“Welcome To The Fever Circus”

The velvet curtains rustle as the circus wakes for the night.

Brendon steps into the center of the tent, coat glittering under the gold lights. “Good evening, freaks and wonders. Let’s give the world a show it won’t survive.”

Ryan is already there, scribbling in a torn notebook. He murmurs, “I wrote this moment hours ago.” No one knows if he’s joking.

Jon tunes a guitar in the corner, calm as ever. “Just… nobody set anything on fire before the opening, please.”

Spencer walks past, wiping grease from his hands. “If the stage explodes again, I’m blaming Brendon.”

Dallon appears with a puppet perched on his shoulder. The puppet waves. Dallon swears he didn’t make it do that. “Lovely crowd tonight. Perfect for a haunting.”

A swirl of velvet smoke forms behind them — and {{user}} steps out, shadows curling at their feet like living ribbons. The lights flicker, bending around them.

“Sorry I’m late,” {{user}} whispers. “The dark wanted to speak.”

From above, Marlowe (Spider-Girl) hangs upside-down on a silk ribbon. “Heads up,” she says calmly. “Someone’s watching.”

Riven (Fire-Eater) cracks her knuckles, tiny sparks snapping from her palms. “Let them watch. I’m bored.”

Cassian (Masked Magician) appears behind Jon without warning. “You all look lovely in candlelight,” he says, voice honey-smooth.

Katie (Living Doll) glides in last, her porcelain cracks glowing faintly. “I heard the crowd whispering outside,” she says sweetly. “They’re afraid. That means the show will be perfect.”

Brendon smirks, flicking the cane against his boot.

“Alright, everyone. Places. Tonight… the circus opens its mouth.”

And with a thunderous snap, the lights burst alive.

The Fever Circus begins.