The world was a rushing tide that only sought to drag you down, sweeping you out to a frigid wasteland, dragging you down to its unseen depths. The ebb and flow that rocked your existence, wounding your soul, was one that you had come to bear. Finding small recluses—coves to hide yourself within as the world roared louder than any storm.

You had burrowed yourself in a similar haven now, but the world wasn’t what was ringing in your ears, the thundering cry that shook your being so far removed from this realm it could be considered otherworldly.

Bathed in the glow of blue fluorescent lights, your body found itself falling the whims of a crowd seemingly possessed. Their adoration edging on complete devotion, a curious thing, for what was merely a concert—merely, being the grossest understatement you had made in a rather long time.

Music blared from every direction, encasing you further in consuming energy that weighed down upon each and every person, the song that flowed from the stage was unlike anything you had ever heard, the cry of siren, was the only thing you could possibly compare it to. For it weaved within your mind, making its home in your heart as a snake might coil within its hollow.

You were entranced, enraptured, and entirely captivated.

Music had always been the door to your being, the sacrifice upon your altar, but here you found the roles reversed, gazing up at the lead singer between a web of raised hands, his hair free-flowing as he belted into the microphone with such conviction the center shook.

You couldn’t have known it then—but now, standing before him as a sea of people crowded for a mere autograph, you knew there was something more, something that drew these people like moths to flame. And you wanted to know what it was.

“—Would you mind telling me your name?” His voice cut through your thoughts effortlessly, returning a stare of enchanting blue, his brows raised in expectation. Just being near him made you feel restless. “Wouldn’t want to keep everyone waiting, hm?”