The week had been a blur.

The results for The Nutcracker auditions had gone up on Tuesday morning. My heart had been in my throat as I stood outside the studio bulletin board, my dance bag slung over my shoulder and my hands clammy with nerves. I'd stared at the list for what felt like hours, scanning the names over and over until mine finally registered:

Amber Lee – Sugarplum Fairy

My chest had squeezed so tightly I couldn't breathe for a moment. The role I'd spent years dreaming of, the one I'd rehearsed endlessly for, was finally mine. Sugarplum Fairy.

Even now, three days later, the words felt surreal.

The rest of the week had been chaotic—packed with rehearsals, assignments, and moments of exhaustion where I felt like collapsing. Isabella had practically thrown a parade when I told her about the role, and Bryan, of course, had found ways to throw a smug comment or two into our tutoring sessions. As if he knew how much I cared. The dance instructors had already thrown us straight into rehearsals for the Waltz of the Flowers and my solo. My muscles ached, my feet throbbed, and my schedule was jam-packed—but I didn't care.

It was worth every second.

Now, as Friday evening rolled in, I had one thing left to focus on before collapsing for the weekend: Halloween.

Standing in front of the full-length mirror in my room, I couldn't help but pause and take it all in. I'd bought the costume weeks ago on a spontaneous shopping trip with Isabella, and at the time, I thought I'd never wear it. It had seemed... bold. Too much.

But tonight was different.

The costume fit me like a glove. The white bandeau top was simple and sleek, hugging me comfortably. Chains of delicate gold draped across my shoulders and arms, shimmering when I moved. The flowing white skirt fell in elegant drapes that brushed my ankles, but the high slits on both sides revealed the toned strength of my legs from years of ballet. The gold chain belt cinched around my waist completed the look, tying it all together.

My dark hair, usually pulled back into a bun for rehearsals, was left down tonight—straightened until it shone, with a gold braided headband resting against my forehead like something out of a Greek goddess painting.

I bit my lip, giving myself a once-over in the mirror.

"Okay, you've got this," I muttered under my breath. My cheeks flushed slightly, even though no one else was here to see me.

As if on cue, Isabella's voice rang from the other side of the door. "Amber! Are you ready yet, or am I going to have to come in there and force you out?"

"I'm coming!" I called back, rolling my eyes and grabbing my bag.

When I stepped into the living area, Isabella's head snapped up from where she'd been fiddling with her glittery wings. Her jaw dropped, and her eyes widened so dramatically I almost laughed.

"Amber. Lee." She stood up slowly, pointing at me like she'd just seen a ghost—or, in this case, a goddess. "What is this look? Who gave you the right?"

I rolled my eyes, already regretting stepping out. "It's just a costume, Izzy."

"Just a costume? Girl, you look like you descended straight from Mount Olympus to grace us mortals with your presence." She circled me with dramatic flair, examining every detail. "The skirt, the chains, the hair—oh my god. Bryan Munzo is going to die."

"Izzy!" I groaned, shooting her a glare. My face immediately warmed at the mention of his name. "Why do you have to bring him up?"

She grinned mischievously, spinning back toward me and fluffing her sparkly fairy wings. "Because I live to see you flustered. And because he's going to regret ever calling you Ballerina in that condescending tone."

"Sit down. I'm doing your makeup."

Isabella's voice left no room for argument as she dragged me into the chair by my desk. I groaned but didn't resist—there was no stopping her once she had an idea.

"Is this really necessary?" I muttered as she dug through her makeup bag, pulling out products I'd never even seen before.

"Amber, you're dressing as a literal goddess," Isabella said with a flourish of her hand. "You can't just throw on some mascara and call it a day."

I sighed, crossing my arms over my chest as I let her get to work. "Just don't make me look like a disco ball, okay?"

"Trust me," she said, leaning closer as she started blending some kind of shimmering highlight onto my cheekbones. "I know what I'm doing."

