The host shoved the mic in my face, and I froze. This was all live and Jared was so much better at this stuff, but I decided to be honest.

“That was an accident, but I thought, whatever, I’m going to own it. Sometimes I fall down, but I get back up again and keep going. That’s life, right?”

The crowd screamed again so I must have said the right thing, and Jared squeezed me tighter.

“Very wise words,” Ray said. “Lissa, what did you think?”

“I thought it was brilliant how you turned an accident into a triumph. That’s so important in this line of work because things do go wrong sometimes, and you just have to roll with it.”

“Very true. Dan, they’re the newest member of your team—how did they do?”

“All I can say is, I’m so glad I rescued them from Angel. What were you thinking?” He leaned over to smirk at our former mentor, who huffed and crossed her arms. When she didn’t respond, he sat back and continued. “They’ve already improved so much in the week I’ve been working with them, and I can’t wait to see what they do next week. I’m really proud.”

My heart swelled at Dan’s words, and it sounded like he actually meant them, too. He must think we weren’t completely doomed if he was already talking about next week. I prayed my screw-up tonight hadn’t cost us our spot on the show.

“Now it’s up to you at home,” Ray said, staring at the camera. “If you like Villain Complex, download their song and vote for them on the website or by texting or calling this number.”

The stage turned so the next band could play, and roadies ran around us and broke down our gear. Kyle wrapped me in a big bear hug as soon as we were out of view. “Are you all right? Are you injured?”

“No, I’m not injured,” I muttered into his shoulder, which was pressed against my face. I tried to pull away, but he had me in a death grip. “Really, I’m fine!”

“Are you sure?” Jared asked, when I finally broke apart from his brother. “Does it hurt anywhere?”

“I can’t feel anything, but that might be the adrenaline. Tomorrow I might wake up with a broken leg or something, but at the moment, I feel great.”

Hector thumped me on the back, knocking all the air out of me. “That was hardcore, Maddie. Not sure I could have done that.”

“Um, thanks.”