The roar of eighty thousand screaming fans was a physical force. It vibrated through the reinforced glass of the VIP control booth, rattling the champagne flutes on the wet bar and sending a deep, rhythmic tremor up through the soles of Lyra’s boots.

It was a sensory shock. After months locked in

The heavy, metallic click of the *MASTER PLAY* button echoed in the soundproof VIP control booth, a sharp punctuation mark at the end of Julian’s countdown.

Instantly, the stadium beneath them erupted.

Eighty thousand screaming fans surged forward as the massive stage lights flared to life, pain

Julian didn't hesitate. He launched himself across the narrow space of the control booth like a rabid animal, his polished veneer entirely shredded.

Lyra barely had time to brace herself before his hands clamped around her throat. The sheer force of his momentum drove her backward. Her spine slamm