Chapter 4

Mac nodded to his band, and they launched into a haunting melody – piano and guitar entwining like skeletal fingers.

The song was unnamed, yet familiar echoes resonated deep within Alessia's soul – as if Mac had composed her own heartbeat. Lyrics poured out like blood:

"In secret places, I drew your face

A mystery solved – my heart's dark pace

Forever chasing shadows – till you appeared

Now my darkness trembles – with love feared"

Alessia's vision blurred – tears pricked at her eyelids. The crowd was entranced, swaying like specters – unaware of the intimate confession unfolding.

Mac's eyes never left hers – his voice cracked on the final lyric:

"My echo...found."

The music faded – silence hung like a guillotine. Then, Mac's whisper echoed through the mic:

"Alessia..."

The crowd erupted – but Alessia's world narrowed to Mac's gaze – her name on his lips was a public declaration...

Alessia spun around, disappearing into the backstage shadows – Mac's voice still echoing through the mic:

"Alessia...!"

The crowd's cheers turned confused, sensing something intimate unfolding – and crumbling. Mac dropped the mic, rushing off stage towards the darkness Alessia vanished into.

Uni intercepted him, concern etched on her face:

"Mac, what's going on? The crowd—"

He brushed past her, urgent:

"Get them an encore – anything. I need to find her."

Backstage corridors blurred together as Mac sprinted towards Alessia's likely escape routes – dressing rooms, exits – calling out softly:

"Alessia, wait..."

But only silence replied. He burst through the rear exit into night air – Alessia stood alone in the parking lot, tears streaming down her face...

Mac's eyes locked onto Alessia's figure in the parking lot darkness – her back against a car, tears glistening on her face.

He approached slowly, footsteps echoing off nearby vehicles – giving her time to sense his presence.

Alessia's head remained bowed, oblivious or pretending not to notice him closing in. Mac halted about 6 feet away, voice low and gentle:

"Alessia..."

Her body trembled slightly at his whisper – acknowledging his presence. Mac took another slow step forward, then another, until only 3 feet separated them.

The only sound was Alessia's soft sobbing and distant music still fading from the venue. Mac's heart ached seeing her cry – his voice cracked softly:

"What did I do wrong?"

Alessia slowly lifted her gaze – tears-brimmed eyes locking onto Mac's tormented expression.

His face was etched with concern, cheeks slightly pale under venue makeup. Alessia's heart skipped beats seeing him so affected by her tears.

Their eyes held for several silent moments – Mac's voice barely above whispered:

"What did I do wrong, Alessia? Saying your name...was it too much?"

Alessia's throat constricted – she swallowed hard before whispering:

"Not too much...too real."

Mac's eyes narrowed slightly, puzzlement mixed with longing – he took another gentle step closer:

"Real how?"

His warm breath danced across her skin – Alessia's heart raced wildly...

Alessia's voice trembled softly as she explained: