Phoenix of Dawn

Ultraviolet

If Claira were still alive she'd be laughing right now, tears in her eyes, and pride in her voice as she looked me over for the hundredth time. She'd be surprised that someone had persuaded me to even put the damn thing on. If Claira were alive she'd give me some uncomfortably awkward speech about being safe with boys. She wouldn't bat an eye at the cherry red color in my cheeks as she described what sex should be like. 

Nothing made me ache for her more than looking in the mirror at myself moment's before Bex's ceremony. It was tradition for her to be escorted there by those she trusts and at the last minute she'd added me to the list. 

The shitty thing was that her escorts had to wear the color of her pack which was gold. Gold wasn't really my friend at the moment, it's color reminded me of eyes I wanted to forget. So when she handed me the black gown, the golden embellishments only succeeded in drawing up that last conversation. 

I hadn't really ever worn makeup before but Piper had kept it simple. The touch of shimmering gold at the corner of my eye brought out the blue and silver in my irises. I hated that it went so well with me. I hated that it reminded me of him.

The soft flowing tulle at the bottom almost made me feel too formal. I missed my pants. Especially with the long slit up the side. It felt exposing. 

Bex had told me to embrace my femininity. She and Piper were adamant that although it might feel strange it can be empowering and I knew they were right. Why else would Ky spend so much time training the elite women in his army to seduce powerful people? 

Because women could do just that with a twitch of their hips.

"Kyra," Bex hollered from down stairs, "Get your ass out here! We have to go and I swear if you changed out of that dress I will cram your tiny body back in it."

Tugging on the fishtail braid I hurried out of the door.

"Fine," I yelled back, "But don't laugh. None of you can laugh."

Have I mentioned how much of a hassle heels are? I hate them too. What if an invasion was launched and I had to defend myself while wearing heels?  I couldn't fight a war in heels, they aren't practical. 

I lifted the bottom of the dress on my decent, afraid I'd trip and break my neck. Not a single breath eeked out of my lips until I was on the foyer floor. 

"Well," Sam began, "I was going to laugh but then I saw you and... well you're stunning."

I gave him a smile, "Thank you."

Heat spread through me, the little sparked I hated to love so much ignited in my stomach. Axel was standing only a handful of feet away looking dapper as hell. There was nothing I wanted more than to yank him down by his tie and forget why I was so pissed at him. 

"You can look at him," Sam said lowly.

My eyes turned into slits, "Do you want to die?"

He showed me his palms, "Just saying."

"Enough of this," Bex stomped her foot, "I'm getting mated tonight and whatever feud is going on between you and Axel needs to come to a head tonight and end."

"But I--"

"No," She cut me off, "Make nice."

"I'm not even mad at him anymore," I lied, "Besides, you're right. Tonight is about you getting your happiness. I never intended for my irritation with Axel to ruin that for you."

"Did that really just come out of your mouth," She looked perplexed.

"Yes."

"I'm sorry," She shook her head as if to clear it, "It's just dawning on me how much you've changed since we met. You've really grown."