Elisebeth waited alone on the platform beneath the stage, surrounded by black curtains. Above her, thousands of voices shook the structure. The sound entered through the soles of her boots and settled in her ribs. She closed her eyes and let it remain there.
Rias's voice entered her earpiece. "Thirty seconds. All departments ready. Lift Three is cleared and locked for the opening transition. Your center platform is green."
Elisebeth rolled one shoulder, checking the dark violet coat fitted over her opening costume. Crystals covered one side without touching the seam needed for the first change.
"How do I look?" she asked.
"Expensive."
"That is not enough."
"Beautiful, prepared, and thirty seconds away from making any further adjustments impossible."
Elisebeth smiled. "Better."
