As I stood backstage my heart skipped a beat hearing my father's voice announcing my time to "shine". What type of "shine" is he expecting? I've got nothing to show him or the crowd of hungry guests waiting to feed on my failure.The gentle sound of Lyla's voice beside me provided a lifeline amid the turmoil of my nerves. "You've got this, Ella," she whispered, her words a beacon of reassurance in the sea of doubt that threatened to drown me.

My heart raced erratically, my palms moist with sweat, as I took a deep, shaky breath. The announcement of my name had already resonated through the room, accompanied by a swelling of applause. The sensation was surreal, like being at the center of a storm of expectations and hopes, my father's unwavering gaze from the front row adding weight to every beat of my pulse.

Lyla's unwavering presence was a steady anchor, her touch on my arm a grounding force against the whirlwind of emotions. "You're strong, Ella," she murmured, her voice infused with warmth. "Just take it one step at a time."

The spotlight loomed before me, a brilliant glow that held the promise of revealing what lay within me. And yet, I knew deep down that there was nothing to unveil. I was devoid of the powers that defined our factions, an outlier in a world shaped by elemental forces. The thought of stepping into that spotlight, exposing my lack of abilities to the world, sent shivers down my spine.

The applause continued, a symphony of expectation and encouragement. As I stepped onto the stage, the sea of faces came into view – a tapestry of expressions, each with its own story, its own connection to the city and its power. My father's weirdly proud smile radiated an unwavering belief in my potential, even as doubts clouded my mind.

The opulent grandeur of the room was mirrored in the anticipation that hung in the air, electric and palpable. Yet, amid the extravagant decorations and glittering chandeliers, my focus remained fixed on the faces before me, each one a fragment of a larger puzzle. I felt their collective anticipation, their hopes and dreams, intertwining with my own uncertainties.

The sea of eyes, curious and expectant, seemed to bore into me, peeling away the layers of my facade. In their gaze, I saw not just the high expectations of the factions, but the collective heartbeats of Drebourne's citizens, echoing my father's conviction that I held the potential to shape our future.

As the applause enveloped me, my trembling hands clenched into fists, my fingers digging into the fabric of my dress. The weight of this moment pressed down on me, its gravity an echo of the responsibilities I bore as my father's daughter. But beneath the layers of determination, a nagging doubt gnawed at me – a certainty that I had no power to manifest.

For a moment, time seemed to slow as I stood on that stage, the weight of the crowd's gaze heavy upon my shoulders. I was frozen, held captive by the spotlight that was meant to illuminate my potential. And yet, beneath its glow, all I could feel was the darkness of my own inadequacy. 

Amid the sea of faces, lost in my thoughts and fears, my father's voice penetrated the haze. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice carrying the weight of authority and pride. "Allow me to introduce my daughter, Ella Drage."

His words acted as a summons, pulling me back to the present. The spotlight shifted slightly, highlighting me against the darkness of the stage. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat an echo of the nervous energy that coursed through me.

A smattering of applause and expectant murmurs echoed through the room as I took a step forward, my gaze fixed on the microphone before me. My father's eyes, a mixture of encouragement and expectation, met mine briefly before he stepped back, giving me the stage.

Clearing my throat, I gripped the sides of the podium, my hands trembling slightly. "Th-thank you," I began, my voice betraying my nerves with a slight stutter. The weight of the crowd's attention bore down on me, and for a moment, the words seemed to evaporate from my mind.

My gaze swept across the room, a sea of faces watching me with anticipation. Every eye held a story, a connection to the city I called home, and I felt the weight of their collective hopes resting on my shoulders. As I searched for familiarity among the sea of strangers, my heart skipped a beat when I spotted Kyle. His reassuring look, a hint of a smile on his lips, sent a surge of comfort through me.

In that brief exchange, we communicated more than words ever could. The tension that had kept us apart melted away, replaced by a shared understanding. It was as if he was telling me that he believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself.

Summoning my resolve, I took a deep breath and continued, my voice steadier this time. "Today, as we gather to celebrate the unity and strength of Drebourne, I am reminded of the remarkable bonds that tie our city together."

A gentle hum of agreement rippled through the audience, and I continued, my words gaining strength. "Our city, built upon the principles of unity and harmony, thrives through the diverse strengths of its factions. The ancient powers that have been passed down through generations grant us the ability to shape the world around us, to channel the very essence of nature itself."

The crowd listened intently, their attention fixed on my words. "The factions, like threads woven into a grand tapestry, create a fabric that is both resilient and beautiful. Each faction brings its own unique perspective and capabilities, an array of talents that enrich our society and forge bonds between our citizens."

