31. The Blooming Truth Leads To Salvation
The Blooming Truth Leads To Salvation
~NATHANíEL~
“ B LOOMING NATION!!!!!!”
The screams echo through the starry night sky, so loud that I feel as if my ears will pop. I’m fighting hard to compose myself, not to get emotional when we’ve yet to sing a song, but wow .
Nothing prepares you for this moment.
The stage lights blaze, casting various shades of blue, purple, pink, and white until the beams of color come together and shift into the perfect shade of cream that is cast over me.
The crowd’s deafening roar dims as a sea of faces stretching as far as my eyes can see magnifies how real this moment is. This isn’t just a dream. My heart is beating rapidly against my chest, racing with adrenaline and joy as I gaze at the fans who’ve listened to my voice for years and will finally have a face that represents that voice.
Not my brother, but me.
“Thank you all for being here tonight,” I call out. I don’t hide the emotion that hums through my voice. “I can’t express how much this means to me. How much your presence means to my band, Blooming Salvation.”
The crowd cheers in glee while the spotlight moves to acknowledge the members standing on the stage—Kenji at the drums, Kai holding the electric guitar before a mic, and, surprisingly enough, Icarus at the keys.
That already has shocked gasps and squeals spreading through the crowd, as many recognize the talent manager who hasn’t been on the stage but seen plenty scolding and ordering us around.
“I want to take this moment to address something that’s been going around in the tabloids. I know the venue started a bit late due to technical issues, but I know this news is vital to be known by our fans.”
The audience cheers in anticipation before a wave of silence takes over the space, making me hear how loud my heart is pumping.
It’s now or never.
Even though I tell myself, I struggle to speak the next words. My mouth is open, ready to spill out the truth, yet a part of me wonders if this will be the end.
Will the truth ruin our chances, as Nate stated?
“WE LOVE YOU BLOOMING SALVATION!”
That harmonic, whimsical voice sends goosebumps through me as I look in the direction of the voice.
Right in the front row is our Omega, decked out in her leather attire and holding a sign that says “My Blooming Alphas.” I doubt anyone else can see it, but that assumption is shot down as the massive screens display the sign, making many gasp in surprise while others cheer in happiness.
It’s not the reaction I’m expecting. My eyes widen further when I realize the two individuals standing between our Omega.
My parents.
Their expressions are full of remorse, my mother’s eyes filled with tears, versus my dad, whose eyes are glassy. Just having them present, holding signs of encouragement that say, “That’s our son” and “We love you, Nathaníel,” moves my heart in so many ways.
I can’t remember the last time I had their support.
When was the last recital or event they attended to support me?
So, to see them here, next to the Omega who’s entered our life and changed everything for the better… makes me feel like everything will be alright.
That no matter what happens, we’ll figure things out together.
The audience joins in cheering, repeating a chant of “Blooming Unite” again and again, waiting for me to have the courage to continue.
There’s no point in hiding how teary-eyed I become, so I quickly wipe away my tears, soaking up the cheers of encouragement and love that come from my fans as the cameras focus all on me.
Taking a deep breath, I let it out and do my best to smile, even as my eyes fill with tears.
“I didn’t think I’d get emotional so soon, but… it’s… been a long road getting here. I say this because, well… the Nathaniel Morelli you’ve come to adore in the magazines and gossip columns isn’t the same person standing here before you.”
That ignites a wave of confusion as fans exchange looks and even rub their eyes as if they’re seeing wrong.
“To put it simply, my name is Nathaníel Morelli. I’m the first son in the Morelli family, and I always dreamed of having a band and performing on a grand stage,” I begin as I take in the crowd that gives me their full attention. “This dream almost became reality, me and my friends coming together and playing in clubs and events for free to get our name out there. To start our quest in blooming into a band that can bring many the salvation they crave to experience in the form of music.”
I look around the crowd, taking in their various expressions. The fact I don’t see signs of anger or hate pushes me to keep going.
“I have a younger brother. A younger twin brother. My parents also named him Nathaniel. We used to be best friends, despite our slight differences, but his dream of being on stage was stronger than mine. He wanted to truly be a star in his element. He kept auditioning, trying to get himself out there, but the rejections kept coming. It got to the point where he said show biz was too hard to get into. I felt like it was some sort of challenge, so I figured, why don’t I try it?”
