When Darkness Falls

Chapter 39: The dress

The roaring clap of thunder echoed throughout my room, and the windows shook. I sat up and looked at the rattling glass, watching as the lightning lit up the early morning sky.

Tonight was the ball, and my frazzled nerves were beginning to upset my stomach. The idea of attending a party full of vampires scared the shit out of me, and the fact that I wouldn't really know anyone there didn't help with the anxiety that surrounded me.

The day went by agonizingly slow, and I spent most of it couped up in my room, not wanting to get in the way of those hurrying around the house to prepare for tonight's event. I had gone downstairs earlier and snooped around a little, trying to get a glimpse of everything, but I was shooed away by the staff.

As I entered the kitchen, I saw Micah leaning over the table; his eyes focused solely on the pile of papers before him. I walked toward him, and Micah's gaze met mine, an impassive look gracing his features.

Micah nodded curtly. "Hello, Ramona," He said nonchalantly, and I gave him a tight smile, my lips pursing together in a thin line.

I raised my hand and waved to him. "Hi, Micah," I said softly, feeling as if my presence was unwelcome.

He raised a brow. "Is there something I can help you with?" Micah questioned, impatience in his tone.

I bit the inside of my lip and then shook my head. "No, I just came in to get something to eat," I told him, and he pursed his lips, irritation growing on his exhausted features.

Micah grabbed the stack of papers and rounded the table. "Help yourself to whatever you want, but you'll have to excuse me." He said quickly, and I nodded in understanding, watching as he hurried out of the room.

I chewed on the tip of my fingernail, wondering if his sour mood was because of me or the party. I gave my head a shake and brushed off the encounter, knowing that I was just taking it too personally.

Opening the fridge, I scoured the contents for something good to eat, and my eyes landed on the fresh-looking pint of raspberries. I took out the fruit and a container of vanilla yogurt, then went back upstairs to enjoy my light lunch.

After I finished eating, I sat in the chair next to the window and continued reading the random book I found hidden inside the nightstand.

I stared out the window, my eyes following the dark clouds that drifted in the sky, and I wondered if the storm would ever dissipate. Then, suddenly, a smiling Dahlia burst into my room, wearing her gown, and my eyes widened at how beautiful she looked.

I clasped my hands to my mouth. "Oh, Dahlia, you look gorgeous," I told her, and she bounced on the heels of her feet, joy in her eyes.

Dahlia's hair was pulled back loosely, voluminous curls cascading around her face, and a black jewelled beret rested on the top of her head.

She gripped the dress tightly and spun around, twirling the delicate fabric as she giggled heartily. I smiled with contentment when her face lit up brightly. "I can't wait for everyone to see me in my dress."

I closed the book and set it down on the table. "And you'll be the bell of the ball," I told her assuringly, and she squealed with excitement.

Dahlia's face faltered, and she peered around the room. "What are you wearing tonight?" She asked me, and I shrugged my shoulders.

Pursing my lips, I realized I hadn't chosen anything to wear to the ball tonight. "I'm not sure yet," I told her, undecided, and her brows pulled together. I waved a hand in her direction. "Don't you worry about me; I'll figure something out," I told her, and Dahlia gave me an enigmatic look.

She stared at me blankly for a moment too long and then gave me a cheeky smile. "You'll look beautiful in anything, Ramona. I have to go now, though; Isabella still has to do my makeup." Dahlia said in an unimpressed tone of voice, and I snorted at the mutual feeling we shared over makeup. Don't get me wrong; it's not that I didn't enjoy wearing makeup; it's just that I sucked at applying everything.

After Dahlia left, I walked into the closet and glanced around at the different outfits to choose from, but instead of picking something to wear, I decided to have a hot shower.

My skin was wrinkled, and the water was starting to turn cold when I finally got out of the shower. However, the anxiety I felt earlier had melted away, and I felt better than I did this morning, less anxious about the party tonight.

I opened the bathroom door and was shocked to see a black box sitting neatly on the floor. I hugged the towel tightly to my body and kneeled on the cold tile. A golden bow sat atop the box with a note tucked underneath.

I took the letter out and unfolded the piece of thick parchment. The note read,

Mon Tresor,

Uncomparable to your beauty but designed to be worn only by you, Ramona.

Yours truly,

Darius.

My brows furrowed as I glanced between the letter and the box; my interest fully peaked now. Gripping the edges, I lifted the box lid off and removed the paper inside. My mouth fell open, and my eyes widened as I stared at the garment nestled neatly inside.

I pulled the contents out from the box, revealing a black silk dress that fell to the floor. A flowing train draped behind the gown, with gold flakes throughout the skirt, giving it an ombre effect. The dress was backless, and a golden snake ran down the length of the spine. I spun it around and saw that the front was a heart-shaped neckline with gold gems across the breasts.

My eyes roamed over the gown, taking in the fine details and craftsmanship. I could believe that Darius had bought me a dress for tonight, especially one that was so elegant.

I dropped the towel and stepped into the gown, the soft fabric gliding across my skin. I stood before the mirror and stared at my reflection. A broad smile spread across my face, and a single tear fell down my reddened cheeks. I had never worn something this beautiful before in my life, and I felt like a completely different person.

I smoothed the wrinkles out of the dress with my hands, and the confidence I felt in this gown was overwhelming. I couldn't wait for Darius to see me in the dress and for me to see the reaction on his face. I sucked in a deep breath and walked back into the bathroom to finish getting ready.