Palermo Theater buzzed with crowds, all here for Clare, the dance prodigy returning after five years. Julian limped toward the entrance, each step a struggle through the throng. But at the guest desk, an attendant stopped him. "Sir, you can't go in."
"Why not?" he growled, his only chance to see me slipping away. The theater didn't require invitations—just a ticket.
The attendant held up a photo, comparing it to Julian's face. "You're banned for life from Palermo Theater for harassing our troupe member, Clare."
Julian froze, like a wolf in darkness watching his last candle flicker out. "No, you don't understand! I know Clare—she's my mate!"
The attendant's eyes dripped with disdain. "Clare's mate is Nick. You think I'm an i***t?"
Julian fumbled for his phone, pulling up our bonding ph
