Streaming Romance

Chapter 1

The Siren's Gift

In the picture: Singer Saya and her pianist Lee's

Saya Pov

In the dark, where whispers lie,

I'm chasing shadows in the sky,

Cold moonlight paints the night so still,

I sing for the hearts that never heal...hmm

The applause roars, filling the space with a wave of clapping and cheers. I glance back at Lee, my pianist, who flashes me a proud smile. I give him a nod in acknowledgment before turning my attention back to the audience, my black sunglasses concealing my eyes as I take in their enthusiastic standing ovation.

"Thank you everybody,"

With a practiced smile, I address the audience, thanking them for their support and promising new music soon. But even as I speak, my mind drifts back to that fateful night and the strange, life-altering gift it bestowed upon me.

Adjusting my sunglasses as photographers take pictures, I can sense the curiosity buzzing in the crowd.

Why does Saya Frost, 'The Siren's Voice' insist on wearing black sunglasses during her performances, whether day or night?

The answer is something no one would believe if I told them.

As I remove the shades, the world shifts.

Heartbeats fill my ears, a rhythmic symphony that overlays the lingering applause. I look up and see a status notification hovering above every person's head.

The words flash in vivid colors, revealing a range of emotions and desires. One display reads: Lust - 99%. Another: Greed - 100%. There are also more neutral stats like Admiration - 75% and more negative ones like Envy - 85%. The percentages are a chaotic mosaic of human desires and emotions: Desperation - 60%, Curiosity - 80%, and Love - 0%. The most disconcerting of all is the frequent appearance of Lust - 99%.

I sigh, feeling the weight of this unasked-for gift. The digital displays reveal the hidden truths and desires of those around me, making it impossible to view them as just faces in the crowd.

The clinking of glass brought me back to reality. It was the after-party of the award show. The waiter pours me some wine, and I glance up at my two awards, gleaming under the gala's lights.

The room is filled with famous singers and celebrities, their laughter and chatter blending into the background hum. The waiter flashes me a smile, and as I reciprocate, I could sense his heart rate spike. The percentage of lust and greed increases in his display. I roll my eyes behind my sunglasses. Men.

Lee, sensing my distraction, asks, "Did you see something?" I nod. My band members know about my special gift. It was hard to keep it hidden from them, especially when they noticed my strange behavior and my insistence on wearing sunglasses at all times.

It all started a year ago after my nasty breakup with my cheating boyfriend. I remember the accident vividly.

It was a night much like this one, only I was filled with heartbreak and rage. My then-boyfriend, a charming but duplicitous music producer, had been cheating on me. Heartbroken and distracted, I hadn't seen the other car until it was too late.

The crash was violent, and the world faded to black. My car was submerged in a river, and I couldn't get out because of my seatbelt. The last thing I remember was coughing and the blurry vision of a man saving me from the water.