Tosca -

But outside, soldiers were already dragging Luca into the courtyard. Scarpia had given orders before the performance: If I do not send a signal by midnight, shoot the captain.

Flavia watched from the shadows as a firing squad raised their rifles. She screamed, but the sound was swallowed by the echo of her own voice from the opera—the high C of a woman who had loved, killed, and lost everything. But outside, soldiers were already dragging Luca into

The moon was high. The bells of Sant’Andrea tolled midnight. But outside, soldiers were already dragging Luca into

“Why?” Flavia asked.

For I have lived for art. And love has cost me everything. But outside, soldiers were already dragging Luca into

“It’s called acting, Excellency.”

She took the safe-conduct and fled.