The Warning
781 Words
The hall slowly emptied as contestants celebrated reaching the next round. Some hugged, some called their families, others whispered excitedly about their designs. But Nablis… she stood still, her sketch pressed to her chest as if it were the only thing keeping her heart from bursting out.
She had passed.
She had actually passed.
She wanted to smile. She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry.
But before she could do any of those things, a gentle tap landed on her shoulder.
She turned.
It was the girl from earlier—the one sitting next to her. She was small, with warm eyes and a nervous smile.
“Hi,” the girl said. “I’m Lira.”
“Nablis,” she replied, still catching her breath.
“I know,” Lira laughed softly. “Everyone knows. Felix was watching you.”
Nablis groaned internally. “Was it that obvious?”
“Oh, very.” Lira leaned closer. “People are already talking. Some think he likes your design. Some think he knows you. Some think you’re the secret girlfriend of the Fashion King.”
Nablis nearly choked. “What? No!”
Lira raised her hands. “I didn’t say it. They did.”
Nablis sighed. She barely knew Felix. And the little she did know… she didn’t like.
Lira’s smile faded slightly. “Listen, Nablis… I need to tell you something. Not to scare you. Just to prepare you.”
Nablis frowned. “What is it?”
“Every year, Felix picks one contestant he pays attention to.” Lira glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. “Some say it’s because he sees potential. Some say he sees weakness. No one knows. But whoever he chooses…” She hesitated.
“They never have a normal journey here.”
“What do you mean?” Nablis asked.
“Either they rise faster than anyone… or they break faster than anyone.”
A chill crawled slowly down Nablis’s spine.
Lira bit her lip. “And today… he chose you.”
Nablis opened her mouth to deny it—when a sudden voice cut between them.
“You should go refresh yourselves,” the host announced from across the hall. “The second challenge begins in thirty minutes.”
The contestants began filing toward the lounge area.
Lira gave Nablis a sympathetic smile before heading ahead.
Nablis followed more slowly, her thoughts heavy.
Chosen?
By him?
She didn’t want that.
She didn’t want special attention. She just wanted a chance—a fair one. But Felix Lenoir wasn’t known for fairness.
Inside the lounge, she grabbed a bottle of water and sat by herself. She didn’t want to talk. She didn’t want to answer rumors. She just wanted peace.
Instead, she got Felix.
He appeared in front of her like he had been waiting for her to sit alone. His presence filled the space, powerful and cold.
“Walk with me,” he said.
Not asked.
Ordered.
She stared up at him. “Why?”
His eyes narrowed. “Because I told you to.”
Her jaw tightened. “And if I say no?”
He leaned slightly closer, just enough for his voice to be heard by only her.
“Then you start this competition with your first mistake.”
Her pulse kicked painfully.
She stood.
He nodded once and led her out of the lounge, down a quiet hallway where cameras didn’t reach. The silence was thick. Uncomfortable. Charged.
Finally, he stopped and turned to her.
“You’re not like the others,” he said.
Nablis lifted her chin. “Is that a compliment or an insult?”
“An observation.” His gaze lowered to her hands, still trembling slightly from earlier. “Your sketch wasn’t safe. That’s why you passed.”
“Then… what do you want from me?”
He didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he stepped closer until she had to tilt her head up to meet his eyes.
“I want you to understand something,” he said quietly. “If you continue this path… if you keep drawing the way you do… people will hate you for it.”
Nablis swallowed. “Why?”
“Because you will stand out.”
His eyes darkened.
“And people despise what they cannot ignore.”
Her breath hitched.
“And you?” she whispered. “Do you despise me too?”
A long silence.
Then he said, almost too softly:
“I haven’t decided yet.”
Her heart tripped.
Before she could speak again, he turned and walked away, leaving her alone with a warning she didn’t ask for… and a tension she couldn’t escape.
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- Writer
