“I am Theresa D’Arlanne,” she spoke, her tone warm yet composed. 

Her long black hair cascading like silk over her shoulders, framing a face both serene and unreadable.
Her deep blue eyes swept over them calmly, holding quiet authority. 

Harmony exchanged puzzled glances before Catherine spoke up, 
“We get a mentor?” 

Theresa nodded gently. 
“Someone has appointed me to guide Harmony.” 

With a mix of formality and cautious hope, the band greeted their new mentor, each bowing slightly in respect. 
 
Theresa smiled gently, her eyes warm and inviting. 
"I won’t demand much formality," she said softly. 
"I’d prefer a casual approach between me and my mentees. So please, tell me about yourselves." 
 
Theresa’s words stung in Eluera’s chest—she wasn’t used to talking to anyone outside her bandmates.
 
Eluera opened her mouth first but froze.  
“I-I...” she hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper, the familiar weight of anxiety tightening around her throat. 

Catherine noticed immediately and stepped forward with a reassuring smile. 
“She’s Eluera Valentine, seventeen years old, our leader.” 

Theresa smiled gently. 
“It’s alright if confidence doesn’t come easily just yet, Ms. Valentine.”
 
Catherine next, her restless energy shining through. 
“I’m Catherine Solvine, eighteen. Guitarist, and the one who handles the rougher parts.” 
 
Evelyn stepped up last, voice soft but steady. 
“I’m Evelyn Lunaria, seventeen. I play the piano.” 

Theresa regarded them thoughtfully. 
“Silent voice, flame, and calmness... you each hold a piece of your sound. I look forward to helping you bring it all together.” 

—

Looking at Harmony, Theresa felt a quiet pull from the past.

For a moment, Harmony's eager faces reminded Theresa of her own younger self—once a student here at Aria Luna Academy.

“I was once in your place, ten years ago,” she said, her tone gentler now.
“A student of Aria Luna. Back then, I was part of a Symphony-tier duo… our band was called Lullaby.”

She let the name linger in the air a moment, her expression calm but touched with memory.
“It was just the two of us, but our sound was strong. It carried us far.”

Catherine tilted her head.
“But no one talks about Lullaby now. Why?”

“Because five years later… they arrived. Evergarden."
"Four biological sisters who soared beyond even the heights we thought unreachable. Their presence overshadowed every band in the Symphony,” Theresa replied.

—

Theresa's gaze lingered on the three girls before her, her silence holding a weight of reflection.

“Lullaby was cherished, once,” she continued softly.
“But even the most heartfelt songs can be drowned out by something... divine.”

She folded her gloved hands in front of her.
“When Evergarden debuted, it wasn’t just their music—it was their unity and talents."

Evelyn's brows knit slightly, thoughtful.
“That must’ve been difficult, Ms. Theresa. Watching your legacy fade.”

Theresa’s smile didn’t falter, but it deepened with nuance.
“It was,” she admitted. “But it also taught me something important.”

Her voice dropped to a quiet note, warm and firm.
“Music isn’t about holding the spotlight. It’s about what you give while you’re in it."
"And now… I’d rather help others find their voice than chase the echoes of mine.”

She looked toward Eluera then, her gaze softening.
“Especially those who have something worth hearing… even if they’re still learning how to say it.”

Eluera blinked at Theresa’s words, caught off guard by the gentle sincerity behind them.

A faint blush colored her cheeks, the warmth reaching just beneath her yellow eyes.
She quickly averted her gaze, her fingers twitching at her sides.

Then, slowly, she made a hand gesture—signaling that she wasn’t ready for the world to hear her voice.
For reasons she couldn’t yet share, her thoughts remained trapped beneath her fear.

Theresa’s expression softened, watching her with tenderness.
“There’s no rush,” she said, her voice like the fading notes of a lullaby.
“Growth doesn’t demand noise. It asks only for courage.”

Theresa’s gaze returned, steady and sincere. 
“And as your mentor, I’m here to guide you, to help you rise as Harmony, and to find your voice, little star Eluera.”

She extended her hand.
“Are you ready?”