Full story in Premium Early Access folder or on my Patreon page. Every bit of support is truly appreciated, but just having you here means the most to me - without you, none of this would have been possible. Thank you very much!
Check also my shop at DeviantArt for other works
The empty backstage hallway was filled with the distant echoes of applause. Nick, as usual, was cleaning up after the latest act while the troupe entertained the crowd with dazzling illusions and tricks. A smile appeared on his face when he heard the loud ovation—by the sound of it, this was Jacques' act, the circus's lead illusionist. The audience adored him: mesmerized by his tricks, flashes of light, and dramatic disappearances, they barely kept up with his quick hands and alluring voice. Nick had his own respect for the stage masters, and at times, he might have even envied their popularity and the admiration they commanded.
Carefully sweeping the last corner, he set the broom aside for a moment and stretched his aching back. It was hard not to dream of standing in their place, even just once, during moments like these. But it remained an impossible fantasy—who was he to dream of the stage?
No sooner had Nick finished tidying the corner than the circus manager, Mr. Devereux, strode toward him. Devereux was a stocky, slightly fidgety man with a neatly trimmed mustache and a habit of constantly checking his pocket watch, ensuring he missed nothing.
—Nick, my friend! You’ll help the circus out in a tough moment, right? — Devereux began, jumping straight to the point. His face was slightly tense, and his voice sounded anxious. —We need you now more than ever!
—Me? —Nick looked surprised, not fully understanding what was happening. —Is something wrong?
—Yes, you, —Devereux confirmed, casting a quick glance around, as if checking to make sure no one was eavesdropping. —There’s a problem with Jacques’ act; his assistant didn’t show up. And this act is important, you understand? We need a replacement urgently. Can you manage?
—Wait, wait, Mr. Devereux— Nick took a step back, bewildered. —I’m just a janitor. What kind of assistant would I be?
—Don’t worry, —Devereux waved his hand, as if it were nothing. —All you have to do is get into the box for a couple of minutes and stay still. Jacques will handle the rest. It’s a disappearance act, nothing complicated. You’ll come out, the audience will be surprised, and that’s it. Besides, I’ll pay you well.
At the mention of money, Nick relaxed a little. Thoughts raced through his mind: this was a chance, after all! A small one, maybe, but still a step toward the stage.
—Of course, of course, —he exhaled, trying to steady the slight tremor in his voice. —If you need me, I’ll help.
—Wonderful! —Devereux clapped him on the shoulder enthusiastically and led him to the dressing room, leaving him almost no choice.
In the cramped room filled with mirrors, the makeup artist was already waiting for them. He gave Nick a quick look, and for a moment, a flicker of doubt crossed his face, but then he smirked and handed Nick a simple black suit with wide lapels.
—Put it on, don’t be shy, —said the makeup artist, sizing Nick up with a slight squint and nodding at the suit. —You might not look like a pro, but it’ll do for this act.
Nick took the suit, glanced at his reflection one more time, and sighed. It wasn’t every day a janitor ended up on stage as the assistant to a great illusionist. He slipped into the suit, which was a bit big in the shoulders and too long, but, as the makeup artist said, it would do. With little time to spare, Mr. Devereux practically dragged him toward the backstage area.