the velvet curtain (11)

But then he saw Amadeus in the wings, his face hollow, his eyes pleading, though his lips smiled. It was then that Elliot knew.With a trembling hand, he dropped the prop sword he held and walked off the stage, his footsteps echoing through the empty theater.

As he passed Amadeus, the figure nodded once, in quiet understanding. Elliot didn’t look back. He stepped into the cool night air, feeling the weight lift from his chest.

The Grand Étoile Theatre would always call to him, but he had made his choice. Fame and immortality might beckon, but some costs were too high to pay.