Kiera had always known that the opera house could be a cruel and unforgiving place, but she had experienced nothing quite like the treatment she had received from the new managers.
Despite her talent and hard work, they seemed determined to keep her down and treat her like an outsider. They gave her the worst costumes and were forced to eat scraps while the other performers dined on lavish meals. Kiera knew she had to keep her head down and focus on her singing, but it was hard to ignore the hunger pangs and the feeling of isolation.
One day, after being denied a proper meal yet again, Kiera found herself drawn back to the secret spot in the cemetery. she had some food that she got from Henri thankfully but Kiera noticed an old Gypsy woman watching her from a nearby grave. The woman had a kind face and a warm smile, and Kiera felt drawn to her. she went up to the lady and handed her basket of food . " here i noticed that you might not had lunch yet." said keria kindly while the gypsy women smile kindly as she too went through the harshness of those who hated her nationality.
" thank you, my child, and blessings to you for those who spat at me and cursed me i couldn't get myself something to eat today from the market. it is rare these days to see a kind soul be nice to someone like myself. you deserve a reward for helping me my dear." she spoke with sincerity
he old Gypsy lady had told Kiera to sing the following words:
"Under the moon and stars above, Bring to me what I need with love. Food to fill my empty plate, Clothes to keep me warm and great, Money to pay my way, All come to me without delay."
Kiera had been skeptical at first, but she was desperate and willing to try anything. To her surprise, as she sang the song, she noticed a small bag of bread and cheese appear on the ground beside her. She looked around, bewildered, but there was no one in sight.
Over the next few days, Kiera continued to sing the song whenever she was hungry or in need of clothes or money. And every time she sang, something would magically appear before her.
It was as if the magnolia tree and gardenia bushes were somehow connected to her pocket watch, allowing her to access a magical realm of abundance and provision. Kiera couldn't believe her luck, but she also knew that she had to keep the secret to herself.
As she returned to the spot in the cemetery, Kiera sang the song once more, hoping to find some solace and sustenance in her hidden sanctuary. She closed her eyes and let the melody flow from her lips, feeling the weight of the world lifting from her shoulders.
When she opened her eyes, she saw a small basket of fruit and a bottle of water waiting for her. She smiled in gratitude and reached for the basket, taking a bite of the sweet, juicy apple. There was also bread and cooked meat, Vegetables as well.
Kiera knew that the road ahead would be difficult, with Colette and the new managers making life hard for her at every turn. But as long as she had her secret spot and her magical pocket watch, she knew she would never truly be alone. she would sometimes worry if colette and the new mangers how she is regaining weight slowly as the adutons were coming up. but she knew she was so careful with her tracks but some reason few things like new costume from the magnolia or a dress would somehow to disappear like stolen from colette. but she didn't know how also wondering about the presence of something always got them back for her like a ghost or phantom of sorts.
As the auditions drew nearer, Kiera began to feel the weight of the upcoming challenge. She knew that Colette and the new managers would stop at nothing to prevent her from getting the lead role, and she felt like she was constantly walking on eggshells.
Despite the difficulties, Kiera continued to sing the magical song and receive provisions from her secret spot in the cemetery. She even shared some of her bounty with the old Gypsy woman who had first shown her the song, feeling grateful for the kindness the woman had shown her.
As the day of the auditions approached, Kiera found herself more nervous than ever. She had practiced for months, but she knew that the competition would be fierce, especially with Colette vying for the same role.
On the day of the auditions, Kiera arrived at the opera house early, dressed in her best costume and clutching her pocket watch. She felt a sense of calm wash over her as she held the watch in her hands, feeling the familiar weight and comfort of the object.
As she waited for her turn to audition, Kiera heard Colette's voice from a nearby room. Colette was singing the same song that Kiera had been practicing for months, and Kiera felt a twinge of panic. She knew that Colette was a talented singer, and she worried that she wouldn't be able to match her rival's skill.
But then, as if on cue, Kiera's pocket watch began to glow with a warm, comforting light. She felt a surge of energy flow through her body, and she knew that she was ready to face whatever came her way.
