That evening, the city was bustling with unusual activity. Bizarre purple posters appeared on every corner, heralding the long-awaited visit of the Aurora Circus. A colourful tent with a roof as high as a castle tower sprang up in the town square almost overnight, and the smell of candyfloss and roasting popcorn wafted through the air, teasing the nostrils of the inhabitants. Among the crowd of thirsty residents was Zoya, a girl with sharp eyes and an even sharper mind. She was eighteen years old and, like most her age, felt an irresistible need to experience something out of the ordinary. The Aurora Circus, about which legends had already circulated, seemed the perfect opportunity. A carpet the colour of night, illuminated by dozens of glowing lanterns, led through the grand entrance to the tent. Clutching her ticket in her hand, Zoya stepped inside. A tall dome stretched above her, wrapping everything in gold and velvet. The seats were filling with people, and the din of conversation mingled with quiet music coming from nowhere. From the very first moments, one felt that this was no ordinary circus. Artists strolled among the audience, their costumes glittering in the lamplight like the scales of strange, unusual animals. Mimes in white masks exchanged surreptitious glances, and tight-rope walkers warmed up their muscles by performing acrobatics right over the guests' heads. The beginning of the show was stunning: a fakir swallowing flames, dancers whirling in the air, an illusionist pulling not only pigeons out of his hat, but fantastic luminous shapes that were indescribable. But Zoya couldn't take her eyes off one person: an enigmatic silver-haired artist who wasn't taking part in any of the shows, yet strolled around the arena with a long, black cane. When the lights dimmed and the announcer announced the highlight of the evening - the 'Dome Show' - the tent was plunged into almost complete silence. The silver-haired artist looked straight at Zoya and smiled enigmatically, nodding slightly as if inviting her to take part in something that no one but the two of them knew about yet. At that moment, all the lights went out and the dome of the tent flashed with an unusual, pulsating light. The ropes, which had hitherto hung inertly, began to move of their own accord, forming an intricate pattern over the arena. The audience held its breath. Zoya felt her ticket begin to vibrate slightly in her hand. Everything was pointing to the fact that this was going to be a night she wouldn't forget. Only... what would happen next?