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One Lonely Stage
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Delphine is sat at her vanity behind the magnificent stage she is set to step out on in any moment. Her stylist is rushing about making last minute fixes to her already impeccable appearance because, in his words, ‘You can never look too immaculate.’ She steadies her hands on the changed lyrics and notes she is to hit tonight, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s the last of her worries. No, tonight is important because it’s her last night to get a new patron.
For all the glitter and gold that is projected in the opera house, it’s known among those still working at it, that the decline has been steady. Delphine is the last singer to remain because truly she doesn’t wish to see the Austerus Luscinia closed. It’s the only place she has found solace and the only place to where she feels her voice can be heard. After all, everyone is there to listen to the emotion of a performance and not so much the lyrics of a dead language. “Now, now,” Julian, her stylist, interrupts her inner monologue. “Enough of that pout, you’ll put early wrinkles in your face. Are you ready for tonight?” Delphine offers a slight smile, “As ready as I ever will be, Jules. This will be the first time I sang in the common tongue since I was a kinder.” “You speak like an old lady, just get your dress on and get out there! But no messing up my work, I’ve made you flawless,” Julian waves her to the dressing screen where her dress is hung over the top. She laughs brightly as she goes to change, slipping on the deep blue gown with its long lace sleeves and covered in delicate crystals, “I would never dream of wounding your pride by having people think I do not look the part.” Delphine does a small spin for Julian and he claps excitedly as he ushers her to the curtains. She can hear the crowd falling silent and see the lights dimming from just beneath the slim edge of curtain that doesn’t touch the stage. Delphine breathes in deeply, straightens her posture, and prepares to do what she has been born to do- sing. She does not see the crowd as the curtain rises nor does she bother to look at them. Delphine is accompanied by background dancers who will act out her song- something they’ve worked on extensively to add something new to the routine. Delphine has always thought the new gimmicks the opera manager comes up with are useless, but she thinks this might be the correct choice for once. She had a hand in the entirety of the choreography, the story, the minimal set pieces, and even the costumes. Delphine cannot allow all her hard work to crumble before her. The orchestra begins the opening notes and she smiles lightly and leans ever so slightly to the microphone set out just for her: ‘Darling, in the night I’ve searched for you, calling you The moon never answers and Neither does the sea Are you trapped In the air? Or down below? Why, I’ve been grasping for Signs of you everywhere I go The birds repeat me, And the whales lament Singing the ache I feel That I cannot heal Darling, in the night I’ve searched for you, calling you The moon never answers and Neither does the sea Can you hear me Where you are? Can you feel me In the dark? The cicadas scream for me, And the lions roar Begging the way I cannot Pleading you’re not caught Darling, in the night I’ve searched for you, calling you The moon never answers and Neither does the sea Please leave me not behind Come back and I promise I’ll be kind I’ll be kind’ The notes end as does the last violin left playing and silence resounds in the auditorium. Delphine swears she’d be able to hear a pin drop from the furthest row with the deafening silence. A small smile pulls at her lips as the orchestra immediately picks up another tune- one more foreboding and demanding than the last. Delphine sings out again: ‘Darling, you’ve left me You have driven me mad I will run you down I will take you back You ruin me as I As I ruin you I bear your scars, Will you bear mine? Will you bear this lonely life? Can you condemn me indefinitely? Why will you not face me? When can we meet again? Darling, you’ve left me You have driven me mad I will track you down I will take you back Our blood has mixed Salvia exchanged Yet deny me all you can I know your heart beats for me Bloody and raw, I’ll take you Torn and chewed, I’ll cage you Bound and strung, we will be together Tied and entwined, you will be mine’ The whole act ends with two of the dancers strung together with stage pieces of metal hooks- that she knows is just hard plastic- pierced into their flesh colored body suits. Fake blood coats the two and the floor, a bloody beautiful piece of work, all behind wood painted gold that frames them in a cage. Delphine takes a delicate bow as the curtains fall and the hushed crowd erupts in applause. This, this will for sure save Austerus Luscinia. This will save her.Related chapters
Austerus Luscinia Two Make a Contract
Delphine is placed in a less ostentatious dress than her performance one, but it is no less fancy. Her hair is pulled back into a classic French twist before she’s sent on her way to the doors. Time to meet the crowd. Delphine must meet them as part of the effort to restore the opera. They all want to meet the esteemed singer, after all. The pretty bird who trills to the masses. Well, the wealthy masses now as it hasn’t been feasible to open the doors for those who cannot pay. She shakes the thought from her mind because hopefully all this work for their last performance will have been worth it. This won’t be their last performance and she will see to it that it will never be. Delphine walks out with her head held high as the manager introduces her. The most wealthy attendees- the potential patrons- all eye her up and down. Delphine hides the nervous swallow as she extends her hand and old, sleazy male after old, sleazy male kisses the back of it. More like slobbers on it, but s
