Emperor of Annihilation

TWENTY SEVEN

crossed eyes,
unlimited imagination.

"I never thought I'd see the day Autumn Lau would be trying on dresses."

I tilted my head at the source of the voice, meeting Cam's eyes. He stood behind me in the usual Darlington uniform. The minute the bell had rang, all three of us bolted out of there.

I gave him a reassuring smile. "Well, she wouldn't be a dead bride without a proper wedding dress, would she?"

He chuckled, shaking his head as I tilted mine, looking straight at the curtain where Autumn had disappeared behind.

There was barely anyone at school today because of the big Halloween rave Atticus was throwing tonight. Yes, it was dumb to be shopping for halloween costumes at this time, however it was my thrill seeking friend who suggested the idea.

Cam, like always, wasn't looking forward to the party. Me and him both. Like I said before, parties have never been my scene. Much less parties where people were dressed in the costumes, faces hidden behind masks.

The last thing I wanted was someone groping me and me not knowing who it was.

As we continued to wait, Cam turned to me, fingers brushing the bottom of his lips. "I just remembered, you haven't told either of us what you're going as tonight."

That was true. I kept my costume idea a secret from the two of them. Not because I was scared they'd still my idea, because let's be honestly, the three of us couldn't be anymore different. No, I didn't tell anyone because I enjoyed leading them on. In fact, I did have a clear idea of who I'm going be this halloween. I even bought the proper fabric for the outfits and all, even managed to stitch the piece together in a week.

It was a bother hiding the evidence from my nosy neighbour. But, I managed. Barely. "For the fifteen time, Cam, I can't tell you."

"Oh, now that's just bull." He points an accusing finger in my direction. "You can tell me and you know it."

I grinned. "Yeah, but I'm not going to."

To which I earned a death stare, followed by a scoff then a pout of the lips. I spent the next five minutes holding my palms to my ears, sounding Cam's whining out until Autumn finally walked out in a beautiful, white gown.

Too bad the entire thing was going to be soaked in blood by the end of tonight. That dress would've made a perfect wedding gown.

The dress boasted a classic A-line silhouette with delicate floral appliqués, and a long flowy train that added an extra touch of grandeur to the gown.

"Well?" She did a twirl. "What do you think?"

Cam finally snapped out of whatever trance he was in the minute she spoke. Scratching the back of his neck, he says, "I think it's messing something."