The ballroom glittered dark. Every chandelier, every mirrored wall reflecting the perfection Sophie demanded from the world.

You stood beside her, watching her twirl in her gown, her confidence sharp as a blade.

“Do I look divine or just deadly?” she asked, half-teasing, half-serious.

“Both,” you answered.

Her lips curved, pleased. “Good. That’s exactly what I was going for.”

As the music swelled, she took a glass from a passing tray, her eyes flicking to a group whispering across the room. Her smile didn’t falter, but you saw the venom behind it.

“Funny, isn’t it?” she said, voice honey-sweet. “They’ll worship you one minute, envy you the next.”

You glanced at her. “Doesn’t it bother you?”

She turned, meeting your eyes — that glimmer of vulnerability flashing just once before vanishing.

“Of course it does,” she said softly. “But if I have to be feared to be loved… so be it.”

Then she lifted her chin, radiant and ruthless again.

“Come on,” she said, taking your hand, a mischievous sparkle in her gaze. “Let’s give them something to talk about.”

And as you followed her into the center of the room, all eyes turned, because when Sophie decided to shine, no one else dared to exist.