True to her word, Isabella worked quickly but carefully, brushing gold tones onto my eyelids and adding soft definition to my face. By the time she stepped back with a triumphant grin, I felt a flutter of nerves.

"Done!" she announced, spinning the desk mirror so I could see.

I blinked, surprised. The makeup was soft but striking. The gold on my eyelids brought out the warm brown tones in my eyes, and the subtle highlight along my cheekbones made my skin look radiant. My lips had just a hint of gloss, enough to pull the whole look together without feeling overdone.

"Wow," I whispered, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "It's... perfect."

"I told you," Isabella said proudly, crossing her arms. "You look like a goddess."

I glanced back at my reflection, smoothing out the flowing white skirt of my costume. The golden chains draped across my shoulders and waist caught the light, and the braided headband resting against my dark hair gave me the exact ethereal vibe I'd been hoping for.

"Ready ?" Isabella asked, grinning as she grabbed her sparkly fairy wings and adjusted her curls.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I muttered, though my heart started thudding a little harder.

As we stepped into the cool October night, Isabella practically bouncing beside me, I finally asked the question I'd been avoiding all day.

"Whose house is this party at again?"

Isabella shot me a sideways look, her smile turning sly. "You're going to love this."

I frowned. "Izzy."

"It's Bryan's place," she said, far too casually.

I stopped dead in my tracks, the hem of my skirt brushing against my legs. "Bryan? Bryan Munzo?"

"Yeah, so?" Isabella tugged on my arm to keep me moving. "It's the biggest Halloween party on campus. He throws it every year."

I groaned, already feeling a headache coming on. "You didn't think to mention this earlier?"

"Would you have come if I did?"

"Absolutely not."

"Exactly," she said, grinning. "Which is why I didn't tell you. Don't worry—you'll barely see him."

I didn't believe that for a second. Bryan had a way of showing up exactly when I didn't want him to.

Still, I let Isabella drag me down the street toward the glow of Bryan's house. Music and laughter spilled out onto the sidewalk, along with a parade of costumed students heading inside.

"Relax," Isabella said, squeezing my arm. "You look stunning. He won't know what hit him."

"That's what I'm afraid of," I muttered under my breath.

The party was already in full swing when we stepped inside. The music was loud, the air buzzing with energy as people danced, laughed, and crowded around makeshift snack tables. The decorations were surprisingly decent—black streamers, fake cobwebs, and carved pumpkins with flickering LED candles.

I adjusted the golden headband on my forehead, trying not to feel self-conscious as heads turned when we walked in. Isabella noticed too, nudging me with her elbow.

"See? I told you. Goddess energy."

I rolled my eyes, but a small smile tugged at my lips. "Let's just find Celeste and the others."

We wove through the crowd, dodging a guy in a pirate hat who was already sloshing his drink, until we spotted Celeste near the back of the living room. She waved us over, her Cleopatra costume complete with dramatic eyeliner and a golden headpiece.

"Amber! Izzy!" she called, grabbing two red cups from the table. "You made it!"

"You look incredible," she said, her eyes widening as she took in my costume. "Bryan's not going to survive this."

"Why does everyone keep saying that?" I groaned, though my cheeks were starting to heat.

"Oh, you'll see," Celeste teased, handing Isabella a cup. "He's around somewhere. Just try not to kill each other."

"Not making any promises," I muttered, crossing my arms as I scanned the crowded room.That's when I froze.

Standing by the far wall, surrounded by a small group, was Bryan.

And, of course, because the universe hated me, he was dressed as a Greek god.

His costume was simple yet infuriatingly perfect—a fitted white tunic that wrapped over one shoulder, leaving his arms exposed. The soft fabric draped across his chest, while a thin gold belt cinched at his waist. His usual tattoos—dark swirls along his forearms—stood out against the pale fabric, and his dark hair was messily tousled like he hadn't bothered to try. A golden laurel wreath rested against his head, and even from across the room, I could tell he was smirking.

"Oh my god," I muttered, feeling heat crawl up my neck.

