Chapter 3

Alessia's eyes widened, frozen on the journal page – Mac's haunting words seared into her mind. She looked up at him, shocked silence gripping her throat.

Mac's gaze bore into hers, as if daring her to flee or comfort him – either reaction acceptable. His voice is barely audible:

"You see why...my music, my obsession with you – it's always been an escape...and hope."

The room hung suspended, only gentle city sounds outside breaking the stillness. Alessia's shock slowly gave way to trembling – her body reacting before her mind could process Mac's revelation.

Suddenly, she dropped her gaze, eyes landing on her feet – a tear escaped, falling silently to the floor. Mac moved closer, whispering:

"Alessia...look at me."

But she couldn't – not yet – his darkness had shaken her own hidden shadows awake..

Mac gently placed a finger under Alessia's chin, coaxing her gaze upward. Tears brimmed in her eyes, but she still didn't meet his stare – instead, focused on his lips.

He whispered softly, "You don't have to say anything...just don't leave me yet."

Alessia nodded almost imperceptibly, tears spilling over. Mac's eyes filled with emotion as he bridged the distance – forehead touching hers.

Warm breath mingled, comforting silence enveloped them...until Alessia's voice barely broke the stillness:

"What time...is your concert?"

Mac smiled faintly against her skin. "Soon. But I don't want tonight to start without knowing...you'll still be here afterwards."

Alessia's whisper was barely audible, but Mac's forehead still pressed against hers caught every vibration:

"I'll stay."

His eyes closed, relief washing over his face. Gentle lips brushed against her forehead – a soft, promise-like kiss.

"Thank you," he whispered back, voice filled with emotion.

Mac slowly pulled back, gaze locking onto hers – intense green burning brighter than before.

He offered his hand, palm up – Alessia placed hers in it, feeling an electric spark as his fingers closed around hers.

"Walk with me to the venue?" he asked softly. "We can go in together – backstage."

Alessia nodded, heart still racing from his gentle kiss. Together, they exited the hotel suite...

As they walked, Mac leaned in close – whispering:

"Tonight's performance...is for you alone."

          Echoes Amplified (Concert Night)

The venue erupted into cheers as Mac's band, "Echoes in the Dark," took the stage – Alessia watched mesmerized from backstage turned into a VIP spot near Mac.

Mac grasped the microphone, eyes locking onto hers across the crowd. His voice boomed:

"City, tonight we bleed emotions – share our darkest echoes!"

The band launched into "Shattered Silence," guitars screaming – Mac's vocals hauntingly beautiful. Alessia felt every lyric resonate deep within...

As he performed "Echoes in My Soul" – the song he sang softly to her earlier – their gazes entwined again. Alessia's heart skipped beats; she felt seen, heard – alive.

Suddenly, Mac deviated from lyrics, voice raw:

"This next song...for one shadow that haunted me – until she appeared."

The crowd cheered unclearly – but Alessia's heart plummeted – knowing instinctively...

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