The morning sunlight spilled across Alicia's studio, casting a warm glow on her sketches.
She picked up a pencil, but her hand trembled slightly.
Not because she doubted her talent, never that.
But because this was bigger than talent.
"Thinking too much again?" Sophie's voice broke the silence.
Alicia looked up.
"Not at all," she said, trying to sound confident.
Sophie tilted her head, arms crossed.
"You're lying. You're thinking about the competition."
Alicia froze.
"…Maybe," she admitted quietly.
Sophie's eyes lit up.
"Good. That's step one. Now step two: apply."
"I… I don't know if I'm ready," Alicia confessed.
"You'll never know if you don't try," Sophie said firmly.
Adrian appeared at the doorway as if on cue.
"Someone should make sure she doesn't chicken out," he said, leaning casually against the frame.
Sophie rolled her eyes.
"Or maybe she needs encouragement, not threats."
Adrian smirked.
"Encouragement can be threatening too, depending on who delivers it."
Sophie shot him a glare but couldn't hide her smile.
Alicia looked between them.
"Do you both have to gang up on me?"
"Not a gang," Sophie said. "A partnership."
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
"Exactly. Strategic support team."
Alicia laughed softly, tension easing from her shoulders.
"Fine. I'll think about it," she repeated.
Sophie nudged her gently.
"Thinking isn't enough. You have to act."
Later that afternoon, Michael walked into the study unexpectedly.
Alicia's heart skipped—not from fear, but from the subtle warmth she felt whenever he was near.
"You're quiet," he observed.
"I'm… considering something," she admitted.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Considering?"
"An opportunity," she said softly, unsure how much to reveal.
Michael studied her carefully, his eyes sharp yet gentle.
"You don't have to face it alone," he said quietly.
Alicia felt a small flutter.
"Thank you," she said, meeting his gaze for a brief moment.
No words were necessary, he understood.
Meanwhile, Sophie and Adrian walked the mansion's hallways together later that evening.
"So," Sophie said, trying to hide her nervous excitement, "you think she should do it?"
Adrian glanced at her, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Yes," he said simply.
Sophie blinked, surprised at the conviction in his tone.
"You… mean that?"
"I do," he replied.
Her heart skipped.
"Good," she said, trying to sound casual, though her cheeks warmed.
They paused near the grand staircase.
"By the way," Adrian said, leaning slightly closer, "you were right about her. She's remarkable."
Sophie felt her pulse quicken.
"About what?"
Adrian's eyes didn't waver.
"Everything. Her talent. Her determination. Her… presence."
Sophie's breath caught.
"I… I guess we'll see how remarkable she really is once the competition starts."
Adrian chuckled softly, and for a moment, they simply stood there two people caught in a quiet understanding.
Across the mansion, Alicia sat at her desk again, sketching with renewed determination.
The competition wasn't just a dream anymore. It was a choice she had to make.
And this time, she wasn't afraid.
Outside the gates, the enemy watched as usual, silent and calculating.
They noticed the way Michael glanced at Alicia, protective and attentive, and scribbled a small note in their file.
Confirmed: She is the weakness.
A faint smile appeared.
But for now… patience.