[color=#D4987F][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/P7enTOf.png[/img][/center]

[color=#035E7B]Time:[/color] Evening 
[color=#035E7B]Location:[/color] Outside the Banquet Hall
[color=#035E7B]Interactions:[/color] @TpartywithZombi] Ariella, [@JJ Doe] Hala, [@Helo] Callum/Clarence
[color=#035E7B]Mentions:[/color] [@Helo] Leo, [@Lava Alckon] Drake
[color=#035E7B]Outfit:[/color] [url=https://i.imgur.com/QoPP1pz.jpeg]Dress, Hair, and Makeup[/url]

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Thea’s muscles tensed the moment she heard the heels. Something about the rhythm–too intentional, too poised. Her wine-dulled haze sharpened at the voice that followed. As Hala approached, draped in theatrical silk and smirking like they owned the stars, Thea’s instinct screamed. Not just caution.

Danger.

Her brows knit ever so slightly, her eyes narrowing, posture subtly shifting as Hala reached out and plucked the bottle from her hand like they were entitled to it. Thea didn’t move to stop them, she didn’t need to. Her stillness was the calm before the strike.

Their words were clever, sure. Flowery. Poison dipped in perfume. But it wasn’t the performance that bothered her.

It was the way Hala spoke like they knew her. Like she was another pretty pawn to poke fun at. Like her shame, her brokenness, her constant war with herself was some kind of character flaw to lean into and flaunt.

She let them finish. She didn’t interrupt. She let them bask in their own spotlight.

And then, slowly, Thea tilted her head.

[color=#035E7B]“How riveting,”[/color] she drawled, voice honeyed with mock interest. [color=#035E7B]“A stranger arriving to offer their unsolicited therapy... while wearing the sky like a cape. How terribly noble of you.”[/color] She stepped forward just a hair, her voice quieting, but the sharpness was unmistakable.

[color=#035E7B]“You speak so confidently about rebellion and disaster and not seeking approval. How convenient it must be to waltz into someone else’s storm and play prophet when you’ve never lived a day in their skin.”[/color] Her smile thinned. Her eyes did not.

[color=#035E7B]“You know my mother, clearly. Or at least you studied her. But you don’t know [i]me[/i]. Which is shocking, really, given all the rumors about me. If you'd listened to those you would have realized that everything you're suggesting has been my life for the last year.”[/color]

A flicker of something pained crossed her expression before it steeled again. [color=#035E7B]“So forgive me if I don't find your suggestion to ‘go full disaster’ terribly insightful. I’ve already been there. It’s not as glamorous as you make it sound.”[/color]

She took the bottle back without asking, not even looking at Hala now. [color=#035E7B]“Now, if you’ll excuse me.”[/color] Thea turned her back to them deliberately, exhaling hard through her nose as she pivoted toward the newest arrival.

Callum was a welcome shift in the atmosphere, like a jolt of mischief wrapped in charm. She gave him a half-laugh, hand instinctively going to her hair to make sure her clip from Charlotte hadn’t been jostled.

[color=#035E7B]“Thank you, Prince Callum,”[/color] she said warmly, her tone gentler now. [color=#035E7B]“I can’t wait for the party. Truly. And knowing you’ll be there only makes it more exciting. I have a feeling it’ll be the highlight of my season. Besides, your sister always comes up with the most exquisite and exciting parties.”[/color]

She glanced to Ariella then, catching the softening in her face, the unmistakable light in her eyes when she looked at him.

And Thea smiled.

Not for herself, but for Ari.

Despite everything tonight, despite the humiliation and ache still thudding in her chest, she felt something small and good bloom there.

Hope.

Ariella deserved joy. And by the look on her face, she might’ve just found a piece of it.

Thea’s gaze lingered on Ariella a moment longer, her smile softening, touched with sincerity this time. She stepped closer and, without overthinking it, pulled the other woman into a quick but heartfelt hug. It was more warmth than words, more gratitude than she could manage to say aloud.

[color=#035E7B]“Thank you, Ari,”[/color] she murmured, her voice low but earnest as she pulled back. [color=#035E7B]“Really. For coming out here. For checking on me when you didn’t have to. For making me feel like I wasn’t... completely drowning.”[/color]

She hesitated, glancing toward the tall double doors that led back to the banquet, her fingers tightening briefly around the neck of the wine bottle.

[color=#035E7B]“I should probably go back in. Leo’s likely convinced I’ve thrown myself into the sea by now, and Drake…”[/color] her voice faltered a little, [color=#035E7B]“well, I don’t want him thinking I regret everything. Because I don’t.”[/color]

She started to turn, then paused, concern flickering across her features as she looked back at Ariella, but not before briefly glancing at the stranger.

[color=#035E7B]“Will you both be alright out here?”[/color] she asked gently, tilting her head as she glanced between her and Callum. [color=#035E7B]“Or do you want to go back in together?”[/color]

Because if Ari or even Callum needed her to stay–even a little–Thea wasn’t going anywhere.[/color]