Chapter 218: How Sweet. How Stupid.

“Congratulations!”

The word echoed from multiple directions as soon as Leitana stepped out of the side stage exit into the bustling lobby. The showcase was over, and the grand foyer of the Juilliard Extension building was alive with chatter, laughter, and the clinking of champagne glasses. Families and friends gathered in clusters, hugging performers, taking photos, and discussing the performances.

Leitana was immediately surrounded by her friends.

Ethan was the first to pull her into a careful one-armed hug, his cast making the motion awkward but sincere. “You were incredible up there. Seriously. That piece… I got chills.”

Lila clapped her hands together, eyes sparkling. “Oh my god, Leitana! You played beautifully. The whole hall was silent. I’ve never seen anything like it!”

Mikey grinned wide, pulling her into a quick squeeze. “You killed it, girl! Even with everything going on, you still showed up and gave everything. I’m so proud of you.”

Kai nodded slowly, his usual quiet demeanor softened with a rare smile. “Beautiful playing. Really beautiful.”

Marita bounced on her toes, grabbing Leitana’s hands and spinning her once. “Lei! Mi sister! You were like a real star up there! Mi almost cried when you played that last part. So emotional!”

Leitana laughed softly, cheeks warm from all the praise. “Thank you… all of you. Mi was so nervous, but… it felt good to play from the heart.”

Mia stood a little behind the group, arms crossed, offering a small, tight smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah… you did good,” she said quietly, glancing away. The congratulations felt forced, the tension from the wolf incident still lingering between them.

Leitana noticed but didn’t push. She just gave Mia a gentle nod, hoping time would heal the hurt she had caused.

As the group kept talking and laughing, Leitana’s eyes darted around the crowded foyer, searching for one person. Ravial. He had been back staged during her performance, but she hadn’t seen him since she left the stage. Her heart gave a small, anxious twist.

Then her gaze landed on a familiar face a little further away.

Arabella Rousseau stood talking to two older people (her parents, judging by the resemblance) and Professor Yuri. Arabella looked tense, her violin case clutched tightly in her hands. The moment their eyes met across the room, Arabella’s widened in visible panic. She quickly looked away, turning her body slightly.

Leitana’s heart raced. The vision from the bathroom flashed in her mind again, the wolf, the desperate cry for help. Before she could stop herself, she started walking toward her.

“Leitana?” Marita called, confused.

But Leitana kept going. The others exchanged glances and hurried after her.

She approached the small group politely. “Good evening, ma’am. Good evening, sir. May I speak to Arabella please?”

Arabella’s mother turned, eyes lighting up with recognition. “Oh! It’s you, the girl who played that beautiful piece earlier!”

Leitana flushed, nodding shyly. “Yes, ma’am.”

The professor beside them smiled warmly. “This is Leitana Ashbourne. She joined us only a few months ago, but as you saw tonight, she’s doing remarkably well.”

The father gave her a polite nod, but his expression remained somewhat distant, and Arabella herself looked tense, eyes darting toward the exit.

Leitana smiled gratefully. “Thank you so much.” She turned to Arabella. “Can we talk? Please?”

Arabella shifted uncomfortably. “Um… Leitana, later. We really need to leave right now, Mom.”

Her mother waved a dismissive hand. “No, honey. You can go ahead and talk to your friend. We’ll wait.”

Arabella looked trapped. She turned and started walking quickly toward a quieter corner of the foyer. Leitana hurried after her.

“Arabella, please slow down!”

Marita and the others followed close behind, exchanging worried looks. Mia muttered under her breath, “Not again…”

Leitana finally caught up in a quieter hallway corner, away from most of the crowd. She grabbed Arabella’s hand gently, turning her around.

“Please talk to me,” Leitana begged, eyes earnest. “What’s wrong, Arabella? Tell me.”

Arabella yanked her hand away, eyes wide and glistening. “What do you want from me?”

Arabella yanked her hand away, eyes flashing with fear and frustration. “What? What do you want from me?”

Leitana frowned, stepping closer. “Something is wrong. Mi can see it. Please… tell me. Mi want to help.”

Arabella’s breathing was fast, almost panicked. She looked around like she expected something to jump out of the shadows.

Leitana stepped forward, gently backing her against the wall. Her voice was soft but insistent.

“Arabella… me and my friends saw you go into that alley,” Leitana said, eyes searching hers. “But you no come out. Instead, it was that wolf. Please… what’s going on? What happened to you?”

Arabella’s back hit the wall. Her breathing came fast and shallow, eyes darting left and right like a trapped animal. “Leave me alone,” she snapped, voice cracking. “It’s for your own good. Just… stay away from me.”

Leitana didn’t move. “No. Mi can’t. Mi saw something in my dream. You were calling for help. That wolf… it wasn’t normal. Please, Arabella. Tell me. Mi want to help you.”

Arabella’s face twisted. Fear, anger, and something darker flickered across her features. “You don’t understand! You can’t help me! No one can!”

Leitana reached out, placing a gentle hand on her arm. “Then let mi try. Whatever this is… you don’t have to carry it alone.”

That was when it happened.

Arabella’s eyes suddenly flashed, a sickening ember-red glow lighting up for a split second. Her voice changed, dropping into something ancient, mocking, and cruel that didn’t belong to her.

“You pathetic little vessel,” the demon hissed through Arabella’s lips, lips curling into a sharp, unnatural smile. “Always sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. Always trying to save everyone. How sweet. How stupid.”

Leitana staggered back in shock, hand flying to her mouth. The ember glow faded as quickly as it came, leaving Arabella’s normal eyes wide with horror.

Arabella blinked rapidly, looking disoriented and terrified, like she had just woken from a nightmare.

Marita and the others rushed around the corner at that exact moment.

“What’s going on?” Marita demanded, stepping protectively in front of Leitana.

Arabella’s face crumpled with panic. She shoved past Leitana and the group with surprising strength, nearly knocking Mikey off balance.

“Wait!” Leitana called after her.

But Arabella was already running, disappearing down the hallway without looking back.

Leitana stood frozen in place, heart slamming against her ribs. The voice still echoed in her ears.

Marita grabbed her shoulder. “Lei… what happened?”

Leitana didn’t answer. She just stared at the empty hallway where Arabella had vanished, a deep, chilling fear settling in her chest.