Chapter 7: The Ghost of Asteria Vale

Raine kept her expression calm as she walked out of the audition hall, but inside, her mind raced.

She did it. She was in.

Step one of her plan was complete, but the real game was just beginning.

As she walked down the hallway, the sound of footsteps behind her made her pause.

"You."

The deep, lazy voice sent a chill down her spine. Kairo Lin.

She turned slowly, meeting his sharp golden gaze. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, studying her like a puzzle he was dying to solve.

"You remind me of someone," he said, tilting his head slightly. "Your voice, your presence… it's familiar."

Raine's fingers twitched. Of course he recognized something. Kairo had been close to Asteria Vale—too close. He had been one of the few people she had once trusted.

But trust had gotten her killed.

She forced a smirk. "Do I? Maybe I just have that kind of face."

Kairo's eyes narrowed slightly. He didn't look convinced.

"Maybe," he murmured, stepping closer. "Or maybe… you're a ghost."

Raine's heart slammed against her ribs.

Careful. He's dangerous.

She held his gaze. "Ghosts don't audition for idol groups."

Kairo chuckled. "Maybe not. But I'll be watching you, Raine Vesper."

Let the game begin.