Page 29 of Protect Me
From large speakers, energetic music cuts through the hum of voices or grunts of physical exertion. The energy is electric, and it’s not even showtime.
“Wow,” I breathe.
When I turn to look, I see Brad watching me with amusement. “First time on this side of the ring?” he asks.
“Is it that obvious?”
He grins.
“This is incredible,” I say.
“And there it is,” he says.
“What?”
“You’ve just been bitten by the circus bug. There’s no going back now. Come on. I’ll show you where you can set up.”
I follow him straight down the center aisle, past a section reserved for a team of acrobats who are currently flipping and flying through the air in a choreographed routine. Past them is a butterfly shifter with wings more gorgeous than anything I’ve ever seen. She flits through the air—and then straight through the center of a flaming hoop.
I gasp, my stomach lurching as I watch to make sure the flames haven’t caught the tips of her wings. But she flits effortlessly through, untouched, and then hovers above me. Her gaze finds mine, and she smiles, offering a friendly wave.
I wave back.
Someone whistles, and I look over, only to realize Brad’s left me behind. He stands at the far end of the tent, waiting. I hurry over to where he stands beside a woman who looks so much like him they could be twins. Hell, maybe they are. Her blonde hair is cut short, even shorter than his on top. The brightly colored bodysuit she wears is covered in glitter that matches the dusting on her high cheekbones. She’s beautiful. When I reach them, she cocks her head to the side.
“Helen, this is my sister, Kleo,” Brad says. “She’s almost as good with a blade as I am.”
“Fucker.” Kleo punches him.
“Hi,” I say, “so nice to meet you.”
“And you,” she replies. “It’s nice to put a face to the name.”
I don’t know what to say to that. It’s another hint at the rumors Brad mentioned, but I’m not quite ready to offer up whatever confirmation they might want about my story. Instead, I shift my attention back to Brad.
“Liv said you guys could get me set up.”
“Of course. Lyra’s there.” Brad points, and I look up and to my right, spotting the metal ring hanging high above our heads.
“Access?” I ask.
“There.” Kleo points to a metal ladder hanging just behind her. The bottom of it grazes the mat flooring. My stomach sinks as I imagine the strength I’ll expend from the climb alone. I’m not so naïve to think Adaya was wrong. There’s only so much gas in the tank, and I’ll use it all if I have to make that climb.
I look up again, tracking the other options. My eyes land on the long stretch of silks hanging on the opposite side of the center aisle.
“Are those available?” I ask them, pointing at the bright red gauzy material hanging behind them.
“They are,” Kleo says.
“Do you mind if I use them for a moment?” I ask.
“Not at all. I’m ready to never touch those damn things again.” She and Brad gesture for me to go ahead.
I walk to the silks, suddenly aware of all the eyes on me. I don’t have to look back to know Brad and Kleo are watching, but it’s more than just them. The hum of voices has gone silent, and I know every single performer in this tent has stopped to see what I’ll do. My neck prickles with the sensation, and it’s all I can do to keep moving beneath their scrutiny.
Fine.
They want a show; I’ll give it to them.