Chapter 53: The Bloody Incident
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
The drama club had gained significant recognition after receiving an invitation to perform at The Midnight Opera House, the equivalent of Broadway in the werewolf society. The performers became overnight sensations, and the buzz around the club grew louder with each passing day.
As the cafeteria filled with chatter about the club’s upcoming production, the situation began to spiral out of control. Students, eager to discuss the drama surrounding the play, were starting to draw unnecessary attention. I quickly decided to pull Mara and the others out of the cafeteria before the excitement turned into a full–blown spectacle.
The crisp winter air outside helped to cool their enthusiasm. After a moment, Avril sighed and said, “Alright, I’ll admit it. I shouldn’t have judged you or Carolyn so harshly.”
Mara, looking sheepish, nodded in agreement. “I’m at fault too. You’re right, Avril. I’ve been so caught up in admiring Carolyn that I didn’t consider how Chloe must feel. She’s probably devastated right now.”
Trying to redirect the conversation, I asked, “Isn’t the premiere at the Midnight Opera House scheduled for Sunday? It’s already Wednesday. Do you think they’ll have enough time to rehearse properly?”
Mara shrugged, her usual enthusiasm dimmed. “I wouldn’t know. As part of the logistics team, my job is just to handle stage decorations and costumes. Ryan never consults us about the big decisions. He always acts on his own, like most so–called visionary directors.”
Dorothy chimed in, her voice calm but pointed. “So Carolyn specifically requested the role of Quincy Scott?”
Mara nodded, “She did. She claimed she wanted to showcase her most beautiful side to her
fiancé. And when she made that request, all she had to do was bat her eyelashes, and the boys -Ryan included–immediately agreed.”
I frowned. “And was Chloe present when this decision was made?”
“She was,” Mara confirmed. “Chloe was rehearsing with the extras at the time. When she stepped off the stage, she was told she was no longer playing the female lead.”
“That’s terrible,” Avril muttered, her voice tinged with disbelief. “I can’t imagine how heartbroken Chloe must be ”
“She’s the reason the drama club rose from obscurity to fame,” Dorothy added, “And now, after all her hard work, she’s been cast aside. It’s a perfect reflection of the ruthlessness in the entertainment world.”
bit timid. Have you ever heard her say a bad word about Carolyn? I doubt she’d ask her boyfriend to start a fight
Dorothy’s insight was hard to dismiss. Since her witch bloodline had awakened, her ability to perceive people’s true natures had become almost uncanny. She could discern intentions and motives with ease, and her intuition rarely failed,
Avril scoffed. “Then it must ‘ve been her boyfriend acting on his own. High school boys are all about their pride. He probably felt Carolyn’s treatment of Chloe was an affront to his ego.” The police soon arrived, escorting the troublemakers off the premises. I caught sight of Chloe standing near the theater’s entrance, her face pale and tear–streaked. She tried to follow her boyfriend, but another student–Adam–pushed her aside without so much as a glance.
The sight was heartbreaking. Chloe, who had worked tirelessly for the drama club, now stood on the sidelines, her efforts dismissed and her dignity bruised.
As I watched the scene unfold, I couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of dread. Carolyn’s arrival had already upset the delicate balance of the club. And now, with this violent incident, it was clear her presence was more disruptive than anyone could have anticipated.
I could only hope this would be the last of the chaos, though deep down, I feared it was just the beginning.
