A raven crowed outside the dance room.
With a slight tremble, Rue lowered her right leg. She turned to face the audience.
They clapped enthusiastically.
Rue walked back to her quarters. Ahiru shuffled next Rue as she walked down the hallway. "Everyone said you danced better as The Black Swan, but I think you did both parts really well!"
"They said I danced better as Odile?"
"Yeah, but I feel sorry for the Black Swan."
"Why?"
"Well, she has to lie to the prince and live as someone else all her life."
Rue cringed instinctively.