I shrug my shoulders and look up at the sky.
“When I applied, I sang a draft of a song I’d been working on for a very long time about a situation my sister was in. With her being an Omega… life was different for her. It wasn’t as easygoing as mine. She wasn’t given the same opportunities and aid as we were. I decided to submit that audition, and well, I got in,” I reveal as I lower my gaze to the crowd. “But then… my sister was murdered.”
The gasps of horror and sadness only make me try to smile with a sense of hope in my expression.
“My sister was sold to a pack and whisked away to a country where Omegas didn’t have rights. There were no movements or opposition created to protect them. They were chosen slaves, destined to do whatever their Alphas commanded. They had to obey, and if they didn’t, there were consequences. You can guess that my sister couldn’t take the torment anymore, and those consequences led to her death… in my arms,” I whisper and lower my head. “I didn’t know the reason my sister was sold was because of my younger brother’s dream of being famous.”
More gasps of shock echo through the audience, and I dare look at my parents, seeing their horrified expressions as they’re piecing together the truth.
“My brother took the money to push his beginning career, but I found out. I knew what he’d done… and why our Suzy… our baby sis, was six feet under. He knew if I said a word, my parents would believe me because I never lied to them. Never covered up the truth like my younger brother always did, so he decided to paint me as the villain. Told everyone I was the reason for Suzy’s death,” I confess and sigh.
“My parents couldn’t look my way without crying. My friends… my amazing band, didn’t want to face this confrontation between brothers, and I can’t blame them. Truthfully, it felt like everyone left me to face this situation on my own, and I decided if this was how it felt when I was just a normal individual in this vast world, what would have happened if I was famous? What would become of my life with this death scandal over my head? I wouldn’t be able to handle it.”
My eyes lock on Astraea’s, those alluring cyan-blue eyes that are glassy with so much emotion. She bobs her head in encouragement, pushing me not to back down from revealing the truth.
“So… I did what I could. I ran away,” I confess and smile. “I went to Europe and built a career for myself, where I did tattoos. Specifically for Omegas who wanted to feel a sense of empowerment with their packs.”
I take another deep breath and let it out.
“That didn’t mean I still wasn’t a slave to my past,” I continue. “My younger brother was getting gigs, but he wasn’t a strong live performer. His agents surely realized this, but he wouldn’t be going on tour any time soon, so records were what mattered. He contacted me, essentially blackmailing me to be his ghost singer. Create the vocals and send it over to him. It was the ‘least’ I could do for our younger sister’s death.”
“But he did it! It wasn’t you!” a fan calls out as many quickly agree.
I wait for them to shimmer down before I carry on.
“You’re right, but denial sometimes is the best medicine, right? That and a bit of drugs and alcohol can take you a long way in life. Besides, why did it matter? He was getting everything he wanted. A career and a group of loyal friends he got to rock with. Any Omega he wished to fling with. The money and popularity were rising at astronomical rates,” I elaborate. “He was finally living the Alpha rockstar dream.”
I smirk at my own words while I’m admiring Astraea once more.
“Then our Rebel came waltzing into our lives,” I declare proudly, drawing attention to Astraea. She doesn’t seem to notice at first, as our gaze is so intense and pure. “I didn’t meet her until Nate threatened me to not return to this city. I had no choice in the matter because the Knot Their Omega Movement was initiated, and I didn’t have an Omega. Without one, I couldn’t work, even though my license was independent work. I left Europe to return, and he found out. So, he was ready to threaten me by saying he’d sell this Omega the same way he did Suzy.”
“What?” multiple fans gasp in horror, and I watch Astraea’s eyes grow wide in shock. I know I hadn’t told any of them that tiny tidbit, but I guess if I’m coming clean, I might as well admit it.
I can only imagine the other guy’s expressions, and a quick glance at the big screen shows their horrified gazes as the camera goes from Kenji to Kai, then to Icarus.
When it returns to Astraea, I can see how emotionally moved she is by the truth I’m about to reveal.
“I couldn’t let the past repeat itself. I hadn’t even got over Suzy’s death. How could I let another Omega perish because of my existence? Or more so, because I wouldn’t interfere. I wouldn’t allow it to happen. I showed up at their house, opening the door only to bump right into the Omega my brother wanted to get rid of,” I explain.
