone.”

I blink at him, confused. “Who?”

“Me.” He chuckles as he turns to the monitor showing the stage. “Stubborn as hell, hard to trust anyone, and always thinking you have to carry everything yourself. But you don’t, Alaric. You never did.”

My throat tightens.

Oscar’s hand comes down on my shoulder. It’s the only touch that grounds me nowadays without making me panic.

“Whatever happens tonight, even if we end up in that damn cell again, you’re not alone. You’ve got us. And we’ve got you. I promised you no one would ever hurt you again, and I meant it.”

The words settle over me like armor.

I’ll be safe.

The spotlight blazes to life on stage, illuminating Koen and Levi as they step into view. The audience cheers, the noise crashing against the walls.

“Ladies, gents, and nonbinary friends!” Levi twirls Pebble in one hand like a flourish of a wand. “We love to have you here tonight! You’ve seen magic before, but tonight, you’re about to feel it.”

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