Page 299 of Fame & Chaos

Our hands stack in the center, and I look around the circle.

My band.

My family.

Home.

I nod once.

And together… we begin the chant.

The music flows for all to hear,

You cannot help, but stop and cheer,

The walls will tremble, shudder, and break,

‘Cause no one can handle the sound of Staked.

One, two, three…

STAKED!

We all throw our heads back and laugh.

God, I’ve missed this.

Performing is part of who we are, and stepping away from it left a hole none of us could ignore. But now we’re back, another platinum album behind us and another headline tour ahead of us.

Staked is home.

Doing what we all love to do.

We break apart, and I glance over my shoulder. Indi is singing quietly to Aria, who joins in with complete confidence despite not knowing half the words.

They both look up at the same time and wave.

I grin, blow them a kiss, and, just like always, they both pretend to catch it before pressing it dramatically against their hearts.

My chest feels full.

I’m ready.

“Let’s go.”

Annie, Aston, and Ella sling their guitars into place while Chad twirls his drumsticks between his fingers, and I look around at my band.

“We’ve got this.”

A few chuckles ripple around the circle.

“You’re on!” a stage manager shouts, waving his clipboard.

Annie heads out first.

The roar from Wembley crashes backstage like a wave.

Goose bumps race across my skin.