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It was everything she'd ever wanted. The sea of adoring faces staring up at her, the lights shining on her, numerous cameras pointed at her, snapping photos and recording her beautiful smile—
"One more time, my dear. Let's hear it again, just to be sure."
Venus opened her eyes, and instead of the cheering crowd in her imagination, her world gave way to harsh metallic grey, a dim room save for the several studio lights pointed at her. She took a deep breath, fingers curling around the object in her hand, holding it like a microphone.
"Hi, everyone!" she began again, her brown eyes sparkling as she gazed into the inert camera set up before her. "It's me, Venus! Everyone's Venus, that's me!"
Her gaze locked with that of the tall, pale man standing just behind and to the side of the camera. Nascour's expression was neutral, but she could feel the intensity of his eyes, boring into her while he hung on to her every word.
"Tonight, I have a… a terrible announcement to make," Venus continued, her voice hitching with emotion. "Our generous, industrious patron, Mr. Amato…" She took a deep breath, composing herself for the delivery. "He... H-He was found deceased today, the victim of a terrible crime!"
Nascour's mouth curled into a barely perceptible smile, making Venus's heart flutter. Outwardly, she let her lip tremble as she fought to continue. "There are so many monstrous people who secretly wish The Under to descend into chaos… to become aimless, leaderless, until we are forced out of desperation to ascend to the surface and grovel for their help! Mr. Amato knew the value of remaining self-sufficient, though… and it has kept us safe for so long! Safe to be free, to do as we wish without persecution, to pursue our dreams! I… I would never be where I am today without his support!"
An elegant nod, in response.
Venus pressed her lips together firmly, then continued. "I'm sure whoever did this is certain we will cave in to their demands," she said fiercely. "But no! I, your Venus, will not let this happen, not while I have the strength to do something about it! I pledge to you, my precious fans, that I will step up and make sure The Under remains stable, safe, and independent. In honor of Mr. Amato, and in honor of all of you!"
Her soft brown eyes quickly darted to Nascour once again, and he tilted his head. She paused briefly to consider what else to say, before she smiled again and nodded to the camera. "Please stay tuned, everyone, for a follow-up broadcast. I will reveal exactly how I plan to address this despicable crime." Her gaze hardened, voice lowering to a fierce tone. "There will be authority, despite the killer's efforts to take it away. An enduring peace and order… something stable we can all trust in…"
She went silent for a moment, lost in his eyes, lost in the promise he made her, lost in the power she deserved after so many years of lies and being taken advantage of…
Nascour nodded, his smile widening, and she beamed back at him.
"Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated, everyone!" she chirped. "I know I can always count on all of you. Thank you!" She raised one hand to give the camera a wave, before falling silent and looking to Nascour expectantly.
With a warm, low chuckle, he moved forward, reaching his hand out elegantly to greet Venus. She took his hand in hers happily, unable to resist giggling.
"Was that good? Do you think that sounds all right?" she asked, biting her lip cutely.
"It was magnificent. You have such energy and passion, my dear," Nascour assured. "Your fans will surely feel your emotion and your fervency. They will rally to your side… and The Under will be all yours." He paused for a moment, before his smile turned cold. Venus followed his gaze… across the room to a man tied to a chair against a far wall. He struggled against his bonds, muffled pleas blotted out by the gag in his mouth.
Venus studied Denn Amato for several moments, her own expression hardening. She hadn't told a single lie; she'd come far with The Under leader's support, but not without pain and suffering along the way. He'd elevated her to stardom, at the cost of her emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, and self-worth. But no more.
"Please address our last obstacle, and Cipher will welcome you with open arms," Nascour breathed into her ear. She shivered happily, and her fingers tightened around the knife she clutched in her hands.
"My pleasure… Master Nascour," she said sweetly, taking a step forward and drinking in the sheer terror in Mr. Amato's eyes.
"You're on in one minute!"
The studio was a bustle, though the tension in the air was palpable. The cameraman held the camera white-knuckled, the anchorwoman standing next to Venus looked pale, and the crew moving around in the background tried their best to ignore the seated figure against the far wall, now silent and covered with a sheet as an afterthought.
Venus stood under the bright lights and gazed at the camera, heart racing with adrenaline and the feeling of weightless freedom. She could barely hold back a smile, and had to remind herself to look sad.
Nascour crossed before her, his eyes alight with red, mirroring the bloodlust that still coursed through her veins. He studied her silently, but the approval in his face was overwhelming.
"How do I look, Master Nascour?" Venus asked, her voice tremulous and full of awe.
His mouth twitched, partly with amusement and partly with satisfaction. After a pause, he reached forward and gently took her face in his hand, tilting it toward him. Venus's heart skipped a beat, as she took in the sharpness and pride in his expression. All for her.
"You missed a spot, my dear lady," he whispered, as his thumb ran over her bottom lip. A drop of errant blood painted her mouth a far more vibrant red than before.
Venus's expression shone with delight, and as Nascour stepped away to take his place behind the cameraman, she basked in the radiance and beauty of her victory. The lights shining, the cameras rolling, the adoration of all her fans soon to come…
She took a deep breath, before gazing into the camera and curling her glistening lips into a smile.
"Hi everyone! It's me, Venus! Everyone's Venus, that's me!"