"Bravi! Bravi!" shouted the audience.

To say that the performance was a success would be an understatement, but no other word could be used to describe the moment the cast witnessed. Valérie, for one, could not even make out the faces. Even when the lights had dimmed, everything was still a blur. Were they happy? Were they moved? Were they satisfied? Were they just thankful it was over? Her stomach felt awful, and skin crawled. She was scared, and rightfully so.

In the hallway of the house, she was greeted by the managers, MM. Firmin and André, who were both holding large bouquets of flowers. They were smiling greatly, which she knew was a positive sign, but the anxious thoughts in her head was still stubborn to leave.

"Madame, you did splendidly!" M. André exclaimed, "your voice was seraphic in the last aria!"

"Is…that so?"

Confusion sat in Valérie's mind. She knew what was just said was something to be happy about, but she could not bring herself to lift the muscles of her mouth. She only stared at the two, slightly open-mouthed. M. Firmin's eyebrows furrowed at the lack of enthusiasm:

"Is everything fine, madame?"

"Y...yes…I," she slurred, "I'd like to return to my dressing room…I'll join you at the after-party."

There was still some time left before the after-party and Valérie wanted to stay in her dressing room to clear her mind first.

It was still a shock.

During the curtain call, she had tried her best to maintain a cheerful expression, but inside she wanted to vomit. She thought everyone must have sensed it with the looks the cast gave her. Even now, still she had no idea how to react. But being back in her dressing room, she felt relieved. Valérie, now in her red velvet dressing gown, stared at her eyes in the mirror as she removed the cosmetics on her face.

"Madame, your performance was amazing!" The dresser said as she helped Valérie remove the pins in her hair.

"Oh, you flatter me…"

"You know, I was there during your debut, madame."

In an instant, the soprano stiffened. With a gulp, she waited the next line. In truth, she was still afraid. Afraid that maybe, her performance was another disappointment. She could only wish she could escape the conversation immediately before she hears anything that would make her unable to sleep for days.

"Comparing now to your voice back then…The change is amazing!"

Valérie was caught off-guard by the dresser's comment, "change?"

"Indeed, madame! You were able to encapsulate Elissa's emotion," the dresser grabbed a hairbrush and combed through the soprano's hair. "It was as if you truly went through Elissa's joys and sufferings. I felt the emotions even without seeing your face. And…as embarrassing as it was, I admit to tearing up."

"I…I see," her expression softened.

Total silence passed between the two. Valérie did not know what to reply, and the dresser did not know what to add as she noticed the soprano to be lost in thought.

"I believe I should be leaving you to yourself now, madame. I apologize if I talked too much."

"No! No, it was… much appreciated," she smiled.

"Have a nice night, madame. Call for me when you need help," the dresser bowed and left.

Valérie sighed. It was not often that she talked to the staff of the house aside from giving orders. It was a refreshing occurrence, she admitted. And the words of her dresser resonated in her brain. Little by little, the success of the opening night slowly registered in her mind. She thought of all the years she went through after her debut. From being one of the most famous upcoming singers of the decade to controversies and absolute obscurity.

"Is this really happening?" She laughed.

It has been a while since she laughed as much as she did now. A true honest laugh. And as much as she wanted to do so for hours just to savor the feeling, her moment of joy was eventually cut off as she heard a man's voice:

"Brava, brava, bravissima…"

She noted of the voice's both eerie and heavenly tone. How a voice could manage to do both, she has no idea.

"Is someone there?" she stood and checked outside the door.

No response.

She shrugged. It might have been someone who passed by her room for a moment, she thought.

Valérie brought her eyes back to the contents of the room, which was crowded with flowers, envelopes, and boxes. It reminded her of birthdays when she was a child, and made her smile cheek-to-cheek.

But one thing caught her eye.

There was something on the table that was not there before.

A single ivory rose, whose thorns are still intact. It was wrapped with a black ribbon and still had traces of water on its petals, as if freshly-picked. Her brows furrowed as she picked up the rose.

"Ah!" she cried. "Merde."

A small dot of blood started to emerge from her right-hand thumb. Luckily, her white handkerchief also lay on the table, and it was not a deep cut. She soon noticed the cream-colored envelope that was placed with the flower. The letter was sealed with red wax.

"Oh god," she rolled her eyes.

She knew instantly. But like any good recipient, she opened the letter, which ran:

Voice, exquisite. Emotions, superb. Frankly, I did not expect such from you, Mme. Faivre. But you have proven yourself worthy. I apologize for insulting you in my previous note to the managers.

Sadly, I would prefer if you do not meddle in my business any further. On the next productions of the season, Mlle. Daae shall be playing the lead. For the meantime, she will also be your official understudy for Elissa. I hope you appreciate my favor.

That is all.

O.G.

Valérie laughed once more.

A/N: One movie reference! I really liked the rose part, but apart from that, expect no more. Sorry, movie phans!
Also, it seems this would be my first A/N. What do you think of the story and Valérie/Mme. Faivre so far? Let me know! Thank you!