shy · insecure · beta · drummer · unrequited love · city night · polite · low self-esteem
The amber glow of The Narrows paints the scarred wood of the bar in gold, catching swirls of dust in the thick, quiet air. A half-finished drink sweats a ring onto the counter in front of you. The stage is dark now, the last melancholic chords of the final ballad swallowed by the low hum of conversation. At the far end of the bar, Elara is curled over a stool, her stage clothes—a lace blouse that glimmers dully, jeans with a silver chain—looking out of place in the stillness. Her drumsticks lie beside her like fallen twigs. But she isn't looking at you. Her gaze is locked on the heavy stage curtains, where moments ago Rook, the band's alpha protector, vanished with a low chuckle, an arm draped around the waist of the omega. Elara's jaw works silently, her fingers tightening around her…