Music recommendation: Walking In The Air by Somnia Arcadia on Spotify.
Days passed, and the grand performance orchestrated by Abigael finally arrived. The colosseum was settled at the center of the capital. Many events were held, and as night fell, the clear sky with scattered clouds formed around Mount Alma as its muse. The air was joyous and festive.
The grand ballroom would be considered a colosseum with its open ceiling revealing the dazzling night sky. Mage lights glowed among the towering pillars as the levels of each tier bore tables with a variety of delicacies for their esteemed guest.
Many angels wore elegant garments that matched their ethereal features, flocking to their respective seats or engaging in conversation with others on the floor. The numbers were filling in as the artist is quite the celebrity among their kind.
Abigael would be seen as a refined young lady. Despite her quirkiness among her brothers, who wouldn't care about her energetic behavior or her questionable living habits, she was an angel of music. Her talent for conducting such melodies could stop a raging bull from becoming a docile giant.
Amongst the chatter, Abigael's name could be heard in every corner.
"After Lady Abigael's last performance, I wouldn't miss it for the world to hear what she has cooked up next."
"Agreed. Her last symphony brought tears as though conveying her emotion to the people."
"What do you think her next piece will be about?"
"I hope it's about love," a lovestruck woman answered. The group laughed before she scrunched her nose at them.
"She has been cooped up in her tower for so long. Her song strongly leans on the matter." Trying to prove her point.
"Well, considering her level of nobility and her brother being the highest point of command, no man could stand a chance to court her."
The gossipers sighed at the thought of such a beauty to be left unclaimed.
A scoff was heard behind the gossip mongers. The lovestruck fan of Abigael paled before gripping her friend's arm at the man passing them. All their expressions darkened as Leo gave a side glare.
Over his dead body if any man would go near his little sister, he thought. He shook his head and continued to find a secluded place where no sneering eyes would jab him—it was getting old. This was a mistake to come here, but Abigael was adamant about his attendance. He did promise to spend time with her, but the latter only said to leave her be and attend the banquet. If there was an excuse, his only option was to use Lyra; alas, his sister kept her away from him, deeming it for the sake of "art."
That would explain the uneasiness. He grew anxious at first in her absence and Lyra's luck to stir trouble, but surprisingly, all was calm and uneventful. It was strange.
Uriel's warning kept him on edge, expecting his brother Gabriel to bring out his sentence. But all he received was silence. He remained in his room and would occasionally visit the broody angel Uriel from time to time. For a philosopher of wisdom, the man refused to delve in sharing the verdict or matters of Eden. He explained that the matter of his reinstatement will be announced soon. He released a sigh on that thought.
Leo stepped out to one of the open archways overlooking the city and allowed the cool breeze to sway his hair gently. Patience was his strong suit, after all—he had held out this long and could wait another day. All that matters is that both parties can settle here in peace.
The grand colosseum roared in applause at the reveal of Abigael descending from above and landing gracefully at the center of the orchestra. She donned a black tuxedo that screamed rebellion to the light pastel mix in the audience. Known for her daring appearance and for standing up for her brother, she wore a red rose at the lapel of her jacket. With her strawberry blond hair combed back with a couple of curls spilling forward, she dared anyone to challenge her. Gone was the dainty figure, many fans admired, and here came the fierce woman who demanded respect.
With a smile as she twirled towards the audience, "Thank you all for being here tonight. I hope you enjoy tonight's performance as much as I did with the fire of inspiration." She bowed with another round of applause. The people loved it.
With a glint in her eye as her smile widened, "Now, without further ado, please be seated and enjoy the show."
**Music recommendation: Walking In The Air by Ashley Serena, Ryan Louder on Spotify.**
Abigael conjured her baton with a whisk of her hand, aiming the lights around, she waved it steadily forward. The area dimmed with one remaining spotlight showering on the center stage. A hush fell over the audience as the orchestra tuned in a soft, trembling murmur. Then, from the shadows, Lyra emerged, wrapped in a glittering blue gown that shimmered like a slice of midnight sky.
The soft puffed sleeves framed her bare shoulders, her skin glistened under the stage's magical orbs. Silver embroidery caught the glow, tracing her bodice with delicate vines as if the stars themselves had descended to touch her. The full skirt of her gown floated around her like mist on a midnight sea, each step sending soft waves through the sparkling fabric. The daring slit revealed a glimpse of strength and poise with every movement — a quiet defiance wrapped in elegance.
As the first note of the orchestra rose — a lone, tender violin — Lyra lifted her face to the heavens, eyes half-closed, breathing in the music. Then she began to sing.
Broken from his thoughts.
This voice.
Leo turned and strode to the melody. Leading him to opening overlooking the stage from the nosebleeds. He squinted to get a better look as he saw his sister conducting the orchestra with precision and grace, a smile splattered on her face as she was lost in the music. He trailed to the owner of the melody that captivated his attention before he froze as his jaw slackened. Lyra.
Her voice was pure velvet, threading through the air like spun silver, weaving effortlessly with the swelling strings and the soft, golden call of the horns. Every note she sang was a star being born, every breath a galaxy unfolding. Her hands moved with the melody — one brushing the air, the other resting lightly against her heart — drawing the audience deeper into her spell.
The blue gown caught the light and scattered it, making her seem more ethereal than human, as though she might ascend at any moment, lifted by her song alone. In that moment, with the orchestra rising around her like a mighty tide, Lyra wasn't just performing. She was the music — wild, endless, and beautiful beyond mortal dreams.
