Zenith-1

There was a buzzing in her ears as she stared at her reflection. Her curls done up, decorated with small flowers. A dress made of tulle stretched perfectly across her lithe limbs. The blue so pale it was nearly white. Flaring out at her waist in a dramatic sweep. Soft makeup, rosy cheeks. Enid did not see herself. The girl in the mirror was a replica, a modified sculpture of who she once was. She had haunted eyes. A knock at the door sounded. "Angel, five minutes until we need to leave." Alexander's voice was muffled by the wood between them. She steadied herself against the vanity. Taking one final glance in the mirror, her eyes caught on her neck. The thin chain with three golden hearts resting between her collarbones. Her finger rose, brushing against the cold metal. She hadn't taken it off since Alexander had latched the clasp. It had become one of her most cherished possessions. Like a physical reminder of their love. For the first time it felt like a collar. Her fingers fumbled as she frantically tried to get it off. Finally, she caught the clasp and unlatched it. Placing it gently on the vanity, she marveled at how foreign her bare neck looked. Another knock came and she rose from the bench seat. Opening the door, she found all three men staring back at her. "Little bird, you look exquisite." Dante's voice was hushed in awe. Alexander and Theodore echoed his thoughts. "Perfect, darling." "Absolutely stunning." Their expressions of unbridled wonder. Her smile was small, but genuine. A parched quality forming in her mouth as she took in their striking forms covered in tailored tuxedos. Alexander's coat was lined with embroidery in the same pale blue of her dress. They were every bit the gods that they were revered as. "We've already loaded your cello into the car." Alex reached for her hand before retracting. They had done a good job of respecting her request for space. She had barely spoken to them since the night of their family meeting. That night she had gone to sleep with the weavings of a plan beginning in her mind. The next morning she had flown through her math exam, turning it in just before 8:45. She had found Emilia in the hallway, tugged her into an empty classroom and locked the door. Left her phones in her bag by the door as she pulled her friend into the corner and whispered instructions in her ear. When she arrived to her history class for her last exam, it was like nothing had happened at all. The immortals had worried over her, she could feel their eyes on her constantly as she hid in the library. They tried to start conversations, tried to draw her out of the shell she had become. Dante had baked her favorite desserts; Theodore had tried to entice her with a game of chess. Each time she had shaken her head, feeling her own heartbreak as she saw the desperation in their eyes. She was a ghost, haunting the halls of the estate. "Are you excited, Enid?" Theodore's question startled her from her memories. They were in the car, nearing the campus. "Yes, I am. We are last, right?" She asked and Alexander nodded. "Saved the best for last." Dante winked and her heart seared in her chest. The parking lot in front of the school's auditorium was packed, glamorously dressed people migrating toward the large hall. Stepping inside the historic building, she felt as though a friend had become a stranger. Although she had practiced within these walls all semester, it was like an entirely new realm with the rows filled with an audience. Alexander's hand pressed against her lower back and she turned toward him. "We've got to head backstage." He whispered in her ear. Theodore stepped forward and handed her the cello case he had been carrying for her. "Break a leg, sweet girl. We have front row seats, so we'll be just a few feet away." His smile bright with pride. "But don't actually break a leg, although then I could carry you everywhere…" Dante trailed off playfully. The two stepped forward and wrapped her into a hug. It was practically the first time they had touched her all week. Her eyes burned as she sunk into their embrace, her throat tight. Regret threatening to choke her. It writhed inside her, withering her heart. She tried to swallow it down. "I love you." The words slipped out before she could stop them. Desperation overriding her sense. Their ribs contracted in surprise and they gripped her tighter. Theodore's face lit up in the smile that was just for her. Dante practically gaped at her, his eyes shiny with unshed tears and relief. "Oh, darling, we love you. We'll see you after the show." Theodore's voice low with emotion. Her heart shrunk again. Enid managed to nod shakily, turning to follow Alexander. She only glanced back once, watching as their tall silhouettes disappeared in the crowd. Backstage was aflutter with performers. Dancers in ornate costumes stretching, singers warming up with vocal exercises. She and Alexander settled into two seats in a corner and she began to tune her cello. Nerves trembling in her fingers as she listened to the soft roar of the crowd behind the curtains. Dean Thomas walked past them, reading through flashcards as he approached the wings. Something in her chest twisted as she watched him smirk at one of the girls in a ballet costume. Like father like son. "One minute! One minute till showtime!" A voice called and the dancers began a low chatter in excited tones. She listened as the crowd hushed, watching as Dean Thomas walked up to a microphone at the center of the stage. "Good evening! I am Dean Thomas and I would like to welcome you all to Pennington University's annual Winter Gala! We have an incredible night ahead…" Dean Thomas's voice boomed through the auditorium. Enid zoned out as he continued his greeting, focusing on the strings beneath her fingers. Time stretched in a bizarre warp as the show began. She watched from the shadows as the ballerinas flew across the stage, each limb extended with utter grace. Performances flew by, choir ensembles and orchestra symphonies. Suddenly, it was time. Dean Thomas took the stage once more. Alexander offered her his hand and they rose, reaching the side of the stage. "Our last act is one I know we all have been anticipating. Performing tonight is world-renowned musician Alexander Drewitt and his protégé, Enid McCarthy." His introduction was met with loud applause. Alexander looked down at her, his honey eyes alight.