Ch. 42
The fourth day of the Intramurals had everyone buzzing.
Students filled the halls, chatting about one thing the highly anticipated Theatre Club performance. The club had promised a production like no other, complete with costumes, music, and a mysterious surprise addition to the cast.
No one, however, had the slightest clue that Selene Valen the quiet, top-ranking student who usually avoided crowds was part of it.
Not even the "main characters" of this so-called novel: Adrian, Ethan, and Lina.
While, everyone gossiped about who might steal the spotlight, Selene was backstage, quietly adjusting the lace cuffs of her gown.
The auditorium buzzed with excitement, the air thick with anticipation. The sound of students chatting, teachers arranging seats, and lights being tested echoed through the large hall.
Selene glanced at her reflection one last time a vision in a deep wine-red dress that hugged her waist and cascaded dramatically to the floor. Her hair was half-tied, her lips a soft crimson. She looked every bit the villainess they wanted her to be.. graceful, cold, and magnetic all at once.
"Miss Valen," the student director whispered, nearly tripping over his own feet as he approached her.
"I—I know, I said this earlier but... you'll be entering in Act Two, right after Liana's confrontation scene with the female lead. Please don't be... too intimidating this time. Some of the cast still can't look you in the eye."
"I haven't even said a word yet." Selene arched a brow.
"That's the problem, ma'am." He swallowed.
She sighed softly.
If I scared him more, he might pass out before the lights go up.
The auditorium was filled to the brim when the play began. Students, teachers, and even guests sat in full anticipation.
The first act ran smoothly Bea a second year student playing the heroine, delivered her lines with perfect emotion.
"No matter what the world says, I'll follow my heart!" Bea declared dramatically, her hand pressed to her chest.
The crowd applauded, and the story moved into the next act the one where the villainess finally appeared.
The lights dimmed, and fog crept across the stage floor. A single spotlight turned toward the grand staircase on the left.
And there she was.
Selene descended the steps with slow, commanding poise, each tap of her heels echoing through the auditorium. The air seemed to shift with her presence like gravity itself adjusted to her rhythm.
The audience gasped softly.
Even the other actors looked momentarily stunned, forgetting their next lines. Even Liana beside her couldn't help herself from admiring Selene's beauty.
Selene's lips curled into a faint smirk as she turned toward female lead character.
"You think love will protect you?"
Her voice was calm— too calm laced with elegance and steel.
"Don't be naive. In this world..."
She stepped closer, eyes glinting beneath the lights.
"I'll crush your world."
The entire hall fell silent for three heartbeats. Even the actress, who had rehearsed this scene countless times, shivered at the authenticity in Selene's tone. But she quickly recovered, clutching her chest and delivering her next line perfectly.
"Then, I'll rebuild it! S-stronger than before!"
The crowd erupted in awe.
The tension between the two characters was electric powerful enough to make even the teachers lean forward in their seats. Selene only had a few scenes and lines throughout the play, but she owned every second of it. The villainess wasn't just an antagonist tonight she was the scene.
When her final moment came, Selene turned away from the heroine, snapping her fan open with practiced grace.
"I hope your heart breaks beautifully... so I can enjoy the sound of it."
The lights faded to black.
And then— applause.
Thunderous, unending applause.
"Who is she!?" someone whispered loudly.
"That's Selene Valen, right? I didn't even know she could act!"
"She literally stole the show!"
From the audience, Ethan grinned in disbelief.
"That girl's scary good."
Adrian leaned back, silent but visibly impressed. Lina Grey stared wide-eyed, clapping until her palms stung.
And Raze, who'd been leaning by the side of the hall smirked faintly, his expression unreadable. Backstage, the student director practically sobbed.
"You were perfect! You saved this play!"
"Told you, I'd try not to make anyone faint." Selene gave him a faint smile.
As she walked past the curtains, the echo of applause followed her.
And she couldn't help but think,
Wonderful. Now the entire school will talk about this for weeks.