"I am Theresa D'Arlanne," she said, her tone warm yet composed. Her long black hair cascaded like silk over her shoulders, framing a face both serene and unreadable presence. 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 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 tried to open her mouth, yet froze in place.
Catherine noticed immediately and stepped forward with a reassuring smile. "I'm sorry but she's a mute. Her name is Eluera Valentine, seventeen years old, our leader."
Theresa smiled gently. "I see, my sincere apologies, Ms. Valentine."
Catherine comes 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 keyboard or piano."
Theresa regarded them thoughtfully. "Silent voice, flame, and calmness... an interesting mixture."
—
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 now more gentle, "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 sensible 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." Theresa replied,
"Four biological sisters who soared beyond even the heights we thought were unreachable. Their presence overshadowed every band in the Symphony."
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."
Evelyn's brows knit slightly. "That must've been difficult, Ms. Theresa."
Theresa's smile didn't falter, but it deepened with nuance. "It was," she admitted. "But it also taught me some valuable lessons."
"And now… I'd rather help others find their voice than chase the echoes of mine."
—
She looked toward Eluera, her gaze softening. "Especially those who have something worth hearing… even if they're still learning how to express it."
Eluera blinked at Theresa's words, caught off guard by the gentle sincerity behind them. A faint blush coloured her cheeks; she quickly averted her gaze, then slowly she made a hand gesture—signaling that she wasn't ready for the world to hear her voice.
Theresa's expression softened, watching Eluera with tenderness. "There's no rush," she said gently, "Growth doesn't happen in an instant, it requires progress. And as your mentor, I'm here to guide you." She extended her hand.
"Are you ready, Harmony?"
Catherine stepped forward first, Evelyn followed without pause, her touch gentle but certain. Eluera joined last, hesitating only slightly before placing her hand in Theresa's.
In that quiet gesture, something unspoken passed between them—a thread of trust, forming the start of their bond.