As I spoke, my mind wandered to the hidden truths, the doubts that clouded the edges of my thoughts. Were the factions truly fair and just, or did they inadvertently create divisions that went unnoticed? I chose my words carefully, aiming to please my father's desire for unity while still acknowledging the complexities that lay beneath the surface.

"We stand united, despite our differences," I continued, emphasizing the shared values that bound the factions together. "The bonds between us transcend the powers we possess, as we strive to uphold the virtues of strength, wisdom, and empathy."

"As we gather here tonight," I concluded, my voice gaining a note of conviction, "let us celebrate the harmony that stems from embracing our differences. Let us look forward to a future where our unity prevails over any challenges that may arise. Together, we can be a beacon of hope for Drebourne and the world beyond."

The room erupted into applause, the sound like a wave of affirmation that washed over me. Though my doubts remained, I had spoken the words my father had hoped for.

My father then spoke "And now , my daughter will show us her powers" he then got closer to my ear and whispered "Don't disappoint me"

I stood on that grand stage, a sea of expectant faces staring up at me. The weight of my father's request hung in the air, and I knew I had to at least try. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and mentally called upon Aevon, the spirit of chaos.

"Please, Aevon," I whispered in the depths of my mind. "Guide me. Help me find the power within."

My thoughts raced as I sought to connect with the wellspring of chaos that flowed within me. It had always felt distant, but I hoped that, just this once, Aevon would respond to my call. I pictured myself wielding the chaotic forces, commanding them with ease. I imagined sparks of energy dancing around my fingertips, ready to burst forth in a dazzling display.

With one final plea, I opened my eyes, extending my hands before me. But there was nothing. No surge of power, no extraordinary display. The room remained unchanged, the audience silent.

Panic welled up within me as I realized that my plea to Aevon had gone unanswered. I had failed, not just myself but my family, my faction, and the towering expectations of the Drage name.

I withdrew my outstretched hands, shoulders slumping in defeat. The disappointment in the room was palpable, my failure echoing through the grand hall. The looks exchanged among the crowd were filled with shock, and whispers and murmurs began to ripple through them.

My father's stern expression remained, but disappointment flickered in his eyes. It was as if I had tarnished the Drage legacy with my inability to call upon my powers.

"Try again, Ella," my father prompted, his voice carrying over the hushed murmurs of the audience.

I couldn't bring myself to look at him. My second attempt felt just as fruitless as the first. Once again, I closed my eyes and sought the connection with Aevon, but the power remained elusive.

The whispers in the crowd grew louder, filled with confusion and doubt. It was clear that no one had expected this, least of all me. As I stepped down from the stage, my heart heavy, I couldn't help but wonder why my powers had remained hidden. Was it my inadequacy, or was there a deeper reason behind my inability to harness chaos?

As I stood there on that unforgiving stage, desperately seeking the support of someone who understood my fear, my gaze locked onto my brother, Kyle. His expression was a reflection of concern, a silent plea for me to succeed.

But the weight of my father's expectations bore down on me like a relentless storm. His voice, once gentle, now grew more impatient with every passing moment. "Try again, Ella," he urged, his tone laced with frustration.

The pressure was unbearable. My attempts had yielded nothing, and the crowd's murmurs had grown into a cacophony of doubt. My heart raced, and a rising sense of panic took hold of me.

I felt trapped, my breath quickening. The world blurred around me, and the relentless repetition of my father's command echoed in my ears. "Try again, Ella! Show us your powers!"

I closed my eyes, willing myself to tap into the depths of chaos within me. But no matter how hard I tried, my powers remained dormant. The weight of my father's expectations became suffocating, crushing me under its relentless force.

"Try again!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the hall.

My vision swayed, and my breaths came in short, erratic gasps. I could feel the eyes of the entire assembly fixed upon me, their whispers like a chorus of doubts.

"Again, Ella!" My father's voice thundered in my ears.

But I couldn't take it any longer. In a burst of anguish and desperation, I screamed, "Stop it!"

The hall fell silent as my voice rang out, the command to cease the relentless tests. Tears welled in my eyes, and without a second thought, I turned and fled the stage, running out into the garden.

Each step took me farther away from the suffocating pressure of the crowd and my father's unrelenting demands. I collapsed onto a stone bench, gasping for breath as sobs wracked my body.

It was here, amidst the serenity of the garden, that I allowed my tears to flow freely. My dreams of becoming a formidable chaos wielder, of making my family proud, had crumbled before me. In that moment, I felt utterly defeated and lost.

Tears streamed down my cheeks, my face burning with shame and frustration. My failure at the party, in front of all those people, weighed heavily on my heart. The garden provided a brief respite from the judgmental gazes and disappointed murmurs of the crowd, but it couldn't chase away the embarrassment that clung to me.

