In the Shadows of a Legacy // A Sebastian Sallow story

Chapter 16- Christmas Ball//Flashback

I stood before the mirror, smoothing out the layers of my dress, marveling at the sight that greeted me. The baby blue gown draped gracefully around my figure, adorned with intricate beading and delicate pearls that resembled glistening snowflakes. My long, blond locks cascaded in loose ringlets down my back, intertwined with flowers and crystals that added a touch of ethereal charm. As I took in my reflection, a surge of confidence coursed through me, for in that moment, I not only looked beautiful but felt beautiful too.

"Merlin's beard, we look stunning," gasped Natty, joining me in front of the mirror. She elegantly looped gold hoops through her ears, her own attire a striking red velvet gown that accentuated her curves with grace. Meanwhile, Poppy sat on her bed, gently stroking her pet puffeskien, seemingly unfazed by the wisps of fur that clung to her pretty yellow dress.

A wide smile graced my lips as I reached out and took Natty's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. The three of us, a trio of radiant enchantresses, stepped out of Poppy's dormitory and descended towards the grandeur of the Great Hall. Arm in arm, giddy with anticipation, we chatted animatedly about the night that awaited us. The distant strains of music reached our ears, teasing our senses with promises of merriment and celebration. Outside the door stood our dates, Ominis for Poppy, Amit for Natty and Garreth for me.

Garreth had ending up asking me, and since I had been avoiding Sebastian I said yes. Garreth was nice and sweet, where as Sebastian was tempermental and possive. I missed Sebastian with everything in me. I missed going on late night adventures, I missed laughing at him over stupid jokes, and I missed the way his body felt against mine. But I had made the decision to stay away from him. It was safer that way, I couldn't control my magic around him. My memories of him were burned into me like the scars he had on his shoulder from my magic.

Garreth offered his arm to me. I couldn't deny that he looked handsome in his suit. His red curly hair had been gelled and styled. "You look beautiful," I smiled, wrapping my hand against his arm as he pulled me into the Great Hall.

The grand hall was transformed into a magical wonderland, ablaze with the soft glow of twinkling fairy lights and ethereal floating candles. The flickering illumination cast a warm and enchanting ambiance throughout the space, creating an atmosphere of festive enchantment. Adorning the walls, exquisite Christmas wreaths exuded an inviting fragrance, while towering Christmas trees, resplendent in their majestic beauty, stood proudly at the front of the hall, adorned with glistening ornaments and shimmering tinsel.

Garreth led me onto the dance floor, his hand wrapped around my waist and the other held onto the my hand as he spun me around. "Seriously Ophelia, I can't get how stunning you are." He murmured pulling me closer to his chest.

"You're not so bad yourself," I laughed, pushing him gently on the shoulder.

He swung me around the dance floor, dance after dance. I couldn't deny the happiness that elicited from me, or maybe it wasn't happiness, but contentment. I was just simply content to be here with Garreth and my friends. I was finally getting to be a normal teenager for once. Tonight was the one night I could abandon my thoughts of the danger that lurked, the magic that was burning within me, or the honey brown eyes that swarmed my every thought.

No, tonight was about forgetting my troubles and enjoying myself for once.

Garreth whispered sweet nothings in my ear and pressed a soft kiss against my temple. I blushed at his gentleness and squeezed his arm in response, but we were interrupted by a certain brown haired boy.

Sebastian tapped Garreth on the shoulder, instinctively Garreths grip around my waist tightened, drawing me closer against his form body.

Garreth scowled, "what is it now sallow?"