The lights in the main hall were still bright. The audience was tired, but they were still very much awake.
The singers were gathered near the stage. Most of them were standing, only few sat on the chairs. The mood was not excitement anymore, but rather nervousness.
The host returned to the stage. He thanked everyone briefly and spoke about how strong and surprising this year had been, how difficult the judges' decision was.
Then he explained the structure of the results. They would announce the musical instrument category first.
Three names were chosen.
The host read the first name. The audience clapped. The second name followed. Then the third name.
"Lyra."
For a second, Lyra did not move. She stared at the stage as if she had misheard. It was only when the person beside her nudged her arm gently did she stand.
Her legs were unsteady as she moved forward. Applause followed her, mixed with a reaction surprise. The people recognized her as the girl who tripped on stage.
Lyra accepted the acknowledgment stiffly, her face still caught between shock and disbelief. She barely returned to her place before the host continued.
Next came the singing category. Only two people were selected.
Before that, the host announced those who did not advance, each given a small gift for participation.
Lyra was among those called for singing.
She stepped forward again, still not fully recovered from the earlier shock. Her hands trembled slightly as she accepted the gift. She bowed and returned to her place.
"Now the winners would be announced." The host said looking down at his card. The first name was called.
"Livienne."
Everyone applauded immediately.
Livienne stood up gracefully, a calm smile on her lips, as if she had expected everything to turn out this way. She walked up the stage and as she turned slightly, her eyes moved toward Elara.
Elara returned her gaze with a nonchalant expression.
Livienne snorted quietly, turning away, thinking Elara was only pretending to be calm.
The host continued, announcing the music company Livienne would be admitted to in Starfall City. The name alone caused another wave of applause. Livienne's smile widened, satisfied.
Elara listened without reacting. She knew Livienne had done things behind the scenes. Livienne had sung well, yes. But not the best. Elara had heard voices that night that were better than hers or Livienne's. Still, this was not surprising to her.
The second name was announced. It was not Elara.
Elara's face fell, realizing that though she hadn't expected much from this competition, she had still held a tiny hope. This had been her first chance to change everything. The earliest moment in this life where she could rise faster than before. And now, it had happened, but not in her favor.
Around her, everyone clapped as they were supposed to.
Elara breathed in slowly to calm her churning emotions. She told herself it was fine. She had expected this. She had already separated herself from the outcome.
Then the host lifted his head again and smiled.
"That is not all."
Everyone looked at him, wondering what he's up to again.
He continued, explaining that one of the most influential families in Aurelia, a major sponsor of the competition, had made a decision. They had chosen to sponsor one participant directly to Voice, the most prestigious music company in the country.
The hall erupted into whispers.
Livienne's body stiffened on the chair she sat on as she stared at the man on the stage.
Elara's eyes brightened a bit with hope once again, but she forced herself not to react too quickly. She didn't want to think too much of it. What if she's not the...
She did not finish the thought before the host looked down at his card and called a name.
"Elara Veyne."...