Austerus Luscinia Three Create a Cage
Delphine is distraught as the night ends and she returns to the boarding house by the opera. It’s where most of the cast and crew stay, and some, like her, live here full time. She gave up everything else in her life to pursue this career and what does she have to show for it? A small room in a house that’s falling apart and the attention of a mysterious dangerous Alpha who bought her life. Julian doesn’t understand why she’s so upset as she cries later in his arms, “Del, please, tell me what’s so disastrous as having a wealthy and attractive Alpha as our new boss? This is what you wanted, isn’t it? For someone to save Austerus Luscinia.” She wants to choke on her words, “I ran from a forced marriage to be my own person! Not to be someone else’s caged bird.” “Del… you never mentioned anything like that,” Julian has a deep frown on his face. “I thought your family just didn’t approve of your choice in career.” “They don’t approve of my career choice, but they also wanted to
Austerus Luscinia Four Seals Fate
Delphine is kept close to Tiberius after he gathers her from the attempted escape. It wounds him, ever so slightly, at the thought of his songbird fleeing from him. He’s been searching for her for years and he isn’t about to let her go now. Tiberius knows her family, the Polluxs, who are powerful old money that place a lot of stock on heritage. On stock. Tiberius didn’t have a chance at competing for their only daughter’s hand when he first presented. They had picked some geezer with a lecherous gaze, but apparently good genes for breeding. Tiberius wanted to run with her right then and there, but she did it herself. Fled just like she had tried to, tonight, but this time Tiberius had been prepared. Julian, her closest friend, has zero volume control and isn’t very aware of his surroundings. Marie the overworked manager all too eager to help in exchange for the money to retire and live comfortable for the rest of her days. And Marcus? The secondary Alpha put up no fight the moment
Austerus Luscinia Five Become Entangled
Tiberius takes Delphine to the home he purchased in Reisling, the town she ran away to, and refuses to let her leave his side. If she runs again, he won’t be able to control what he does after. He’s found her, he’s tasted her, and he’s of the mind to do anything to keep her. Tiberius leans against the door to his- their- bedroom as she trembles in front of him. She’s cold, he can tell from the goosebumps on her arms and legs along with how her fingers curl to preserve warmth in them. “Are you cold my darling,” Tiberius’ voice is soft and low, he doesn’t want to spook her more. Delphine shakes her head, “N-no! No don’t come near me.” He approaches her anyway, “Now don’t be like that, you need your health. Soon Austerus Luscinia will be full of people every night. Almost every night, at least, there are still some where I wish to selfishly keep you to myself.” She doesn’t make to move away as he continues approaching and Tiberius knows she must feel the mate bond that pulls
Austerus Luscinia Six Are Bathed in Morning Light
Tiberius is momentarily disjointed when he nexts wake up especially because he remembers a little bird falling asleep in his arms and now said bird is not there. He wants to growl at the prospect of her having slipped out and escaped from him, but Tiberius tempers his rage to think clearly. If Delphine had run then one of his pack members would’ve awoken him the moment they couldn’t find her. Tiberius takes a deep breath to scent the air and calm himself before getting up and going downstairs. He finds Delphine there, sitting at the kitchen island with a mug of tea in her hands. The maid, Pollonia, must already be out and about with the cleaning, cooking, and other things Tiberius doesn’t have the energy for. Grey eyes cut over to him and he beams at the fact Delphine hasn’t tried to run again. He slides an arm around her shoulders pulling her closer to his chest before placing a chaste kiss on the top of her head. “You didn’t try to run and you’ve met Pollonia,” Tiberius sits in
Austerus Luscinia Seven Can Be a New Start… or Not
Delphine decides she hates Tiberius, he’s controlling and entirely too handsy. He dictates what she dresses in, what she smells like- which is stuff she normally uses and smells like, but she doesn’t understand how he knows that- and where she goes. Delphine left home because this is exactly what her parents would do and more, taking all her choices and all her freedom from her. Her eyes tear up as they near the opera house and a calloused hand squeezes her knee. “Don’t be too down, Delphie, I promise this is for you,” Tiberius drives with ease, like someone of his status would. Delphine shakes her head and pulls closer to the car door, “You don’t get it. You’re just some alpha who gets what he wants!” Tiberius doesn’t say anything as he parks and they get out of the car. Delphine is tempted to turn and make a run for it, but she has a feeling he would catch her before she even makes it out of the parking lot. He slides an arm around her waist, pulls her close, and kis
Austerus Luscinia Eight and I Just Want to Run
