"Odette Milliner?"

Auditions. The word seemed to be ringing around Odette's head. Over and Over it seemed to slice through her consciousness, bringing more distraction and fear with every time. This was her only chance to get out of the orphanage and start a dream. If she could become a scholarship dancer at the Opera then maybe she could become a prima. Being 18 was becoming a disadvantage, it meant she only had one more month at the orphanage. If she didn't have any more lodgings then they would kick her out. She sighed and pushed open the doors to the audition 's pointe shoes tapped on the polished stage and she curtsied.

"Thank you for having me." she said.

The teachers who were judging the hopefuls' performances nodded.

"You may start any time you want Madmoiselle Odette."

Odette took her position and lifted her head, keeping her gaze steadily in front of her. She knew that only 2 girls and 2 boys were allowed into the Opera this year. She needed to be perfect.

The music started and Odette took a deep breath. Each of the dancers trying out had been told to choreograph a solo part. Most of the students had just gone for the technique in their dance, leaving no room for story or emotion. Odette had instead found a way to use the melodic music to her advantage. Along with the technique in her dance she had managed to add a story to it. She had made it about a young girl who had been trapped in the form of a statue, but when she cracks her outer stone form she is able to move freely and do what she wants.

It related to Odette's life and also managed to showcase the couple of Lyrical moves her mother had once taught her. For once she could channel her emotions into the dance without criticism. The sorrow, heartache, and pain she could convey through a couple of subtle moves was why she loved dancing so much. It was a way to express herself. The only way she would ever let anyone chink her amore was in her dance. You could see right to her soul when she lost herself to the music and surrendered to its powerful melody. Odette could make herself feel better after a hard day or dance for the fun of it. It cheered her and brought her more joy than she could imagine. Every note, every sound, and every harmony vibrated through her body, feeling her anger, pain and joy through each beat. If this wasn't enough then she didn't know what was.

She finished and the auditorium was silent. Odette realized she was crying. These vultures had no idea how much she wanted this. How much she needed this. If she couldn't dance then what was her point in life. Odette quickly wiped her tears away and resumed her steely expression, she glanced at the teachers who were all staring at her with dumbfounded faces, their mouths dropped open.

"Mademoiselle are you sure you have never had any professional training?" One of the instructors asked.

She nodded. "I've lived at the orphanage since I was 11 years old. My mother taught me Lyrical when I was young and after she died I began practicing ballet on my own when I could."

The teachers looked among themselves frowning.

"How did you learn the technique of ballet?" The same man asked. He seemed to be the spokesperson of the group and when Odette looked closer at him she realized that it was Lucien Pepita. Lucien Pepita, one of the world's best teachers and choreographers had watched her dance!

"I used to come here and watch some of the rehearsals. It took time but after I practiced a couple times the moves seemed to become second nature."

"Where did you get the pointe shoes?"

Did they ask all the other dancers these questions? It seemed like they didn't believe her.

"I saved my money and bought them."

She looked down at the satin shoes. They had been expensive but it had been worth it. They fit her feet perfectly and were a brilliant red. They shined in the light and Odette loved them. They had been her first new pair.

The teachers talked among themselves for a second.

"You are in for the next round of auditions. Be prepared for a Pas de deux." Lucien said, dismissing her.

Odette stepped off the stage confused. She didn't know that you could have been eliminated after the solo audition, but when she went outside she saw that there were indeed only 10 people left. 11 including her. Odette couldn't help but smile at the thought that she was one step closer to her dream. Even if she wasn't rich and full of connections she was talented, she could do this. The instructors called everyone back into the room and paired us up for the Pas de deux routine. Since there were an odd number of people Odette wasn't partnered with anyone. Lucien frowned and then whispered in a servant's ear. A couple minutes later a young man probably around 20-21 years old jogged in. He had jet black hair, sharp chiseled features, hazel eyes, and a black beard.

"Mademoiselle Odette this is Louis Merante he will be your partner for this part."

Louis nodded at her and took his position behind her. She nodded back and held the beginning position. The music started and Odette took a deep breath. She didn't know what to expect from Louis. Would he be like the other men, letting his hand wander to places Odette would easily bite his head off for, or would he be a gentleman. She didn't think the last one was likely, he undoubtedly knew he was an extremely handsome man and the confidence he practically oozed was slightly unsettling. To Odette's surprise he was the perfect partner. He had strong steady arms and his hands always stayed where they were meant to be. He moved with an effortless grace and made her look much better than she was sure she was. Odette finished with a flourish, facing Louis and giving him the smallest of smiles. He cocked his brow and raised the corner of his mouth.

"You are very good." He whispered in her ear, the slight roll of his rs sending shivers down her spine.

Odette blushed, her lips parting slightly in embarrassment. "Thank you."

He nodded and went to stand by looked down, stepping back and wringing her hands. This was her last chance. She had to get in. Lucien stepped forward and Louis went to stand by his side leaving Odette to stand there with the other dancers who were trying out.

Lucien cleared his throat. "I will start with the girls. Thank you all for coming but we will be taking… Rosita Mauri and Odette Milliner."

There were some murmerings about how Rosita, the 16 year old girl and the youngest trying out, had made it but Odette didn't pay any attention to it. She was in. She was a dancer at the Paris Opera! Finally she could do what she loved and live somewhere other than the miserable orphanage. One step at a time she was going to climb to the top. Odette didn't care how much blood, sweat and tears it took. She was going to make a name for herself.