n

nThe melody intensified, the symphony orchestra reaching crescendo as Iris' crystal clear voice effortlessly reached the high notes.

nBeautiful.

nThe piano was no longer mournful, but hopeful instead.

n

"Now I sing this song

nA song entirely mine

nA song only I can sing

nI found my voice

nI found myself

nI once again found the essence of my dream

"

nHeat spread through the audience's veins. It sounded so nice. It would surely feel great if they could once again find the passion to chase after their dreams. They clutched their hands to their chests, feeling their racing hearts as they focused and listened to the song.

n

n

n

"I'm a black star with no light

nBut so what? I'll glow again

nMy dream glows bright in my heart

nI'm a black star that'll light up, you'll see

"

nIris closed her eyes as the music stopped, gasping; her face filled with emotions.

nThe song finally ended.

nSilence.

nOne second. Two seconds. Three seconds.

nBooming sound of loud applause! Cheering! Whistling! Screaming! Crying!

n

n

n

"Iris! Iris! Iris!

"

nIt was unknown who started it, but soon the entire audience was chanting her name. They all stood up, clapping their hands as hard as they could. Many were in tears.

nIris shuddered as the loud applause washed heavily over her. In her previous life, she was almost always alone. Sure, she had bodyguards and servants but they were too well-trained. They weren't allowed to befriend her or they would be severely punished.

nHer father and older brother, as the leader and heir to their family organization, were always out working and travelling somewhere in the world. Her mother was an emotionless robot whose sole purpose was to dedicate her life and talents to the family organization.

nShe also had a dream then: a dream to live her life freely, to share her music to the world. To stand onstage and listen to an audience clap and cheer for her. To leave her mark in the world, to prove that she existed.

nHowever, her identity in her previous life never permitted her to be the centre of attention. She was fated to live in the darkest shadows of the Underworld.

nBut now, in this second life, she finally had a taste of living her dream! An intense, foreign emotion welled and rose from deep within her, spilling out of her eyes without her control.

nShe stood shakily and walked to the front of the stage. Tears flowed nonstop down her face, but she still looked beautiful. She swept her eyes across everyone in the audience.

nShe raised both of her arms high up in the air; a gesture of triumph. A big smile lit her face. Utter delight and excitement.

n

n

nThe applause and cheers grew even louder. Everyone in the audience felt honoured to be on the receiving end of such a beautiful and elegant curtsy bow.

n

"Iris! Iris! Iris! Iris!

"

nIris stood up, touching her chest with both hands, nodding her head and mouthing the words

"thank you

".

nThen she turned around and repeated the deep curtsy bow to the symphony orchestra who performed with her. The orchestra musicians, in turn, bowed deeply to her.

nShe stood up and clapped her hands to the orchestra's direction, gesturing for the audience to give them much-deserved applause as well.

n

"Iris! Iris! Iris! Iris! Iris!

"

n