The First Note

Singing is often described as an expression of the heart, conveyed through the voice.

But what if the heart is too afraid to speak?

This is the story of Eluera Valentine—a socially mute girl striving to overcome her fear through singing.

Before the silence swallows her voice.

— 

In a small café glowed softly in the evening light. Warm, quiet, with just a gentle hum of background noise.
In one corner, a wooden platform stood—a simple stage, nothing fancy.

Outside, the sky was turning gold.
Inside, everything felt still.

Three girls stood on that little wooden stage.

Eluera Valentine held the microphone with both hands.
Her short, wavy white hair caught the light, and her yellow eyes—usually down—were lifted just enough. She looked nervous.

Next to her, Catherine Solvine tuned her guitar, casual and confident.
She grinned, her blue eyes full of energy, her long orange hair bouncing with every motion.

“Ready, Lu?” Catherine said quietly, nudging her shoulder.
“Let’s give them a show.”

On Eluera’s other side, Evelyn Lunaria sat by the piano.
Long yellow hair, calm blue eyes, and a red ribbon beneath her collar.
“We’re with you.” She smiled.

Then the music started.

Eluera sang—soft, but very shaky, 
Catherine’s guitar gave it rhythm.
Evelyn’s piano held it all together.

It wasn’t perfect.
But it felt honest.

In the back of the café, a woman sat watching. She didn’t clap when it ended. Just smiled a little. Her green eyes sharp, but hard to read.

—

Later, at the small home they shared under one roof, the three girls crashed on their couch.
Tired, the kind of tiredness that settles in after doing something that matters.
The place smelled faintly like cocoa.

“Ugh. That wiped me out,” Catherine muttered, flopping back and kicking off her shoes.

Eluera tucked her knees up, smiling quietly. She didn’t say anything, but let out a soft laugh.

“I swear my guitar was out of tune,” Catherine groaned.
“Please tell me no one noticed.”

At the kitchen counter, Evelyn poured some tea. She looked over her shoulder.
“At least it’s over.”

Eluera whispered, barely audible.
"Do you think... anyone cared?"

Catherine blinked. Then smiled.
“Yeah, of course. We did good.” She ruffled Eluera’s hair.
“Someone out there was listening.”

Evelyn paused.
“…Maybe,” she said.
“But sometimes it still feels like no one sees us.”

Evelyn's words hit something in Eluera's chest, but she brushed it away.

Then the doorbell rang.

Catherine sat up, frowning. 
“Who’s here this late?” 

She walked to the door. 
An envelope lay on the doorstep. 
No name. No return address. 
Only a wax seal stamped with a music note. 

Catherine picked it up, puzzled. 
“The hell is this?” 

She broke the seal and unfolded the letter inside—neat handwriting, precise and formal. 

— 

To Harmony band. 

To those who perform with heart, 

You are cordially invited to Aria Luna Music Academy. 

Your music stirred more than just applause. 

Prepare yourselves—for the Final Sonata awaits. 

– F 

The trio stared at the letter, silent—like it had spoken something sacred.
The silence between them felt heavy. 

Finally, Eluera spoke faintly, her lips parted slightly, 
"Aria Luna Academy...“ 
 
Catherine added. 
“It’s that all-girls academy, right? The school for… real talents.” 

Evelyn held the letter closer, her blue eyes thoughtful. 
Eluera’s gaze lingered on the seal, her golden eyes shining, a quiet ache blooming in her chest. 

With that single letter… 
Their journey began. 
 
A path wrapped in roses… and thorns.