The Apple of My Eye: Book Two (An Ever After High Crossover)

A Dance We Shall Never Forget

They were all dancing, lost in the joy of the moment. Kenny's arms flailed in the air while Apple and Kyle spun around, hand in hand, dizzy but delighted. Cartman was nodding his head, awkwardly punching the air to the rhythm, as Stan and Wendy chuckled softly, swaying together. Daring, ever so suave, just couldn't find the beat, his arms lifting in a comical imitation of exercise. Raven and Dexter, feeling a twinge of sympathy, joined in, easing Daring's embarrassment. The vigorous dancing raised the temperature, and Kyle wiped the sweat from his brow. Glancing back, he saw Apple panting from their energetic twirls.

"I'm going to grab something to drink," yelled Apple over the booming music, planting a quick kiss on Kyle's cheek before weaving through the crowd.

***

Apple needed to catch her breath. The feeling of nausea was overwhelming if she didn't stop. She approached a table laden with snacks enough for all the king's men. Her search ended at an ice chest nearby, from which she grabbed a bottle of water. Although she couldn't drink it immediately, the chill of the bottle was enough to refresh her body.

"Attention Ever After High!"

The music was cut off as everyone who was dancing came to a stop. It was too dark to see what was going on. Apple knew the voice didn't belong to Melody, so what was going on?

"Will everyone please direct their attention to the food table," the announcer directed.

As the ballroom's gaze turned to the princess, she felt a wave of discomfort. Apple's eyes flicked around, eager to catch a glimpse of what had captured everyone's attention.

"What you see before you, is what you people would describe as the fairest one of all."

The spotlight cast its hue upon her. Apple raised an arm over her face, attempting to shield her eyes and see through the glare.

"But many of you fail to realize that she's just as filthy as the rest of us."

Apple was chilled to the bone. Papers whirled around her, splattered with liquids of every consistency. Her eyes stung as a barrage of foul smells assaulted her nostrils. The hair she had meticulously curled now felt like straw. Her dress, once a symbol of the cherished Gala, was ruined by splashes of red punch. Huddled in a corner, Apple hid her face behind her stained gloves. Laughter echoed through the ballroom, but it was drowned out by the sound of her own sobs of embarrassment.

***

'Anger is like a monster.'

Cartman laughed hysterically while the rest of the group stayed silent.

"Stop laughing!" Kyle yelled, but his plea went unheard.

'If you're not careful.'

Tears streamed down Apple's face as she tried to ignore the laughter echoing around her. Collapsing to her knees, she felt utterly shattered. Moonbeams poured through the central skylight, casting light on the faces of those who had plotted against her.

'The monster inside...'

Maybe it's time you let me handle things...hero....