When it was her turn to audition, Kiera stepped onto the stage and closed her eyes, feeling the melody of the song flow from her lips. She sang with all her heart and soul, pouring all of her emotion and passion into the performance.
When she finished, there was a moment of silence as the judges deliberated. Kiera felt her heart beating in her chest as she waited for their verdict.
Finally, one of the judges spoke. "Kiera, we have been impressed with your talent and dedication. We are pleased to announce that you have been chosen for the lead role in our upcoming production."
Kiera felt tears of joy spring to her eyes as she realized that all of her hard work had paid off. She couldn't believe that she had actually achieved her dream, thanks in part to her magical pocket watch and the kind old Gypsy woman in the cemetery.
As she left the opera house that day, Kiera felt a sense of contentment and peace wash over her. She knew that there would still be challenges to face, but she also knew that she had the strength and determination to face them head-on.
And as she walked past the cemetery where she had found her secret spot, Kiera couldn't help but smile, feeling grateful for the magic and mystery that had brought her to this moment.
while this was happening as keria went to the cemetery.
As rumors of the phantom spread throughout the opera house, the new managers Antoine and Catherine remained skeptical. One of them, a man named Antonie, refused to believe in such nonsense and refused to pay the phantom's salary of 20,000 francs.
Colette and the other performers, however, were more cautious. They had heard stories of strange happenings and unexplained events, and some even claimed to have seen the phantom lurking in the shadows.
Despite their fear, Kiera couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about the mysterious figure. She had heard stories of his incredible talent and his role in shaping the opera house's history. She wondered what he looked like and what kind of person he was.
As the auditions for the lead role approached, Kiera couldn't shake the feeling that the phantom was somehow involved. She began to sing the song she had learned from the old Gypsy woman more frequently, hoping to gain an edge in the competition.
On the day of the auditions, Kiera arrived at the opera house feeling nervous but determined. Colette was there, along with the other performers, all vying for the coveted role. Kiera knew it would be a tough competition, but she was ready to give it her all.
As she waited for her turn to sing, Kiera noticed a shadowy figure lurking in the wings. She couldn't make out his face, but there was something familiar about him. She couldn't help but wonder if it was the phantom.
When it was finally her turn to perform, Kiera took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage. She sang with all her heart, pouring her emotions into the song Sempre libera from Act 1 of La Traviata and hoping to impress the judges.
Sempre libera degg'io Folleggiare di gioia in gioia,
Vo' che scorra il viver mio Pei sentieri del piacer.
Nasca il giorno, o il giorno muoia, Sempre lieta ne' ritrovi,
A diletti sempre nuovi Dee volare il mio pensier.
Vola, o pensiero, al dolce guidami, Vattene, abborri il tristo desio,
M'accompagni lo scherzo, lo scherzo del desire, M'accompagni lo scherzo,
lo scherzo del capriccio.
Sempre libera degg'io Folleggiare di gioia in gioia,
Vo' che scorra il viver mio Pei sentieri del piacer.
(translation :
Always free, I must Flit from joy to joy, Following the path Of pleasure to pleasure.
Let the day come, or let it go, Always happy in our encounters, May my thoughts soar To ever new delights.
Fly, o thoughts, on sweet wings, Flee, hate the sad desire, May playful antics follow me, Antics of desire and caprice.
Always free, I must Flit from joy to joy, Following the path Of pleasure to pleasure.)
When she finished, there was a moment of silence before the audience erupted into applause. Kiera felt a surge of pride and joy as she took her final bow.
As Kiera stepped off the stage, Colette stormed towards her, her face twisted in anger athough it appear she was calm Colette stepped forward with a smug expression on her face but the storm burst out of her mouth as she screamed at Kiera in a mix of French and Italian, her voice laced with curses and insults
"Tu es une chienne insolente! How dare you upstage me with that dress and that voice! You think you're better than me? You are nothing but a commoner, a worthless peasant! Je vais vous faire regretter ce jour, vous allez voir!"
