Chosen Mate of the Beastmen Empire by Lewis Reed

Chapter 423

“Word is a big–shot investor’s here today. Even our Cosmic Entertainment execs are kissing up–I dunno his deal,” the girl whispered.

Messing up in front of a VIP was a nightmare. One sour word from him could tank their careers. Nyx knew she meant well and nodded thanks.

Seeing Nyx stay put, still flipping through her script with no sign of changing her sign–up, the girl opened her mouth, then shut it, dropping the subject.

‘Maybe she’s just here for kicks–not serious about auditioning. Probably wants attention, she thought. With looks like that, playing the crowd worked better for her. If she got lucky, the big shots might notice and toss her a role.

The group exchanged glances, mood shifting. The way they looked at Nyx lost some warmth. The chatty vibe cooled off.

Nyx sensed the misunderstanding but hesitated, not bothering to explain. She kept skimming her script to kill time. Soon, auditioners got split by role for the first round.

Too many people–each step cut folks out. Just intros weeded out half based on vibe and looks. The rest faced basic line and acting tests, with even steeper cuts.

Nyx had no training, all instinct. She figured she’d tank round two, just there for the ride, but somehow bluffed her way through.

The girl from earlier popped over, genuinely impressed. “Your acting’s awesome!”

“Thanks,” Nyx said, rubbing her nose awkwardly, unsure if it was praise or shade. The girl’s earnest eyes confirmed it was real.

‘Am I actually good at this? Maybe it’s from playing dress–up with my kitty,‘ she thought.

After two rounds, the crowd thinned. Only four, including Nyx, were left for the shadow guard’s final audition.

Stepping into the room, Nyx’s stride hitched as she spotted the figure in the main seat. Wig, colored contacts, hat, mask—all the sneaky bits. But she knew Seafarion instantly. She’d know him even as ashes.

So it turned out he was the mystery big–shot investor. After a quick glance, Nyx looked away, acting like she didn’t know him, and sat toward the back of the waiting area. A hot gaze trailed her like a shadow.

She casually looked around, zoned out, watched others perform, listened to the director–anything but meeting his eyes. Seafarion pressed his lips together, feeling a pang of disappointment.

When they called Nyx’s name, she stood and walked to the center. His heart started racing again. Zachary, next to the main seat, noticed Seafarion’s shift and gave Nyx an extra look.

That look lit him up. Perfect looks, young but poised–ideal for the fallen princess. Before she even started, he was 80% sold

his on casting her there. Picking up her resume,

froze.

gaze

“Nyx?” Zachary took a deep breath, softening his tone to not spook her. “You read the script?”

She nodded, and he got more puzzled. “You’re auditioning for the shadow guard?”

scenes,” he said sternly. “I’m picky–it’s not just wirework or

claimed martial arts training, but he brushed it off, not buying it. Fudging resumes was standard–watching one online class could count

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Chapter 423

seen the script; you know which one. Coming from Zachary.. that was unheard–of

room gaped. Even the daydreamers snapped to, staring at Nyx. Used to the spotlight, Nyx

clear voice cut

mouth for

hers. He sat up straighter instinctively. But Nyx’s glance

scene slip, memorized it in a minute, grabbed

pick and his heart sank, eyelid twitching nervously. She

careful,” he couldn’t help

that a slip–up would get him grief from the investor. She

“start,” Nyx’s whole vibe shifted. Zachary barely blinked before she leaped high, light as a feather, drawing her sword midair. With a

unsharpened–whistled through the air in her hands. No real opponent,

tension spiked, gripped by her intensity. Then she froze, staggering down-

sides. Some even jumped up to

gripping her sword tight with the other, her gaze sharp

fight scene, no lines, three minutes long, and it floored everyone. Zachary’s jaw hung slightly open. He hadn’t seen such smooth, gripping action in ages–especially from a young, gorgeous

he could catch his breath to comment, the novel’s author–turned–screenwriter slammed the

That’s what I wanted!” He clapped like a seal, plopped back down, and hammered his keyboard, inspiration exploding as he mumbled incoherently. No one caught much, just that he wanted to

scenes.

A crazed writer was a handful. Good thing the big money daddy wouldn’t mind. He glanced at the top boss–Seafarion had his head down, half his

performance, the other three contenders bailed. They knew they

apologizing for missing Nyx’s talent. Thinking back to her bold claim that Nyx couldn’t beat her, her face burned, itching

kid?” she asked, mimicking Nyx’s wrist flick, awed by those perfect sword

crazy, but it felt like flying. For a seco believed Nyx could

girl’s starry–eyed grilling, Nyx’s gaze drifted. “Yeah, trained

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e almost

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Chapter 423

childhood, though–her partners taught her hands–on. She’d picked up real combat skills, plus some flashy moves in ancient times for fitness. Blended

her teacher’s name. Too late for her to

her phone to swap contacts, typing her name–Jenny Thomas–into

As she left, the production team held her back. asking her to stay

Not that they weren’t pretty–some were too old, others too intense. None matched Zachary’s vision. After seeing Nyx, who fit head–to–toe, everyone

screen time–one scene and done.” Zachary pitched.

yes!” The writer piped up, eyes gleaming. “I’m merging them