~Hermes~

I step onto the podium, the lights stabbing into my eyes, the applause pounding against my skull.

Twice again, I wish I could be anywhere else.

I stand beside Natalya, my expression tight and practiced as the cameras flashes endlessly as though trying to peel my skin off. Every fake smile I'm forced to give today feels like a new form of torture.

Natalya flashes that same dazzling, disgusting smile. The one that always looked like victory— the one that makes my blood boil.

Six ...