Chapter 15: From Gala to Games

Nyara pov

The S City Annual Celebration was in full swing, a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and smells that both invigorated and overwhelmed me. As an Alistair, I was expected to be here, a visible representation of our family's continued presence and influence in the city. My midnight-blue jumpsuit, while comfortable and concealing, felt like a uniform, a reminder of my obligations.

My family moved through the crowds with ease, their greetings warm and practiced. My mother, ever the social butterfly, flitted from group to group, her laughter echoing across the square. My father, stoic and reserved, offered curt nods to acquaintances, his presence radiating an aura of power and authority. My siblings, Amir and Zaila, were equally adept at navigating the social landscape, their smiles genuine and their conversations engaging.

I, on the other hand, felt like a ghost, drifting through the festivities, observing from the sidelines. I exchanged polite greetings, offered obligatory compliments, and feigned interest in conversations that held little appeal. But beneath the surface, I was restless, yearning for something more, something real.

The city parade was a spectacle of floats, music, and dancers, a visual feast that was both impressive and exhausting. I watched as the floats rolled by, each one representing a different aspect of the city's history and culture. The crowds cheered and applauded, their faces lit up with excitement. I tried to share in their enthusiasm, but my heart wasn't in it.

After the parade, we attended a formal luncheon, a lavish affair that was attended by the city's elite. I sat through hours of speeches, toasts, and polite conversation, my mind wandering to other places, to other possibilities. I felt like a caged bird, longing to spread my wings and fly.

I found myself gravitating towards the outskirts of the gathering, seeking solace in the quiet corners of the venue. I spent some time talking to the staff, the servers, the bartenders, the people who were working hard behind the scenes to make the event a success. Their stories were real, their struggles were palpable, and their resilience was inspiring.

As the afternoon wore on, I grew increasingly restless. The stuffy atmosphere, the forced smiles, the endless stream of small talk – it was all suffocating me. I longed to escape, to breathe fresh air, to be myself.

Finally, as the luncheon began to wind down, I made my excuses and slipped away, promising my family that I would return later for the evening gala. They seemed relieved to see me go, as if my presence was a burden they no longer had to bear.

As I walked out of the venue, a sense of freedom washed over me. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with the crisp autumn air. The city was still buzzing with activity, but I no longer felt confined by it. I had a mission to complete, a promise to keep.

I went home and quickly changed out of my fancy jumpsuit, trading it for a pair of jeans, a comfortable t-shirt, and my favorite leather jacket. I wanted to be casual so they would not see me so uptight. I made a quick stop at home to drop off my purse and get some extra cash. Then I drove to the fairgrounds, my heart pounding with excitement.

As I approached the entrance, I spotted Halle and Sarai, their faces beaming with smiles. They were standing near the gate, their energy radiating an irresistible sense of joy.

"Nyara!" Halle squealed, throwing her arms around me in a hug. "You made it!"

"Of course, I did," I said, laughing. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Alright, what are we waiting for?" Sarai said, grabbing my hand. "Let's get this party started!"

We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring the fair, indulging in all of its guilty pleasures. We rode the Ferris wheel, screaming with laughter as we soared high above the city. We played carnival games, competing fiercely for stuffed animals and silly prizes. We ate everything in sight – cotton candy, corn dogs, funnel cake, you name it.

It was glorious. For the first time in