CHAPTER THREE : JOY

The sun poured golden light through the small wooden windows of our home, catching the dust motes in lazy spirals. The room was warm, cosy, and alive with laughter. Simple rugs covered the floor, a few cushions scattered about, and shelves lined with instruments, fabrics, and trinkets collected from their travels. It was modest, but it was ours — a home built from scraps of survival, stitched together with trust, laughter, and the bond of five girls who had outlived fire.

Sabrina twirled lightly in the centre of the room, her fingers brushing along the golden bands she wore — souvenirs from the markets, gleaming in the sunlight. Charlotte hummed a tune as she braided a strip of cloth into her hair. Clara leaned against the wall, tapping her foot to a rhythm only she could hear, while Mireya carefully inspected the edges of her costume, smoothing stray threads. Anna, ever serene, moved between them, adjusting small details, keeping the energy grounded.

For a moment, the room was full of warmth and ordinary joy. we were happy, despite all the years of loss, despite the memories that lingered in quiet corners of our minds. we were alive, together, and for now, that was enough.

Then — a knock at the door.

Not hurried or desperate, but elegant and steady, each rap measured, precise. It echoed in the quiet room.

“We have visitors?” Charlotte asked, tilting her head.

Anna moved to open the door. Outside stood a man taller than most, robes of deep crimson stitched with gold glimmering faintly in the afternoon light. Beads on his turban caught the sun, sparkling like scattered stars. In his hands, a scroll tied with crimson ribbon. He exuded calm authority, a presence that demanded attention without shouting.

“I apologize for intruding,” he said smoothly, voice low and even. “I bring a message for the dancers of legend. The Palace Hall requests your presence tonight. Your performance would honour the city — and its nobles.”

For a heartbeat, the girls stared. Sabrina’s heart raced so quickly she thought it might burst.

“W-we’re invited?” Clara whispered, voice trembling between excitement and disbelief.

“Yes,” the merchant said, bowing slightly. “All five of you. And they say the eldest…” He paused, eyes meeting Sabrina’s. “…is unparalleled.”

Sabrina felt fire bloom inside her chest. Fifteen years of loss, of fire, of wandering — all the nights she had buried her sorrow and held onto the fragments of a shattered family — had led to this moment. She glanced at her sisters-in-arms, seeing awe mirrored in their eyes.

They erupted in laughter, gasps, and whispers, a chaotic symphony of joy and disbelief. Charlotte clutched her hands to her chest. Clara spun once and froze, eyes wide. Mireya smirked, though her fingers drummed nervously against her arm. Anna simply smiled, steady as always, squeezing Sabrina’s hand in reassurance.

For a moment, the laughter died down. The girls sat in a quiet reflection, thoughts of their lost families brushing through their minds. Fifteen years ago, fire and rage had stolen their parents, their childhoods, their innocence. Yet here they were, alive, together. Sabrina let a small smile touch her lips, gratitude warming her chest.

“We’ve come far,” Anna whispered. “We’ve built something beautiful from ashes. Never forget that.”

Sabrina nodded, feeling the truth of it settle in her. “We have. And tonight… tonight we show the world who we are.”

With renewed energy, the girls moved to prepare. Fabrics were laid out, golden bands adjusted, hair pinned with care. Each girl checked herself in the small mirror, practising steps and movements quietly, laughter and whispers intertwining with the rhythm of anticipation. The air in the room buzzed with nervous excitement, tinged with pride.

Sabrina let her fingers glide along her golden bands one last time, tracing the curve of her waist, the swell of her chest. Egyptian-inspired adornments gleamed under the sunlight, a promise of allure and grace. They were ready — not just for the dance, but for the world beyond their small home.

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