The lights dimmed slightly as the host announced her name. Elara stepped onto the stage. Her outfit looked simple but anyone looking closely could see the fine stitching and the subtle shine of the fabric.
She carried herself with calm, measured steps, as if walking into a quiet room rather than a full arena. Her posture was steady, her gaze forward, not flinching at the sea of eyes staring back at her.
She paused at the center of the stage and stared at the audience. Her voice was soft and calm, when she spoke:
"This song… is mine. I wrote it."
A murmur went through the audience.
"It's called, 'if I still sing '"
Judges exchanged looks. No one had ever sung an original song in the Starhunt competition. Some frowned, some raised eyebrows. Was she… brave, foolish, or both?
Well, it's not that it's not acceptable.
Elara took a small breath. Then she started.
"I used to dream with open eyes,
Thought the road was made for me.
But the lights were colder up close,
And I learned what silence can be."
Her voice was not loud. It wasn't too soft either, it was just very clear. Every word carried weight, like she was telling the audience her secret, and they were the only ones she trusted.
Some trainees whispered to each other and some audience members also leaned forward instinctively, drawn in by the honesty of her song.
Lioren sat in his chair, his arms loose at his sides, but he could not take his eyes off the lady on the stage.
That's her, he thought, his chest tightening. The girl from Crelou. She's…
He swallowed. He hadn't expected this. He thought of the way she'd saved him as if it was nothing. Her polite refusal to take credit at the boutique. And now… here she was. On this stage.
Her long voluminous hair swaying gently. Her dress, simple, but perfect. And her voice…
He felt something unfamiliar stirring in him. Admiration. Or maybe wonder.
And somehow, remembering he had paid for that dress on her made his chest tighten again.
Beside him, the lead actress noticed his fixed gaze. She tilted her head, observing the lost expression on his face, then smiled knowingly. She didn't say a word, letting him stay in his reverie.
Elara's voice echoes across the city.
"They told me I was reaching too high,
Said my voice was nothing new.
So I swallowed all my questions,
And smiled like I was supposed to do."
The hall was silent that one could hear the rustle of Judges' notes.
Her voice trembled a bit as she hit the higher lines, but it did not collapse. That slight imperfection made it real, made it feel like she was giving the audience pieces of herself that she'd never shown before.
Finally, she reached the last lines:
"If the world won't hear my heart.
If tomorrow brings no win.
I'll sing for the girl I used to be.
As long as I still sing."
At first everywhere was graveyard silent. Then slowly, an honest applause began. It wasn't the quick bursts of polite clapping. It was slow, from people who felt the weight of her words, her pain, and her courage.
In the corner, Livienne's face stiffened. Her eyes darkened for a moment, lips pressing into a thin line. Her fingers tightened slightly around her champagne glass. She hadn't expected this… not like this.
Elara stepped off the stage with the same calm she had walked on it. No dramatic bow or fanfare.
Lioren's gaze lingered on her a little longer. He had seen great stars and famous singers. But this… this felt so much different to him.
The lead actress beside him leaned closer to him. "She's incredible," she whispered.
Lioren didn't seem to hear her for he didn't say anything. He just kept looking forward, lost in thought.
Elara's performance had left the venue in a heavy mood. A few other contestants performed after her. Only after these did Livienne's name got announced.
She walked onto the stage with calm steps. The dress she wore was elegant and eye-catching, fitted perfectly to her figure.
She announced the song she chose, a song by a very famous Aurelian singer. Murmurs spread quickly because everyone knew this song. It was difficult, and only few people could sing it perfectly to the end.
When she began to sing, her voice filled the hall instantly. Every note landed where it should, moreover her tone is confident.
The judges straightened in their seats, their pens moving as they watched her closely. In the audience, everyone stared at her in admiration.
Livienne reached the chorus with ease. Applause broke out even before the song ended.
After singing the last line. The clapping became louder than before. Livienne bowed gracefully with a faint smile on her lips. Then she walked off the stage with confident steps.
–
After the singing performances ended, the host announced the next part of the event, the musical instruments section.
When Lyra's name was announced as the third pianist out of fifteen, a few people laughed softly, recognizing her as the girl who had tripped on stage earlier.
But when Lyra sat before the piano and her fingers touched the keys, the mood changed at once. The conversations and laughter died down. Everyone looked very surprised for they couldn't have guessed she's as good as this.
–
Elara slipped away toward the back of the backstage corridor. The noise of the venue faded behind her. She leaned against the railing and let out a long breath she did not know she was holding.
I finished it.
That was her first thought. Not feeling proud or too joyful.
She finished it. Her voice did not break as she had worried it might.
Her mind drifted away as she stared in front of her. To the girl who drowned. The girl who was mocked all the time.
The relief she had felt slowly gave way into doubt. Was it foolish to sing her own song? Would the judges think she was arrogant.
Because people had clapped doesn't mean she was safe. Elara knew that well.
But still, another thought came to her mind.
No matter the result, this song is mine.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, resting her weight on the railing.
Slow footsteps sounded behind her.
Elara heard them but did not turn. She thought it was staff or someone passing by.
Then a familiar voice spoke.
"You really did well."
Her body went still and she turned slowly.
It was Lioren.
He stood a short distance away, hand in his pocket.
Lioren had stepped out of the VIP area after a call, searching for fresh air, and somehow ended up here.
He walked towards the railing and leaned against the opposite side of it, facing her.
Up close, Elara looked different. On the stage, she had seemed distant but here, she looked smaller.
Elara looked away first, her expression calm. She did not look shy. Nor did she look pleased.
From the corner of his eyes, Lioren watched her.
Why did she not act like the others? No nervous smiles. No secret glances or any attempt to impress him. Instead, she made him feel like he had wronged her before, even though he knew he had not.
Elara, on the other hand, only felt confused. Why did this man keep appearing in front of her, again and again?
After some time, Lioren broke the silence.
"Why did you choose your own song?"
She answered without thinking too much.
"I just wanted to be original. That's all."
He looked at her in surprise. Such a simple answer.
As he opened his mouth to speak, a voice echoed from the main venue.
"Elara."
Her heart skipped. She had not been listening, but hearing her name pulled her back sharply. She straightened and nodded once.
"I have to go." She said turning to leave.
"Elara." Lioren called behind her.
She paused. Lioren stepped closer and held out a simple card with a name and a number.
"When you get to Starfall City... Call me." He said.
Elara stared at the card, stunned. Starfall City. Only the winners would go there.
Was he just trying to encourage her? Or did he really believe she would win?
She reached out her hand and took the card from him without a word. As she turned again, his voice followed her one last time.
"Don't forget."
Elara did not reply. She only nodded and walked toward the backstage, Lioren staring at her back...