Revolt (Legends and Love)

Two months later . . .

It’s album release day and everyone I love is here—Astro’s mom and dad, his sister and nephew, Beck, the Dead Ringers, Jack, and Winchester. Even Vin is here. Everyone who supported me is under my roof, anxiously awaiting the moment it drops, the moment my life starts for real and I become Reign Harrow the rock star once more. It’s nearly midnight, and I’m pacing anxiously, Raff Jr. following my every step like he always does. A bandana that one of my men put on him proudly reads, “My mummy is a rockstar!” My men watch me with nothing but love in their eyes. The last two months have been crazy in the best way. I have never been so happy, and my privacy has been respected. The world gets what I show them, but my men get everything from me. I don’t hold anything back anymore.

I glance at the countdown, aware just how raw this album is.

My label said it has so many preorders and saves, more than they’ve ever seen before, but I know that means nothing. I poured my heart and soul into those lyrics, and it’s my comeback album.

It’s my reinvention, so I need it to do well.

“Baby.” Raff grins, and I dance out of his outstretched hands as the clock hits zero.

“We are live!” Winchester shouts. She has been invaluable during this experience, and I can’t wait for her to join me on tour.

I turn back to the screens. To the left are the number of downloads, and to the right are the social media feeds. I wait nervously to see what my fans will think. Arms wrap around me as I stand here in my home, which is open to everyone now because we don’t hide who we are.

Either you like it or you don’t.

It’s my fucking life, and I won’t hide it or lie.

“It’s going to be amazing,” Dal whispers. “Have a drink, princess.”

I do.

And one more.

And one more.

I must have fallen asleep at some point because I wake to a scream and fall from the sofa. “Rolling Stone is calling it the best album of the decade! Reign, you did it! Everyone loves it! You already have six songs in the top ten. Holy fuck!”

“What? That’s impossible—”

“Not for you. Congratulations, Reign Harrow, the revolutionist!” Beck yells. “My goddamn hero and the sexiest bitch on the planet.”

Laughing, I take the drink she offers, uncaring what time it is. “I did it?”

“You did it, no one else,” Astro replies. “Just you, Reign. I’m so proud of you. Look at you.”

As my loved ones celebrate, I sit back, surrounded by love and laughter, and I smile.

My gaze goes to the ceiling. “For you, baby brother,” I whisper. “We did it. I hope you’re proud.”

A hand grabs mine. “Dance with me!”

Laughing, I down my drink and allow them to pull me back to the living.

I allow myself to be happy.

I give myself a reason to live.

Even when it’s not easy.

Even when everything seems like it’s against me.

And it is so worth it.

I will never forget the woman who taught me to fight, to revolt, to be loud, crazy, and to follow my dream.

They call me an anarchist, but the truth is, I’m just living.

Just as Vin carved a path for me, I will carve a path for everyone who comes after me, and I’ll have some fun doing it.

Surprisingly, the most saved, anticipated song is the one I never unveiled until now, ready for the world to meet my brother. He will be immortalized, and when thousands sing to it, they will remember him with me.

They will love him with me.

I always thought reaching the top was all I wanted, but I was wrong. This was what I wanted—the joy from performing and the happiness of crawling into bed with my loves.

My life with them is just beginning, and I can’t wait to follow its path.

My life has never been easy, but it’s been fucking glorious, and before the lights dim and the outro plays, I will scar this world with my dreams, with my music, until the very end.