With the crescendo at the end, Lyra ended with her arms reaching to the stars. Abigael swiftly swiped without missing a beat as the hall fell silent. Sweat glistened above Lyra's brow, she dared not move before a resounding applause and cheers roared to break he frozen stance.
Feeling someone wrapping around her right arm tightly, she peered to her right to Abigael with excitement. Her eyes sparkled in admiration.
"See, I told you!" she whispered in her smile before waving at the standing ovation they received. "They loved it. You have a remarkable talent, Lyra."
With an infectious smile, her lips curled as the duo faced the audience and gave a bow that fueled the crowd with adoration. "Encore" was heard as the ladies stepped behind the stage, exiting with grace. Abigael had enough energy for another performance, but her concern was solely on Lyra. She noticed the sheen on her face and her slightly trembled hands—Abi knew Lyra would be an excellent singer if not for stage fright.
With a comforting squeeze, Abi spoke, "Let's get some fresh air and find my brother. He must be somewhere."
Lyra was relieved to know she didn't have to sing another note. Their rehearsals from the past few days were daunting and relentless, but it was worth it in the end. The adrenaline slowly subsided, and it felt liberating.
Being raised in a small bustling village and having had mild training in combat was all she knew in life. Her voice was never meant for the arts, as the people would ignore or tease her. The only people who admired her talent were gone now—Conrad and Aria.
Her smile faltered at the thought of them. The tug from Abi brought Lyra out to the main floor as many prestigious guests approached the star of the hour. Many unfamiliar faces crowded around the ladies.
"Another marvelous performance, ladies."
"Truly another addition to the growing success, Lady Abigael."
"Please! You must play another encore. At least another one of your previous works."
"Lady Abigael, who is the lovely siren you brought here tonight?"
"I've never seen her before. Could she be from a neighboring land?"
Lyra didn't know how to react to the fans who overwhelmed them, but Abi was swift with her response, "I am pleased with your compliments. No, as much as you would love to listen to more of my work, I will humbly decline and let the rest of the night be played by someone else. As you can see, she is a guest of my brother's. This is Lyra, and she wishes to breathe without everyone bombarding her. If you want to know more about her, I suggest conversing with my brother.
Her brother?
Did she mean…Archangel Gabriel?
"Now, if you will excuse us." Without delay, Abi pulled Lyra away from the stunned group.
The gossip continued as the ladies made their way through the sea of people.
"I don't recall Archangel Gabriel ever being acquainted with a woman."
"Someone of his stature would never have the time or day. Let alone the number of proposals he received is endless."
"Could it be one of the nobles he finally took notice of?"
"Nonsense! My daughter would be heartbroken, and I would end up featherless from the stress I would receive from her wails."
Strange. A human guest under the eyes of an archangel, and not just any, but Gabriel. Mixed feelings of amazement, jealousy, and confusion were painted on the people as murmurs grew. However, Abi and Lyra never heard the rumors as they began to search for the man who was truly responsible for this.
Up in a private room overlooking the performance, a particular archangel overheard the group and couldn't help but chuckle. This would undoubtedly cause a misunderstanding, indeed, but he was game. After all, what better way to stir the pot and irk Leo than by making these rumors true? Gabriel grinned at the thought and followed the path the ladies took.
Abi found an unoccupied wall to rest and swiped a couple of drinks from a passing waiter. Lyra sipped at the cold beverage, which calmed her nerves. A pleasant floral fragrance with a tart finish was a surprise to her taste, but she enjoyed the drink nonetheless and placed it on a nearby table.
"Where could he be? I told him you were performing tonight," Abi harumphed at the tardiness of Leo's presence. Her heel clicked impatiently as she looked across the ballroom.
Lyra shook her head with a small smile. She may not have known him long like his sister, but she can tell that this type of lifestyle wasn't for him. He preferred the sound of nature over the chattering noise.
The lingering stares she received from people around her grew with interest, and she began to feel conscious of her attire. She wished to leave this place but didn't want to come off rude to Abi. Her feet were killing her. Disheartened would be childish for her if Leo never attended tonight. She would squash the ache that began to creep in her heart. She shouldn't even consider it.
"Finally!" Abi rolled her eyes as she flung her hands up. Exasperated by the late arrival of Leo. "What kept you? I had to fight my way through to keep her safe from prying fans."
Lyra's eyes widened; she didn't need Abi to mention his name as the air around her crackled with his familiar presence. Her eyes trailed up to meet his.
Leo was silent.
His gaze was trained on the beauty before him. He failed to respond to his sister's nagging as he froze in place. If time could pause in this moment, he would capture every detail and engrave it in his memory. She was breathtaking.
"Brother…oh?" Abi was about to add another complaint, but noticed the shift in the air. In her mind, she was screaming in glee at the possibility of love at first sight! They said it was a myth, but she begged to differ. Her brother had that glint in his eye that stated, 'Mine.'
She would forgive her brother this once and enjoy the show unfolding before her eyes. A sight so rare of seeing another side of Leo, she had never seen.
Lyra, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks, saw him take another step closer to her, being within her breathing space. The scent of mint mingled with her senses, and the touch from his hand reached hers as it was brought to his lips. Her breath hitched as the tantalizing spark sent shivers through her form. Her eyes were trapped in his captivating gaze.
This man. Had the power to unravel her with a mere touch on her hand, stun her with a glance, and stop her heart with a breath from his.
"Will you honor me with a dance, my lady?" Leo spoke unwaveringly as a challenge.