"You're nothing but a wretched little nackle-ass, unworthy of even the smallest role! And now you think you can steal the lead from me? You're delusional! I hope you fall flat on your face in front of everyone and embarrass yourself in the most humiliating way possible!"
Kiera tried to keep her composure as Colette continued to curse at her, calling her names she didn't even know the meaning of. She could feel the anger and resentment pouring off of the older woman in waves, and she knew there was no reasoning with her now.
Feeling both scared and determined, Kiera stood tall and looked Colette straight in the eye. "I earned that role fair and square," she said firmly. "And I won't let anyone, not even you, take it away from me."
With that, Kiera turned on her heel and walked away, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and excitement. She knew that her life at the opera house was about to change forever, and she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
unknowingly to kiera of what Colette and her clique of ladies fallow her like geese. Colette grins wickedly as she watches Kiera leave out of hearing as she said to herself but to the ladies who fallow her around as well.
"Brava, brava," she said, clapping slowly. "But let's see how you perform in a real costume, shall we? oui? ladies we got some work to do time to bring her down." they laugh softly while cackling as well.
The group of ladies followed Colette, nodding in agreement. They were determined to make sure Kiera failed, no matter what it took. As they made their way to the costume room, Colette whispered instructions to each of them, plotting and scheming with a viciousness that made even the most seasoned performers nervous.
Kiera was blissfully unaware of the danger that lay ahead, lost in the thrill of her triumph and the promise of a bright future. But as she stepped into the magical garden, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
The air felt heavy and oppressive, and she could sense a presence lurking in the shadows. She looked around nervously, wondering if it was the phantom or something even more sinister.
As she continued walking, Kiera noticed that the trees and flowers around her seemed to be wilting, as if they were being drained of their life force. She reached out to touch a nearby rose, but it crumbled to dust in her hand.
Suddenly, she heard a loud crash and the sound of ripping fabric. She turned to see Colette and her cronies standing before her, a pile of torn fabric at their feet.
"What have you done?" Kiera exclaimed, her heart sinking as she realized that her costume had been destroyed. "How could you be so cruel?"
Colette sneered at her, her eyes gleaming with malice. "You think you're so special, don't you? Well, let's see how special you are now without a proper costume. You're nothing but a little peasant girl playing dress-up, and you'll never be anything more."
Kiera's eyes filled with tears as she watched the women walk away, laughing and snickering at her misery. She felt like all her dreams had been crushed in an instant, and she didn't know if she could go on.
But then she remembered the magnolia tree surrounded by the blooming gardenias and the mysterious pocket watch. With a newfound sense of determination, Kiera reached into her pocket and began to sing the song she had learned from the old Gypsy woman.
"Under the moon and stars above, Bring to me what I need with love. A costume fit for a prima donna, All come to me without delay."
As she sang, Kiera felt a warmth spreading through her body, and she knew that help was on its way. She closed her eyes and waited, feeling the weight of the world lifting from her shoulders.
When she opened her eyes, she saw a beautiful green dress hanging from a nearby tree, its fabric shimmering in the moonlight.
The dress was made of the finest silk, its deep green hue accented with delicate embroidery of silver and gold thread. It was a masterpiece of design, with a fitted bodice that accentuated Kiera's curves and a flowing skirt that trailed behind her like a river of emeralds.
The neckline was adorned with intricate lace, while the sleeves were trimmed with cascading ruffles that fluttered in the wind. The dress seemed to glow in the moonlight, its beauty leaving Kiera breathless.
She smiled in gratitude and reached for the dress, feeling a renewed sense of hope and determination.
As she slipped into the dress, Kiera felt like a princess, her worries and fears melting away. She couldn't help but twirl around, the skirt of the dress swirling around her like a whirlwind.
It was as if the dress had been made for her, tailored to her every curve and contour. Kiera couldn't help but feel grateful for the magnolia tree and the mysterious benefactor who had provided her with such a stunning garment.
With renewed confidence, Kiera made her way back to the opera house, feeling like a new person. She knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but she was ready to face it head-on, with the beautiful green dress as her armor and the magic of the pocket watch as her guide.