Kawaii princess's Arc

Chapter 14 of 54

She stepped out of the cave and stopped at the tall ice arch that marked its mouth. Inside, the song had sounded perfect. But the cave held every note close. She could not tell if it would carry on a broadcast stage, where wind and crowd would eat soft sounds. She needed an honest test. She walked to a flat patch of snow and pitched a canvas practice tent there, tying its panels tight. The tent muffled wind but let real space breathe around her voice. She set a small frosted metronome on a crate inside, wound it, and watched the brass weight swing. She opened the wooden case and sang the four notes against the steady tick. The first pass sounded thin. She adjusted her breath, pushed from lower in her chest, and tried again. This time the notes filled the canvas room and pressed against the walls without cracking. She stepped outside the tent flap and sang the line into open air. It carried. A scout runner passing the ridge turned his head. She closed the case and smiled. The song was ready. But the runner had heard it — and he was already moving toward the watch post.