A slow, deliberate clap suddenly echoed through the room.
We both turned sharply.
Ms. Hale stood in the doorway, her elegant black dress swaying as she stepped inside. Her eyes glittered with something like satisfaction. "Bravo," she said, her voice ringing with approval. "Absolutely brilliant."
I nearly choked on my own tongue.
"You two," she continued, walking closer, "have something very rare on stage, a natural chemistry. Serenya and Alaric feel real when I watch you. That scene…" She clasped her hands together, smiling. "I felt every word, every glance, every kiss."
My face went scarlet. I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole.
Lucian, of course, didn't look flustered in the slightest. He straightened his shirt collar and gave her a polite nod. "Thank you, Ms. Hale."
"Yes, yes," she said, clearly still delighted. "But don't get too comfortable. We need to maintain this energy. Tomorrow, same time. I want to see that spark again."
