Page 138 of Allegiant

Dance.

Everyone in the audience is laughing by the finale, the applause so loud that it almost hurts to hear it. It’s the best kind of ending to the show, to a chapter of my life.

Now I can really move forward. For the first time, I’m not afraid. The future can throw whatever it likes at me, but it can’t take Samson. Or the Buckinghams.

They have my back. Just as I’ll have all of theirs.

I jog forward, and put my hands flat on the stage floor, the Buckinghams staring down at me. Samson steps forward and lifts me straight up, the crowd cheering as I fall into his arms. Our lips meet, and the Buckinghams surround me, each of them patting me on the back, offering soft apologies and words of encouragement before disengaging.

I glance up into Samson’s eyes, the rest of the Buckinghams staring at me, and I give him a small grin.

“I love you, Samson. I fucking love you.”

His shoulders sag in relief, his eyes filling with tears, and I see Ansel lift his fingers to his lips to whistle. I let out a small laugh and point a finger at each one of them.

“But you have to let me win at game night. Or else…”

Harley rolls his eyes. “I mean, I guess we could do that.”

Wylder stiffens, his shoulders moving into boss mode. “Perhaps. It depends on the stipulations.”

“The stipulation is he likes us again, dude,” Neo retorts, and then leans up and presses a kiss to Wylder’s cheek. “It’s worth it. Plus, my potion worked. It’s worth an investment.”

Wylder glowers down at Neo as Samson pulls my gaze back to him.

“Do you really love me? Do you really forgive me?” His words are short and choked, almost like he doesn’t believe me.

So I cup his cheeks, tears streaming down my face as I repeat what I already said.

“Yes. I love you. And I forgive you. As long as you forgive me…for how long it took me to come back to you.”

His forehead falls to mine, and he exhales shakily. “Nothing to forgive, Row. Nothing.”

I don’t believe that, but in my mind I tell myself I’ll make it up to him each and every day that I’m alive. That I’ll prove how worthy he is of love and passion.

Samson steps away, grabbing the mic once more. I’m not sure my heart can take any more surprises. “I promise, we’re almost done taking up your evening.”

Warm titters come from the audience. I eye Samson nervously. Just what is he up to now?

“Some of you might’ve heard that this beautiful institution is being closed down,” he says. “Rhythm Studio has been operating for ten years now, mainly under the stewardship of the star of tonight’s show, Rowan Mitchell.”

Tears continue rolling down my face. God, I can’t believe I’m having to give this place up. At least I have Samson back. With him at my side, I feel…hope, determination that I can bring this place back somehow. A safe space for everyone to express how they feel.

Samson meets my eyes as he continues. “The Buckingham family are pleased to announce that we are the new owners of Rhythm Studio.”

My heart stops in my chest. What happened to the developers?

“The studio will continue in its current capacity, and we can’t think of anyone better to take over running it than Rowan.”

Multiple arms hug me at once, screams and shouts battering my eardrums as my dance friends embrace me.

When they part, Samson is smiling broadly at me. “Everyone, please join me in welcoming Rowan as the CEO of Rhythm Studios.”

I face the audience as they get to their feet, and I sob as I take a trembling bow.

Then I’m crossing the stage and throwing myself into Samson’s arms. “I can’t believe you did that.”

“I was never going to let this place close. It’s your happy place.”