I grip the mic a tad tighter, trying to calm the anger I realize is still there.
“One interaction and I understood why. Why he was so threatened by her because she was as rebellious as our younger sister. An Omega who wouldn’t simply follow the rules or orders given by her Alphas if put in that situation. She was strong. Resilient. Independent. I don’t think she realized we needed her more than she needed us. That’s what my brother was afraid of, and he hoped to push her away.”
The camera is back on me, and I look directly into the view as if I’m looking at my reflection.
As though I’m speaking to my brother who’s hiding away, probably drunk or high, while fucking who knows what.
“ I made the decision there and then that I didn’t want to run away. Even if this Omega wasn’t mine or I didn’t really have a pack with my friends because of my brother’s influence, as long as I could protect her… even at a distance, I’d do it. That’s what my heart wanted to do. That’s what I’m sure Suzy would have wanted me to do. To break this cycle that one person’s selfishness had created.”
Taking a steady breath, I lift my head high.
“The last straw came when we found out that our entire catalog had been sold. This was after some of our band members expressed their desire to leave the group. It wasn’t their fault. They could see the toxic signs long before any of us wanted to acknowledge, but finding out years of songs that were written by each of us were sold without a second thought proved nothing was going to change,” I emphasize. “My brother was the one who sold our catalog. Just like he was the one selling gossip to any tabloid that would purchase whatever he revealed about our band.”
The gasps this time are filled with anger as the fans realize just how low my younger brother was willing to go.
“Thankfully, the company who claimed our catalog worked out a deal and returned it to us without asking for payment. They wished for our success and triumph and could tell we had poured our heart and soul into these musical creations. That’s why we are standing on this stage, ready to deliver an entire album of new songs.”
The squeals and cheers of excitement ignite waves of applause, far and wide.
I swallow the lump in my throat while looking back at the others, seeing their reassuring expressions as they nod back in readiness.
“Why did I share this with all of you?” I decide to question. “I wanted this tour to be the beginning of a new era. To start fresh and let you all see the true lead singer of Blooming Salvation. To acknowledge the men behind me, who’ve not only gathered the courage to be on stage with me, despite the ridicule and wrongs done to them, but have backed me up and supported this stance.”
Peering back to Astraea, I give her a softened gaze.
“I’m tired of running. Of hiding as if I’m the mastermind in all of this when I was merely a victim. I’ll no longer cower from the challenges ahead. I’m going to face them head-on, good or bad.”
Seeing her loving smile blossom upon her gorgeous face makes my grin spread.
“So let me reintroduce myself,” I say loud and proud. “I’m Nathaníel Morelli of Blooming Salvation! ARE. YOU. READY?!”
The screams and cheers ignite as the fan’s expressions show immense excitement. I can only be more grateful as I take it all in, realizing the last few weeks of perseverance and driven passion have led to this grand moment of glory.
“This first song is a special tribute to my baby sis, Suzy Morelli. I know you’re up there in Heaven, looking down on this grand event with a big smile on your face. Let my words reach you, and know I’ll always love you and that drive of resistance that never faded, even at death.”
The crowd erupts in more cheers as I raise my hand up to the sky. The twinkling stars seem extra bright tonight, and I can only hope that’s a sign.
“I want to give a special thanks to the one and only Blair Vesper for helping me create this masterpiece,” I announce and thrive on the pulsing anticipation that ignites as thousands of fans look upward in adoration, their hands up in cheer.
My eyes are transfixed on Astraea, watching how her eyes shimmer with unshed tears. Despite the sadness dawning in the depths of her pupils, a proud smile graces those tenderly soft lips.
She’s the reason I managed to get the words out that have been stuck in my heart for all these years, and deep down, I think this is the song that’s going to set me free.
Free me from all the regret I carried.
“ This is ‘Echoes of You,’” I quietly reveal as I close my eyes and let the soft glow of a purple wash over me, making me feel ethereal in this untouchable moment.
The first chords fill the air, and how ironic that I feel the soft droplets of water hit my face. It doesn’t stop me as I draw into my persona, the me who taps into those buried emotions, unlocking their raw glory that will be heard by the world as I let my emotions come out in a woven serenade.
The chords of the guitar ignite through the air as the soft interlude of the keyboard brings out the melody we’ve been working on every day this week until three in the morning.