Amidst my quiet despair, a voice, crisp and unexpected, shattered my solitude. "Leaving the party soon? Did you not give the show they wanted?" The words dripped with sarcasm, and I turned to see a stranger standing at a distance, his attention fixed on a cluster of black roses.

My heart ached with vulnerability, my eyes swollen from crying. I brushed away my tears, my eyes narrowing at the intrusion. My gaze fell upon the newcomer, and I was taken aback by his striking appearance. His hair was a cascade of white, falling in unruly waves, and his piercing blue eyes held an intensity that was hard to ignore.

My voice trembled as I replied, "Just leave me alone," desperation clear in my tone. I turned away from him, unable to meet his gaze, and stared out into the garden's tranquility.

But he was undeterred by my request, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Ah, the party didn't quite go as planned, did it?" His words were edged with mockery, and he made no effort to hide his amusement at my distress.

I clenched my fists, my frustration building. The last thing I needed was some stranger making fun of me in my moment of vulnerability. "I said, leave me alone," I hissed through gritted teeth, my patience waning.

He took a step closer, closing the gap between us. "Or what?" he taunted, his tone challenging. "You don't seem like you're in any position to make threats."

My heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of anger and humiliation bubbling within me. I turned to face him, my eyes flashing with defiance. "Who are you to speak to me like this? You don't know anything about me."

He tilted his head, his white hair catching the moonlight. "True, but I can tell when someone needs a distraction. And you, my dear, seem like you could use one right now.Plus I know enough to be invited at this stupid party"

I was infuriated by his nonchalant attitude, but there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes that piqued my interest despite my better judgment. "What do you want?" I asked, my voice laced with suspicion.

He chuckled, his laughter echoing through the garden. "What do I want? Well, perhaps I want to know why someone like you is so upset about a little party. Or maybe I just want to make your night a bit more interesting."

I took a deep breath and decided to confide in this enigmatic stranger. "I'm upset because I feel like a disappointment," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "My dad expects so much from me, and I just... I couldn't meet his expectations tonight."

He regarded me with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "Expectations, huh? I know that feeling all too well. In my case, it's my mother who's the pain in the ass."

A soft chuckle escaped my lips at his choice of words. "Pain in the ass, you say?"

He nodded, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Yes, quite the pain. Always pushing me to be something I'm not."

I couldn't deny my curiosity about this intriguing stranger, and as we continued to talk, I found myself drawn to his enigmatic charm. "So, why did you leave the party?" I asked, my voice tinged with genuine interest.

He sighed, a hint of exasperation in his expression. "I hate these events, you know? All this showing off of wealth and power. It's all so... artificial. I had to escape for a breath of fresh air."

I nodded in understanding, sympathizing with his sentiments. "I know what you mean. It can be overwhelming."

He regarded me with an appraising gaze, as if reassessing his earlier assumptions about me. "I'll be honest, I thought someone like you would be so up their arse at a party like this. But even if you might look the part," he added, a playful glint in his eyes, "you surely don't talk like one of the others."

A hint of a smile tugged at my lips. "Well, appearances can be deceiving. I may dress the part, but I've never been one to conform to expectations willingly."

He chuckled, a genuine warmth in his laughter. "I can see that. You've got a bit of fire in you, don't you?"

I couldn't help but return his smile. "Maybe more than a bit."

As we stood there in the garden, the stranger sighed, his expression a mix of reluctance and resignation. "I should get back. My mother will probably send out a search party if she can't find me soon."

I chuckled softly, a hint of playfulness returning to our conversation. "Avoiding the festivities, huh?"

He grinned, leaning in to plant a light kiss on my cheek. "You could say that. But before I go..." He reached down and plucked one of the black roses from the bush beside him, its velvety petals a stark contrast to the night. With a flourish, he handed it to me. "A little something for you."

I accepted the rose with a playful smirk. "Plucking a rose from my own garden? Smooth."

He laughed, the sound like a melody in the stillness of the garden. "I suppose it is a bit cheeky, isn't it?"

As he turned to leave, I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. "Wait," I called out after him, "I don't even know your name!"

But he was already too far away, disappearing into the shadows of the night. Defeated, I sat back down on the garden bench, cradling the black rose in my hand. My heart still raced from our encounter, and I couldn't help but wonder if fate had just introduced me to someone who would change the course of my life.

The tranquility of the garden was shattered in an instant. My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a deafening explosion that seemed to shake the very foundations of the mansion. I jolted upright on the bench, my eyes wide with alarm.

In the direction of the mansion, an inferno of flames and thick, billowing smoke rose into the night sky. Panic surged within me as I stumbled to my feet, dropping the black rose. My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at the growing catastrophe before me.

The garden had transformed into a nightmare. The once-serene atmosphere was now filled with chaos and the acrid scent of burning wood. Flames devoured the magnificent structure of our home, licking at the walls and windows like ravenous beasts.