This room was too bright. That’s what Aria was first to see. Not the cameras. Not the people. The lights. Mean without being cruel, relentless, unyielding, exposing, showing everything, even expressions, hesitations, cracks in the composure. There would be nowhere to hide here. Good. She wasn't going to be a good girl and stay quiet in the back anymore.
Backstage, the air buzzed with controlled urgency. Assistants scrambled, got ready the microphones, looked over last-minute notes. The countdowns, live feeds and comments were already pouring in on the screens before the interview even began. The world was on its eyes. Waiting. Hungry. Aria sat quietly in the chair with her hands lightly in her lap. Facing down on the water. A storm underneath.
“It's not too late to evacuate.” Lucien's vo
