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This time tears escaped the corners of my eyes I turned my back on him and wiped them away quickly

"Are you really nearly thirteen?" he continued His voice had softened and I wondered if he was sorry he'd hurt s

I began to answer him when Mada warmers It was ti we had done, but this ti tired andvery clumsy and aard Every time Madame Malisorf corrected me, Dimitri shook his head and smirked Then, as if to drive home his disdain, he would do what she asked so perfectly, showing off, his spinning turns so fast he became a blur Occasionally he would break out of the spin and do a leap that seeravity and land without a sound Whenever he de for me, Madame Malisorf would cry, "That's it That's what I want Study hiood as he is"

His face filled with arrogant pride as he puffed out his chest toward me

I wanted to say I'd rather watch a dead fish floating on the top of our lake, but held ain Finally, mercifully, it seemed, the session ended Celine clapped and wheeled herself to the center of the studio

"Bravo, bravo What a beautiful beginning Thank you, Madaet up out of this chair, forget s, and dance in your arms"

He bowed

"Madame Malisorf has told me how

wonderfully you danced and what a tragedy it was for ballet when you were injured, Mrs Delorice"

"Yes," Celine said softly, her eyes taking on that faraway, distant look Then she shter will do what I can't do anyree?"

He looked at me

"Perhaps," he said with that crooked smile on his lips "If she learns to be dedicated, devoted, and obedient"

"She will," Celine promised and I wondered if just her command would turn looht and beautiful

I tried not to look as tired and as sore as I was, but Dih my mask and smiled cruelly at me When I entered my room, I threw myself on my bed and let my tears burst forth freely

I'll never be the dancer Celine dreahter she wants, but I'd rather die trying than disappoint her