CHAPTER FIFTY – SINGING BLUES

And so began a series of grueling rehearsals. Clarissa insisted on practicing for hours each day, with Mara standing in for Ethan during their sessions. The ship's entertainment lounge became their makeshift studio, filled with the sounds of Clarissa's vocal warm-ups and the tinny backing track played on repeat. "No, no, no!" Clarissa exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice as she stopped the music for what felt like the hundredth time. "Mara, you're coming in too early on the chorus. It's throwing off my timing!" Mara took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay calm. "I'm sorry, Miss Noble. Should we try it again?" Clarissa huffed, running a hand through her perfectly styled hair. "I suppose we have to. How am I supposed to impress Ethan if I can't even get through one run-through without mistakes?" As they prepared to start again, Mara caught sight of Cassius slipping into the lounge. He gave her an encouraging smile, and she felt some of the tension leave her shoulders. T