Page 156 of The Failed Audition

But it’s not likely that’ll happen.

He’s handing Katya off to people with less love to give, less care to offer, and it’s killing him inside.

“Hey!” security calls, aiming towards Nikolai’s siblings.

“Run,” Luka says, grabbing Timo and lifting him to a stance. They race away, down the east wing, slipping on the cobblestone and laughing.

Katya shakes her head at them and steps off the fountain ledge. Security just watches her, and she points to us. “I’m with them.”

Nikolai raises his brows. “You’re going to have to find a new scapegoat when you’re in Noctis.”

Her shoes squish and leave wet footprints as she approaches. “No, I’m not.”

I frown in confusion.

She rocks on the balls of her feet, her long brown hair parted in the center. Her big, round eyes seem to sparkle like her brothers’ now. “Because…” She smiles, tears filling her eyes. “I’m staying here.”

Nikolai’s face falls in shock. “What?” He looks to me, as if I planned this.

I hold up my hands. “I didn’t know anything.”

“It was my decision.” Katya fiddles with her fingers. “I’ve thought about it since Thanksgiving…” She takes a deep breath. “…I only wanted to go to Noctis because Mom and Dad were there. And it took me some time but I realized something important.” She rubs her eyes with her hand, cheeks already splotchy.

“And what’s that?” Nikolai asks.

She laughs into a tearful, happy smile. “I realized,” she says, “thatyou’remore of a parent to me than they ever were.” She laughs again and points at him. “You’re my favorite brother, Nik. You know that?”

He has his hand over his mouth, his eyes flooding. When he drops his arm, he says, “And you’re my favorite sister.”

“I’m your only sister,” she reminds him.

He hugs her, and I hear him whisper in Russian that sounds close tothank you.He wanted her to stay.

I wanted her to stay. I blow out a breath, relief loosening my muscles. She chose him over her parents.

This good news comes on the heels of Luka’s. He accepted a role in Infini yesterday, after learning a new discipline. They’ve added the Wheel of Death back into the show, the apparatus that Timo was previously known for. The one that Luka didn’t think he had the patience or skill to learn.

I realize exactly what this means for the future. Katya will be in Vegas. With Luka. Timo.

Nikolai.

And me.

I smile. So much. It’s a better ending than the one we’d all been imagining.

When they break apart, Katya looks to me, wiping her eyes again. “Can I keepDarkest Warmest Nightuntil I finish?” she asks me.

I nod and Nikolai gives me a look. “What kind of book is that?”

I clear my throat, a tickle where my lie sits. “It’s not romantic.”

“It’s about a werewolf family,” Katya says. “It’s a good book.”

I really can’t stop smiling. “Exactly.”

He wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. And that’s when I see my mom, dad, and little brother emerge from the elevators. My pulse picks up speed.

“Good luck tonight,” Katya tells me, noticing my family. “I’ll be in the nosebleeds with Luka, but we’ll be there.” She waves goodbye and heads down the east wing.

---