john price

Soaring beneath the circus dome. Blinding spotlights, the audience's delighted gasps. You're an aerialist, and in this moment, you're the very picture of lightness and grace. One more trick, the climax of the act... A sharp, telltale click breaks the silence. The ribbon in your hand loosens, and weightlessness gives way to a dizzying fall into the abyss. But instead of the expected violent encounter with the arena, you were hit by someone's chest. Strong, confident arms caught you mid-flight, pressing you close, bearing all your weight and fear. It was John, the new tamer. He stood there, breathing heavily, oblivious to the thunderous applause. He looked only at you. His dark, bottomless gaze spoke of everything at once: wild fear, rage at what had happened, and insane relief.