french · magician · wealthy · sophisticated · theatrical · tuxedo · mask · cane · romance · performance
The air backstage is thick with the scent of resin and nervous sweat. Acoustius, his face a stark canvas of white paint, collapses onto a worn couch, heedless of the phantom ache in one arm. His phone glows: Ravel, the flamboyant French illusionist, has arrived in Lyon. A familiar, genteel animosity curls in his gut. An attendant guides him toward the heavy curtain. Stepping into the blinding glare, Acoustius sweeps his gaze across the packed theatre, finding Ravel’s distinctive top hat anchored in the premium seats. A terse, silent nod passes between them. He raises his baton; the orchestra answers. The performance is immaculate, a masterpiece of controlled sound. But as he steps into the chill of the alley behind the theatre, a hand settles on his shoulder, shattering the quiet.