Backstage the air was thick with perfume, nerves, and the clatter of high heels on tile. Stylists buzzed like bees, tugging at fabric, fixing curls, whispering last minute reminders. The curtain trembled with the bass of the arena beyond. The roar of thousands was muffled but still shook the bones of the girls waiting in line.
The announcer's voice exploded across the stadium, rolling like thunder.
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, lovers of beauty and seekers of glory, welcome! Tonight you are about to witness not just a fashion show, not just a contest, but a revelation of goddesses! And to begin this sacred chaos, I present to you the one who is gentle, who is radiant, who will melt your hearts with her very blush… Lika!"
Lika's breath caught in her throat. She trembled, feet frozen to the floor. Behind her, Molly stepped forward quickly and hugged her from behind, arms wrapping around her waist in a protective grip.