Delphine feels as if she might start hyperventilating soon as Julian steps out of the house and cannot meet her eyes. She doesn’t think he sold her out, not intentionally anyway, but that doesn’t make her feel any better. Does he hate her now? Everything is changing because of her and no doubt he’ll get in trouble alongside Marcus for helping her. Then she thinks of Marie, who willingly betrayed her trust, and she feels her heart pick up speed in anger. What did she do to deserve this? Why does everyone want to control her? She zones out as Tiberius talks with Julian who, as far as Delphine can tell, is acting as head of the boarding house in Marie’s absence. She doesn’t hear their words, it feels as if her ears are stuffed with cotton and all she can focus on is the pounding of her heart. Delphine feels itchy as if she has to move, scream, or just do anything to expel all the nervous energy building in her. She has never felt this nervous before not even on her first performance n
Austerus Luscinia Nine and We Spar
Surprisingly, Tiberius leaves Delphine to her own devices as he goes to his home office. She supposes there’s trust because of all the guards rather than any true trust in her. In the end, why he leaves her alone doesn’t matter as much as the fact that she is alone. Delphine feels devious, almost, that she access to the large house with little supervision. So she explores every nook and cranny so that when it’s time to run again, she’ll have some sort of advantage. The house itself is large enough to boast four bedrooms, not including the office, three and a half baths with an expansive living room. The living room leads into an equally massive kitchen with eight burners, two ovens, a walk in pantry, and a fridge to match. There’s also the three car garage they came through and the back yard with its built in fire pit and brick oven. If Delphine hadn’t grown up in an actual mansion, she would’ve said this house is one just based on the general sizes of everything. Delphine
Latest chapter
Austerus Luscinia Nine and We Spar
Surprisingly, Tiberius leaves Delphine to her own devices as he goes to his home office. She supposes there’s trust because of all the guards rather than any true trust in her. In the end, why he leaves her alone doesn’t matter as much as the fact that she is alone. Delphine feels devious, almost, that she access to the large house with little supervision. So she explores every nook and cranny so that when it’s time to run again, she’ll have some sort of advantage. The house itself is large enough to boast four bedrooms, not including the office, three and a half baths with an expansive living room. The living room leads into an equally massive kitchen with eight burners, two ovens, a walk in pantry, and a fridge to match. There’s also the three car garage they came through and the back yard with its built in fire pit and brick oven. If Delphine hadn’t grown up in an actual mansion, she would’ve said this house is one just based on the general sizes of everything. Delphine
Austerus Luscinia Eight and I Just Want to Run
Delphine feels as if she might start hyperventilating soon as Julian steps out of the house and cannot meet her eyes. She doesn’t think he sold her out, not intentionally anyway, but that doesn’t make her feel any better. Does he hate her now? Everything is changing because of her and no doubt he’ll get in trouble alongside Marcus for helping her. Then she thinks of Marie, who willingly betrayed her trust, and she feels her heart pick up speed in anger. What did she do to deserve this? Why does everyone want to control her? She zones out as Tiberius talks with Julian who, as far as Delphine can tell, is acting as head of the boarding house in Marie’s absence. She doesn’t hear their words, it feels as if her ears are stuffed with cotton and all she can focus on is the pounding of her heart. Delphine feels itchy as if she has to move, scream, or just do anything to expel all the nervous energy building in her. She has never felt this nervous before not even on her first performance n
Austerus Luscinia Seven Can Be a New Start… or Not
Delphine decides she hates Tiberius, he’s controlling and entirely too handsy. He dictates what she dresses in, what she smells like- which is stuff she normally uses and smells like, but she doesn’t understand how he knows that- and where she goes. Delphine left home because this is exactly what her parents would do and more, taking all her choices and all her freedom from her. Her eyes tear up as they near the opera house and a calloused hand squeezes her knee. “Don’t be too down, Delphie, I promise this is for you,” Tiberius drives with ease, like someone of his status would. Delphine shakes her head and pulls closer to the car door, “You don’t get it. You’re just some alpha who gets what he wants!” Tiberius doesn’t say anything as he parks and they get out of the car. Delphine is tempted to turn and make a run for it, but she has a feeling he would catch her before she even makes it out of the parking lot. He slides an arm around her waist, pulls her close, and kis
Austerus Luscinia Six Are Bathed in Morning Light
Tiberius is momentarily disjointed when he nexts wake up especially because he remembers a little bird falling asleep in his arms and now said bird is not there. He wants to growl at the prospect of her having slipped out and escaped from him, but Tiberius tempers his rage to think clearly. If Delphine had run then one of his pack members would’ve awoken him the moment they couldn’t find her. Tiberius takes a deep breath to scent the air and calm himself before getting up and going downstairs. He finds Delphine there, sitting at the kitchen island with a mug of tea in her hands. The maid, Pollonia, must already be out and about with the cleaning, cooking, and other things Tiberius doesn’t have the energy for. Grey eyes cut over to him and he beams at the fact Delphine hasn’t tried to run again. He slides an arm around her shoulders pulling her closer to his chest before placing a chaste kiss on the top of her head. “You didn’t try to run and you’ve met Pollonia,” Tiberius sits in
