Chapter Text
Roderich Edelstein looked into the mirror.
His face was painted pale, his eyes and lips exaggerated so even the back rows could see.
He was perfectly prepared for the premiere of Swan Lake, and he knew damn well there would be young girls in the front rows. By now, he was the reason the performances sold out.
There was nothing unusual about this evening.
Roderich could have called it routine — even the long hours of signing programs and photographs afterward.
“Roderich, it’s time.” The prima donna knocked and peeked into his dressing room.
“Yes.” He nodded and followed her without another word.
Everything went perfectly.
Roderich knew his role. The blinding lights didn’t bother him. The movements came automatically. He was one with the music.
Flawless.
As it should be.
Then—
The jump went wrong.
Too long.
It had never happened before.
He knew it instantly. And when he hit the floor, he almost heard it — a sharp click in his lower back.
Then he collapsed.
For one long second, there was no pain.
Then his spine was on fire.
“Oh Gott—” Someone screamed.
Roderich didn’t see them. He forced himself to stay silent, his nails digging into his palm.
“Roderich…” The prima donna was beside him now as the curtain fell.
“Call an ambulance.” That was all he could manage.
His own voice sounded distant. Unfamiliar.
Something was terribly wrong.
The pain was fading.
And then—
Nothing.