The Grand Citadel’s glass spires loomed as Elise, Theo, Lena, and Aria approached, the glowing score of Cantara’s ancient songs heavy in Elise’s satchel. Her violin hummed, its painful melody—hers and Clara’s—echoing in her mind. The shadowy double’s appearance in the Aria Vault lingered, and Clara’s retreat felt like a trap. Silencers prowled the citadel’s edges, their silence muting its hum. Elise’s treble clef mark pulsed, urging her to the Symphonic Core, Cantara’s musical heart.

“The Core’s in the central spire,” Lena said, her baton ready. “Elise, weave the score into it. It’ll break the curse’s hold.”

Elise nodded, but fear gnawed at her. Clara’s betrayal cut deep—how had her quiet orchestra mate become the Silent Maestro? Theo’s arm brushed hers, his presence steadying. “We’re a duet, remember?” he said, his grin warm. “No Maestro can outplay us.”

His words warmed her, and she turned, their lips meeting in a soft, lingering kiss. His hands slid to her waist, pulling her close, and Elise felt his heart against hers, a rhythm that chased her doubts. His touch was gentle but hungry, trailing up her back, and she shivered, lost in the melody of them. “I love you, Theo,” she murmured, her voice raw.

“Love you more,” he whispered, his lips brushing her ear, igniting a spark that made her feel alive.

Lena cleared her throat, and they sprang apart, blushing. “Focus,” she said, but her eyes twinkled.

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They entered the central spire, where the Symphonic Core—a massive crystal—pulsed weakly, its song nearly silent. Elise’s mark flared as she opened the score, its notes glowing. She played, weaving the ancient songs into the Core, and its hum grew, pushing back the silence. But Clara appeared, her baton raised, and Silencers surged. “You stole my music, Elise,” Clara hissed. “Now I’ll take Cantara’s.”

Elise’s heart ached—Clara’s pain was real, but her actions were wrong. She played a melody they’d shared, weaving forgiveness into it. Clara’s baton faltered, but the shadowy double reappeared, playing Elise’s melody with malice. The Core cracked, and Clara laughed, “You can’t save what you broke, Songweaver.” What had Elise broken, and who was controlling the double?

Cliffhanger: What did Elise break, and who is behind the shadowy double’s malice?

Chapter 8: The Symphonic Core

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