Austerus Luscinia Five Become Entangled
Tiberius takes Delphine to the home he purchased in Reisling, the town she ran away to, and refuses to let her leave his side. If she runs again, he won’t be able to control what he does after. He’s found her, he’s tasted her, and he’s of the mind to do anything to keep her. Tiberius leans against the door to his- their- bedroom as she trembles in front of him. She’s cold, he can tell from the goosebumps on her arms and legs along with how her fingers curl to preserve warmth in them. “Are you cold my darling,” Tiberius’ voice is soft and low, he doesn’t want to spook her more. Delphine shakes her head, “N-no! No don’t come near me.” He approaches her anyway, “Now don’t be like that, you need your health. Soon Austerus Luscinia will be full of people every night. Almost every night, at least, there are still some where I wish to selfishly keep you to myself.” She doesn’t make to move away as he continues approaching and Tiberius knows she must feel the mate bond that pulls
Austerus Luscinia Four Seals Fate
Delphine is kept close to Tiberius after he gathers her from the attempted escape. It wounds him, ever so slightly, at the thought of his songbird fleeing from him. He’s been searching for her for years and he isn’t about to let her go now. Tiberius knows her family, the Polluxs, who are powerful old money that place a lot of stock on heritage. On stock. Tiberius didn’t have a chance at competing for their only daughter’s hand when he first presented. They had picked some geezer with a lecherous gaze, but apparently good genes for breeding. Tiberius wanted to run with her right then and there, but she did it herself. Fled just like she had tried to, tonight, but this time Tiberius had been prepared. Julian, her closest friend, has zero volume control and isn’t very aware of his surroundings. Marie the overworked manager all too eager to help in exchange for the money to retire and live comfortable for the rest of her days. And Marcus? The secondary Alpha put up no fight the moment
Austerus Luscinia Three Create a Cage
Delphine is distraught as the night ends and she returns to the boarding house by the opera. It’s where most of the cast and crew stay, and some, like her, live here full time. She gave up everything else in her life to pursue this career and what does she have to show for it? A small room in a house that’s falling apart and the attention of a mysterious dangerous Alpha who bought her life. Julian doesn’t understand why she’s so upset as she cries later in his arms, “Del, please, tell me what’s so disastrous as having a wealthy and attractive Alpha as our new boss? This is what you wanted, isn’t it? For someone to save Austerus Luscinia.” She wants to choke on her words, “I ran from a forced marriage to be my own person! Not to be someone else’s caged bird.” “Del… you never mentioned anything like that,” Julian has a deep frown on his face. “I thought your family just didn’t approve of your choice in career.” “They don’t approve of my career choice, but they also wanted to
Austerus Luscinia Two Make a Contract
Delphine is placed in a less ostentatious dress than her performance one, but it is no less fancy. Her hair is pulled back into a classic French twist before she’s sent on her way to the doors. Time to meet the crowd. Delphine must meet them as part of the effort to restore the opera. They all want to meet the esteemed singer, after all. The pretty bird who trills to the masses. Well, the wealthy masses now as it hasn’t been feasible to open the doors for those who cannot pay. She shakes the thought from her mind because hopefully all this work for their last performance will have been worth it. This won’t be their last performance and she will see to it that it will never be. Delphine walks out with her head held high as the manager introduces her. The most wealthy attendees- the potential patrons- all eye her up and down. Delphine hides the nervous swallow as she extends her hand and old, sleazy male after old, sleazy male kisses the back of it. More like slobbers on it, but s
Austerus Luscinia One Lonely Stage
Delphine is sat at her vanity behind the magnificent stage she is set to step out on in any moment. Her stylist is rushing about making last minute fixes to her already impeccable appearance because, in his words, ‘You can never look too immaculate.’ She steadies her hands on the changed lyrics and notes she is to hit tonight, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s the last of her worries. No, tonight is important because it’s her last night to get a new patron. For all the glitter and gold that is projected in the opera house, it’s known among those still working at it, that the decline has been steady. Delphine is the last singer to remain because truly she doesn’t wish to see the Austerus Luscinia closed. It’s the only place she has found solace and the only place to where she feels her voice can be heard. After all, everyone is there to listen to the emotion of a performance and not so much the lyrics of a dead language. “Now, now,” Julian, her stylist, interrupts her inner
