While the rig is still moving, I drop from the fuselage to the net, ignoring the crew’s warning cries. Once the net is less than ten feet off the ground, I jump down and catch the impact in a roll—at least I’ve learned that much.
It’s all I can do to jog instead of sprint, forcing myself to slow as I approach. He doesn’t need me barreling at him. His citrus scent gets stronger as I get closer, and I can see him chatting with the rest of the stunt crew.
I calm slightly.
“Mylo, I?—”
His eyes flash toward me, full of hate.
Then Lana steps between us, having beaten me to checking on Mylo. “Christine, that was fantastic! Just…inspired!Of course Electra has her hero’s code, yes, but look, look at these lengths she’ll go to! I like what you’re finding with this relationship between Electra and Melinoë; I want to talk to you and Haley about some of our scenes for tomorrow. There are a few directions I want to push.”
I only half-hear Lana’s words, and my eyes remain on Mylo. He’s staunchly ignoring me.
I guess I deserve that.
The sickeningpopof his shoulder echoes in my ears, but it looks fine now.
He has ice on it.
And he certainly doesn’t want to talk to me.
I turn my attention back to Lana, having missed half of what she said.
“…the best effect. Get me into your head. What’s Electra thinking in that moment, when Melinoë is dangling in her grasp?”
“It just… seemed like something Electra would do.” My voice sounds far away.
“The genius of simplicity. That first take is looking incredible, so I’d love to take some risks in the second. I was thinking?—”
I glance at Mylo again, guilt coiling in my gut. Of course he’d agree to go again. “Do we have to do a second take?”
Lana stops short, surprised. “Well… no, I don’t think so. Is something the matter?”
“I’m sorry, Lana, I just—I don’t know if I can get into the headspace again.”
“Oh, of course. Well… how about I go review the footage one more time? If I can live with that, we’ll move on.”
I nod. “I’d really appreciate that.”
As Lana heads back to check the footage, I accept a water bottle from a PA and drink it on autopilot. My pointed ears twist slightly as the near one homes in on Mylo’s voice.
I hardly parse his words; it’s just comforting to hear him chatting with Haley, hear that he’s okay—or at least putting on a brave face.
Lana comes back a few minutes later, looking excited. “You know what, Christine? You. Are. A.Genius.That take is lightning in a bottle. So, so…raw!Sopassionate!I want to capitalize on this energy. I talked to the crew, and the daylight’s actually perfect for us to shoot the scene where Electra catches up with Melinoë to get the stone back. Should be ready for you in an hour, tops.”
“I’m feeling a bit off; I wouldn’t want to waste your time…”
“You’re notoff, Christine, you’reon! And tapping into something totally primal. Just wait until the cameras are rolling again, you’ll find your flow.”
“…Yeah. Thanks, Lana.”
She nods and smiles. “Lightning in a bottle, Christine.” She winks and turns away to give orders to the teams scrambling to adapt to the change in plans.
I glance over at Mylo.
This is going to go over just great…
CHAPTER