Isabella followed my gaze and gasped, clutching my arm. "Are you serious? You match."

"I do not!"

"You do. Greek god, Greek goddess." She snorted with laughter, earning a few stares from people nearby. "Amber, it's fate."

"It's not fate," I hissed, shooting her a glare. "It's an unfortunate coincidence."

Before Isabella could respond, Bryan's dark eyes flicked up and landed on me. For a moment, he stilled, his gaze sweeping over me in a way that made my breath catch. A spark of something unreadable flashed across his face before his signature smirk tugged at his lips.

Of course.

His expression practically oozed smug satisfaction as he pushed off the wall and started toward us, moving through the crowd like it was parting just for him.

"Here we go," I muttered under my breath, my heart pounding.

Bryan stopped in front of me, his eyes lingering a second too long on the gold chains that crisscrossed my shoulders before meeting mine. "Didn't expect to see you here, Ballerina."

I straightened my back, refusing to let him rattle me. "Surprise."

His smirk deepened. "You're dressed for the occasion, I see."

"Funny. I could say the same about you," I shot back, gesturing to his outfit.

He tilted his head slightly, the laurel catching the light. "Maybe we just think alike."

"Doubtful," I replied quickly, ignoring the way his gaze seemed to pull me in.

Isabella, ever the helpful one, piped up, "You two look like you planned this. Matching Greek gods? Come on."

Bryan chuckled lowly, his eyes never leaving mine. "What can I say? We've got chemistry."

I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly saw stars, but my cheeks betrayed me, warming at his words. This is going to be a long night.

Bryan's words hung in the air, "We've got chemistry," as his smirk widened. My stomach twisted. How does he always manage to get under my skin so easily?

Before I could fire back, Isabella, still grinning like the agent of chaos she was, looped her arm through mine. "Amber, I need you to come with me to find Mia before I combust with excitement."

"Right now?" I hissed, more than ready to escape Bryan's orbit.

"Yes, right now," she said, dragging me away without giving me a choice. "We'll see you later, Bryan."

"Don't get lost, Amber," he called after me, his voice carrying easily over the noise.

I refused to look back.

The crowd only seemed to thicken as Isabella pulled me deeper into the chaos. The music thumped through the walls, a popular pop remix vibrating underfoot. Students in elaborate costumes crowded every corner—witches cackling near the snack table, superheroes chugging drinks, and someone dressed as a giant banana dancing in the center of the room.

Isabella practically skipped alongside me, the sparkles on her fairy wings catching the low light. "You know, for someone who swears she hates him, you two had a moment back there."

"Stop," I said immediately, shooting her a look.

She cackled. "What? I'm just saying it's suspicious how good you two looked together. His costume even matches yours—"

"It's a coincidence," I snapped, narrowing my eyes as she winked at me. "Don't start."

"Fine, fine," she said, holding up her hands. "But tell me I'm wrong."

"You're wrong."

Her grin widened. "Liar."

We found Mia near the back patio doors, surrounded by Celeste and a small group of people. Celeste ditched her Cleopatra wig, letting her blonde ponytail swing freely as she chatted animatedly with Kyle, who looked ridiculous in a vampire cape.

"Finally!" Celeste waved us over. "Amber, you're late to the party."

"Blame her," I said, gesturing toward Isabella. "She was too busy trying to make me a masterpiece."

"And I succeeded," Isabella said proudly, spinning to show off her wings. "What's the plan? Dancing? Games?"

"Apparently," Kyle interrupted, gesturing to the crowded living room, "Bryan's friends set up a beer pong tournament out back, and there's a 'best costume' contest later."

I groaned internally at the sound of Bryan's name. Why is he always at the center of everything?

"Are you entering, Amber?" Celeste asked, wiggling her eyebrows. "You'd win for sure."

"No," I said quickly, clutching my soda cup like a lifeline. "I'm just here to observe."

"You're no fun," Kyle teased, flashing his fanged grin.

"Someone's got to keep you all in line," I shot back, earning a laugh from Celeste.