In the shadow of the mafia king

med enveloped in an inner light, the kind that only true artists possess. Her world was rhythmically punctuated by leaps, pliés, and the music tha

e living room transformed into a rehearsal space, and an old rec

ut hair pulled into a perfect bun, and a gaze that was both gentle and piercing. Her career had come to a sudden halt due to a knee injury, an accident she spoke of little, preferring to pass on her

d up in silence. She wore a black leotard that outlined her slender silhouette, and her feet clad in ballet slippers glided effortlessly across the floor.

heduled for a few days later. A unique opportunity. Only the most talented were selected, and the competition was fierce. Every year, hund

d by a mix of excitement and apprehension. Her gaze met her mother

my dear?" said Élise

be ready. Today, I'm going to

up on a small table. She observed her d

llet shoes?" she asked. "You were barely five

ning. "I remember. You taugh

le jury..." murmured Élise, as if to herself. Then she collected

Rihanna felt the knot of anxiety gro

it? What if I'm elimin

ook at me. You have talent. You have passion too. But what makes the

a balm. She turned to the mirror, met her own gaze,

n black jeans, a fitted beige coat, and a pastel scarf around her ne

tion desk of the school. You will also need to leave a vi

is ready. Video, medical certificate

treet. The fresh morning air whipped her face. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the rustle of the waking city. Paris was beau

the passengers, faces absorbed in their upcoming day. She imagined each with a secret dre

ng, majestic, dominated the square with its ancient columns and stained-glass windows

voices from distant studios. Rihanna followed the signs to the administr

r the entrance competition," sa

in the blue box behind me. You will receive a summons email in two days

ays. Rihanna felt her thro

pped the whole thing in the box. Once outside, she leaned against a bench

d. A message from

imple: "It's done. A

y where everything seems possible. She had only one mission: to practice, again and ag