At school, Cadence’s teacher quickly noticed signs of abuse and reported the situation to Child Protective Services (CPS). Although an investigation took place, the system failed to protect her. Desmond managed to avoid charges, and one night, in a drunken rage, he abandoned Cadence at a fire station in Naperville, Illinois, before disappearing from her life. He later died from a drug overdose.

Cadence was taken in by the fire department, where an EMT named Ally stayed with her until she woke up. Despite being terrified, Ally’s calm presence helped Cadence feel safe, and Ally learned the girl’s name and age—six years old. Cadence was placed into the foster care system, marking the beginning of a turbulent journey through nine different homes.

Foster Care and School

The foster care system proved to be another failure for Cadence, as she was placed in homes where her emotional trauma overwhelmed her new caregivers. While the families she was placed with were well-meaning, they struggled to provide the support Cadence needed. She excelled academically, focusing on her studies despite her lack of social interaction, and avoided group work due to severe anxiety and panic attacks. However, her music teachers began to recognize her unique talent.

One music teacher noted that “if she didn’t have an IEP, I wouldn’t have realized she was anything but a normal, healthy girl.” Music became an outlet for Cadence, and she showed remarkable skill, repeating melodies and rhythms after hearing them only once. Her caseworker, Erin, advocated tirelessly for the right foster home for Cadence, and at age 13, she found the perfect fit with the Mathis family.

After an emotional breakthrough, Cadence’s behavior slowly started to change. She began to express gratitude and even spoke her first words to her foster parents when they introduced her to a piano. From that moment, music became an even greater part of her life, and Cadence’s emotional walls began to crumble.

Continued Growth

By the time Cadence turned 15, she had made significant strides in both her emotional healing and her musical abilities. Her foster parents formally offered to adopt her, an act that triggered a flood of painful memories and guilt for Cadence. After breaking down and confiding in her parents, she finally realized that she was not responsible for the trauma she had experienced. Feeling the warmth of their embrace, she was able to find a means to channel without feeling guilt, breaking her block.

Soon after being officially adopted, Cadence took therapy and counseling seriously. With support, she began to make progress in overcoming her social anxiety and fear of relationships. She also began to feel more comfortable around others, and even started going on dates, although opening up remained challenging.

At 18, Cadence was accepted into the vocal performance program at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, where she earned scholarships in both voice and piano.

College Years and Rise to Stardom

While at Millikin University, Cadence focused on her studies while continuing to work on her social anxiety through therapy. One day, her therapist suggested that she perform in public to confront her fears. Taking the advice to heart, Cadence participated in an open mic night at a local bar, where her powerful performance of a song by Lady Gaga went viral. The video of her performance, titled “Amazing Singer Slays at Jazzy Version of Bad Romance,” quickly amassed over 20,000 views.

Cadence’s online fame grew as she continued to perform at open mic nights. Her stunning voice and live performances garnered attention, including from music industry professionals. Eventually, talent agent Marlise Taylor offered to represent her, which Cadence cautiously accepted after completing her degree.

In 2044, after graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, Cadence began her professional music career. Her authenticity, combined with her magnetic stage presence and talent, led to an immediate surge in popularity.

Career and Success

Cadence’s debut single and subsequent albums were met with critical acclaim, and her live performances became a signature of her career. Her first major tour, “Bad Romance,” capitalized on the viral fame from her early performances. By 2046, she had released three studio albums and completed two successful tours. Her concerts were known for being entirely live, with Cadence’s joy and energy infecting every audience.

Discography

Bad Romance

• Bad Romance
• Dare to Dream
• Flames of Desire
• Confidently Crazy
• Better Than Ever
• Electric Love
• Unstoppable
• Glow
• Wild Heart, Free Soul
• Crimson Kiss

Love and Peace

• Love and Peace
• Hold On
• Radiate Love
• Rise Up
• Good Vibes Only
• Peace In My Soul
• We Are The Change
• All You Need Is Love
• Dream of Tomorrow
• Love’s Symphony
• Peaceful Heart

Fantasy

• Fantasy
• Midnight Mirage
• Lost In Your Eyes
• Spellbound
• Wild Nights
• Whirlwind
• Dance ‘Til The Sunrise
• Into the Dreamscape
• Just Dance

Embrace You (Upcoming)

Tours

Bad Romance (2044)
Fantasy (2045)
Embrace You (Upcoming)

Past Lives

3rd Age – Kira Valyrios – Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah
5th Age – Euturpe, Muse of Music and Lyric Poetry