The theater was busier than usual—at least with staff. The leading actress rehearsed her lines on the grand wooden stage, her voice loud and clear yet lacking the charisma and depth Gael wanted. "At least the show's going," he always said when annoyed by his actors' lack of passion.

Leading actress Fiona Campbell, though not particularly charming personality-wise, was easy on the eyes—a blessing by Borealis Theater's modest standards. Gael hadn't made a breakthrough writing-wise in quite some time, but loyal customers kept him afloat, along with reasonably priced tickets.

Mikheil sat in one of the audience chairs, arms folded, leaning back with an indifferent, perhaps even annoyed look on his face. Fiona had begged him to stay and listen, and while he had no obligation to, her persistent yapping seemed less pleasant than simply sitting there—without even bothering to appear interested.

Kaz was with Fiona, helping her practice her lines by impersonating the male lead. He didn't actually have the role but enjoyed playing it out and assisting cast members. Mikheil couldn't be bothered paying attention to his recitation either; his mind was occupied with something—or rather someone—else.

"Where's Kai?" he cut off Fiona just as she prepared to recite her next line. She frowned and huffed. "Dunno," Kaz replied, shrugging as he glanced at Mikheil. "He's probably around here, somewhere," he added before throwing a look at Fiona.

"I sent him to the costume room," the blonde woman finally relented, "to get me a dress." Fiona gave Mikheil a pointed look. "But it's been a little while since he went there..." she mused quietly, tapping her chin with the script thoughtfully. "Ha, maybe he got tangled up in the dresses."