I can recall all those nights snuggled with Astraea as we kept replaying the songs in her new bedroom, doing it again and again while finalizing the lyrics that finally resonated with my soul.
As the light drizzle begins to fall, the crowd goes silent as the ensembles of sounds come together, waiting for my grand beginning. I open my eyes slowly, peering at the sky as the rain droplets sparkle with the stage lights, creating the perfect shimmering curtain.
All I can think of is my voice reaching the heavens—this song will be heard by Suzy.
“In the shadows of my mind, I see your face. A fleeting memory, a bittersweet embrace. Taken too soon, my little star. Your absence leaves the deepest scar.”
My voice, normally powerful with screaming temptation, is soft with vulnerability. I let the words out as memories flood my mind—my sister’s laugh and her beautiful smile. That protective stare or the pouting anger she’d display on her beautiful face. All those emotions as I remember her at different stages—from when she was a baby, holding her tiny little hand, to that last moment when I watched her take her last breath.
“But I won’t let the darkness win. I’ll fight for the light within.”
The rain intensifies slightly, mirroring the tears that began to stream down my face. I don’t stop them or wipe them away, deciding this was the time to finally let those feelings go. To give into the pain I allowed myself to run away from. To experience the heartache and rage that begged to be acknowledged and accepted years ago.
I let it all out as the weight of my loss finally gains wings to fly and be free, using this song to bear the weight of my agony and let it surge outward for thousands to hear, feel, and get a glimpse of the pain I’ve fought to contain.
The music gets louder, preparing for the grand chorus, and my voice gains strength, ready to burst into a loud, pretend scream.
“Your echo guides me through the night. I’ll resist the urge to give in to the fight. In your memory, I’ll rise above. Finding salvation in your endless love.”
I dare peer at the screen that shows a zoomed-in reflection of me. How gratifying is the sight as the rain washes down on me. The lights dance and sway, flickering in such a way, it’s as if there’s a halo effect hovering above my head.
It’s weird to feel a presence behind me—a touch along my shoulders, as though one is gripping me, so I remain standing. I know there’s no one behind me because I can see it for myself, but deep in my heart, I know this sensation. This feeling I’ve felt at times when I was so hopeless, I wondered if it was worth running away any longer.
Only, this time around, my heart isn’t heavy with defeat. It’s light, fluttering with beating hope and rejuvenated life. This energy that cloaks me from behind makes me feel as if this is the final embrace.
This is our farewell, as my sister can finally move forward without worrying about my demise.
I smile despite the tears that continue to fall.
“They said time heals, but they were wrong. The pain remains, but it made me strong. Your laughter haunts these empty halls. But it’s your spirit that still calls.”
My eyes fall on my Rebel Princess, realizing what an anchor she’s been without even realizing it. This is why having an Omega is so vital for us, but not just any Omega. Having the right one who thrives to understand you. Yearns to accept you.
She grasps that my sister’s memory wasn’t something to be forgotten but a driving force of life that deserved to ride the melodies of the music I created just for her.
To get to sing this song that’s yearned to be heard for many years seems like a blessing.
“Little sister, though you’re gone, your legacy lives on and on. In every song, in every rhyme. I’ll make you proud, I’ll use this time.”
My voice cracks on the last line, the emotion so raw, it bleeds right through, allowing the world to listen to the heartfelt message.
The rain begins to lessen as I reach the final bridge, my voice filled with renewed determination to be heard.
“Your echo guides me through the night. I’ll resist the urge to give in to the fight. In your memory, I’ll rise above. Finding salvation in your endless love.”
I let my voice soar, its echo filling every corner of the arena as the rain seems to come to a stop, leaving the atmosphere with a blanket of mist and the smell of fresh pine. The aroma makes me smile as the final tears escape my lips, taking in the scent of fresh rain, pine, and those pinches of mint.
The scent of my sister, the combination that reminds me of the grand wilderness, so wide and free.
The last note hangs in the air, and I look at my parents, seeing how they stand there in awe. I can see their grief, but it’s overshadowed momentarily by the overwhelming sense of pride when our eyes meet.
For a moment, I can see they realize the damage that had been done. The pain I carried on my shoulders, despite how unimaginably hard it was. They witness how I converted that agony into a form of art and how, in return, it’s ignited rounds of healing.
I know our relationship won’t be perfect, but we can heal from this.
I can forgive them… and start again.
The audience erupts, cheers of praise echoing loudly. I breathe as if I’ve been holding my breath for far too long, but how light my body feels. How free my chest beats in triumph.
When I look at Astraea, I can see her crying, but her smile is radiant, filled with so much love and pride. My parents embrace her, whispering words I can only assume are gratefulness and thanks as they peer back at me while the crowd around them continues to cheer.
Glancing over my shoulder, I look at my band, seeing their glassy eyes, as all of them seemed to have shed tears during my performance. I’m thankful to them, each one of them who was willing to help me with bringing this ensemble together.
For giving me this chance to perform this first.
Exchanging gazes with each of them, we bob our heads in agreement, knowing we have to push through this two-hour set, but there’s one more thing we have to do.
“As we brace to sing our brand new album, which will be released at midnight, I’d like to introduce the one who made this lyrical masterpiece possible,” I declare, drawing all eyes on me.
The spotlight finds me as I raise my arm to the sky, pointing to the stars.
“Please help me give a warm welcome and applause to the one and only… Blair Vesper.”
I lower my arm and point directly at Astraea, watching as everyone around gasps in complete shock.
My Rebel, on the other hand, doesn’t seem shocked at all, as the security aids her in getting on the stage before she walks over to me. If I thought the screams were deafening before, the crowd loses their fucking shit as they go wild.
Astraea smiles from ear to ear as she reaches me, and I don’t hesitate to sweep in for a firm kiss that ignites a higher pitch of squeals and cries of happiness.
She smiles against my lips, giving me a quick peck before she spins around to face the crowd. I offer her the mic and watch as the sea of fans quiet down so Astraea can speak.
“My name is Astraea Soleil. I’m sure I’m a stranger to most people before me, but I’m behind the scenes of the music industry. I’m Blair Vesper,” she announces with confidence. “Many have assumed Blair Vesper is a multi-millionaire Alpha who creates music for some of the best artists in the world. Though part of that is true, I’m definitely not an Alpha.” She jokingly looks at her legs and wiggles them a little, making plenty of girls laugh at the obvious joke she’s insinuating.
“I originally didn’t correct anyone because I truly didn’t see a need for it. I thought, if they want to believe I’m a male, what harm will it do? I guess that was my way of focusing on my creations and not worrying about the impact I could have on this industry. The power I can carry in our vast world where the balance between Alphas and Omegas is vastly different,” she reveals.
“However, it wasn’t until meeting the Alphas of Blooming Salvation, my loving, supportive pack, did I realized I shouldn’t hide from the truth. That I do have power, and thus, here I stand.”
The cheers are endless, as many clap and scream in praise. I can see some women shedding tears as if this revelation is a relief.
“I don’t know how this revelation will turn out. It can go downhill, where no one wants to work with me, or I can encourage those Omegas who’ve been successfully working the shadows to find the courage to come out and prove we also deserve to stand in the spotlight. That despite the aspects of our world, there’s a shift happening that will make us realize that Omegas aren’t an enemy, but individuals who can build and support a pack if allowed to blossom and prosper,” she declares.
“We’re not all perfect… and there’s a lot that needs to be implemented and changed in our society, but time allows us to heal. To grow. To inspire… and lead the way to a new path that will benefit us all. Both Alphas and Omegas.”
She steps back so she’s at my side, and I don’t hesitate to hold her free hand, squeezing it comfortably.
“So let me be the first to congratulate Blooming Salvation on their new album success. I hope every song resonates with the thousands of fans who’ve gathered here to support them. Thank you for giving me the privilege to be a part of your vision.”
“YES!!!! WE LOVE YOU, BLAIR!”
“BLAIR VESPER FOR THE WIN!”
“BLOOMING UNITE! BLOOMING UNITE!”
The crowd is losing their shit as I turn my head to look into Astraea’s eyes.
“No more hiding,” I whisper.
“No more running away,” she vows.
I squeeze her hand and give her one more kiss before she’s encouraged to head to the side of the stage as Kenji goes wild on the drums, preparing for the explosive start of our new album.
“LET’S SING! LET’S DANCE! LET THE WORLD HEAR US ROAR!”
I knew this was a night I was never going to forget.