Then the stage went completely dark.
The audience slowly quieted, anticipation filling the air.
In the very front row, Jin Di straightened slightly in his seat.
Even though the stage remained hidden in darkness, he knew instantly.
His baby girl had stepped onto the stage.
He could feel her presence like a magnetic pull.
*
A sharp click echoed through the arena.
A spotlight suddenly illuminated the back of the stage.
The audience gasped.
A massive symphony orchestra sat there in perfect formation.
Dozens of musicians raised their instruments simultaneously.
The conductor lifted his baton.
Their synchronized movements alone earned applause.
Then more spotlights flared to life along both sides of the stage.
They revealed rows of figures dressed in Long black hooded cloaks.
The orchestra began playing.
A deep, foreboding melody rolled across the arena like distant thunder.
The cloaked figures started marching slowly toward the center of the stage.
