I was never much of a drinker, but I did have a couple of glasses of wine. I adored its taste, the elegance it brought to the evening. But I didn't get drunk—neither did my friends. We simply enjoyed the music, the atmosphere, and the incredible energy of this place.
Then I noticed that there was an open stage where people could go up and sing. Chloe and Emily immediately encouraged me, saying they couldn't sing, but they knew I could, so I agreed, making them squeal with excitement. I had loved singing for a long time, especially those old, mystical ballads. And there was one song, in particular, that felt deeply personal to me. I knew I had to sing it.
When I whispered the song's title to the DJ, he played it almost instantly. And as soon as the first notes filled the air, I was swept away. All the tension from the day, all the mystery, all the uncertainty faded, replaced by the warmth of newfound friendships.
As I sang, I felt a gaze locked onto me. I glanced to my right—and there he was. The blonde general, watching me from the upper level of the club. Leaning against the railing, his strong frame at ease, his eyes fixed on me. I tried not to pay attention, but there was something in his gaze—something like admiration. Something I had never seen from him before.
Then, I felt another stare. This one was different. As I looked down into the crowd, my eyes met a pair of deep, venom-green irises. I froze. A strange mix of fear and tension washed over me, just like it always did when I saw him. But this time, I didn't let it consume me.
Maybe it was the wine, or maybe it was the sheer fire of my own will—but I refused to let that gaze control me. In fact, I did the opposite. I met his eyes head-on, and as if I were singing just for him, I became even more radiant, even more carefree. I danced with more energy, I sang with even more passion. I focused on the way the black-haired girl and her group swayed so freely to the music, on how everyone was simply lost in the moment.
As the song neared its end, I allowed myself one last glance at those green eyes. My gaze pierced through his, as if my little emerald specks had conquered his strong irises. I crowned my silent victory with a sly, knowing smile. And that's when I saw it—his expression shifted.
His eyes softened, just for a second. As if, for the first time, they were inviting me in.
But nothing could shake me tonight. Standing on that stage, I felt invincible. No sorrow, no fear could reach me here.
This world had been trying to break me since the moment I arrived.
But now, it had to face the truth.
I could not be broken.