A Dance Between Worlds

Chapter Four

The sun shined blindly over the bustling marketplace of Greenwood Court. Luxia walked alongside Rowynn, her heart fluttering with excitement and nerves. The upcoming ball was all anyone was talking about, and today, they were on a mission to find the perfect dresses for the occasion.

"Are you sure about this, Rowynn?" Luxia asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I've never been to a ball before, let alone one in the Fae realm. I am going to stick out like a sore thumb there."

Rowynn smiled, her golden eyes twinkling with reassurance. "You'll be the star of the night. Everyone is going to wonder who the beautiful newcomer is. Now, let's find you something that makes you feel as confident and beautiful as you should tonight."

They entered a boutique that was famed for its enchanting gowns, according to Rowynn. The shop was a riot of colors and fabrics. Dresses hung from every corner, and seamstresses bustled about with measuring tapes and pins.

"Welcome, welcome!" A beautiful fae woman appeared with long, beautiful silver hair even though she didn't look much older than Luxia. "I'm Amara. How can I help you?"
"We're looking for dresses for the ball, something elegant and form-fitting for my friend here." She glanced at Luxia, "Something unique to fit her."

Amara's eyes lit up as she assessed Luxia. "I have a few things that could work. Follow me."

Luxia felt a surge of emotions as she followed Amara through the shop. They passed rows of dresses until they reached a secluded section filled with the most beautiful gowns Luxia has ever seen in vibrant colors she couldn't name. Amara's fingers fiddled down the racks, plucking dresses and draping the lucky few over her arm. Her hazel eyes widened as she gently pulled out a stunning emerald green dress with fabric that shimmered like water in the sun.

"This, this is the one. I can feel it from my bones to my toes." She discarded the rest of the dresses she had selected and ushered Luxia to a changing room. "In here. Hurry, we mustn't dally. Someone else might claim it."

The dress was form-fitting, with intricate gold embroidery along the neckline. Luxia stared at herself in the mirror. Her natural waves framed her face like a sea of red, and her once pale skin now slightly golden from training all day with Rowynn. As she stared, she noticed the dress was slowly getting tighter. She readjusted the dress, wondering if she had just twisted a bit. Anxiety snaked up her spine as the dress slithered tighter and tighter.

"Um, guys, something is wrong." Yanking the door open, Luxia rushed out of the room, "The dress is getting tighter."

Rowynn's eyes widened, and Amara immediately stepped forward, waving her hand over the fabric.

"Oh, silly girl, that's enchanted fabric. It adjusts to the body of the wearer." Amara circled Luxia, looking at the dress. "It fits you perfectly. It's a form-fitting dress with boning to add shape."

"You look incredible, Lux," Rowynn said, her voice full of admiration.

Luxia turned to the mirror, admiring the new shape the dress gave her. Her blue eyes seemed to sparkle with a new intensity, reflecting the power she found within herself since crossing the veil. Straightening her posture, she met her own gaze in the mirror. Her mind flashed back to when she was seven.

The nicest outfit she had ever worn before today- a beautiful Sunday dress given to her when the local village leader's daughter passed away. He had donated a bunch of her clothes to the children of the village, and Luxia had received the dress, which was meant for church, even though her family wasn't religious. The dress was pale pink with lavender and sky-blue flowers and a white lace trim. She loved that dress; it was the only time she felt pretty growing up. The only time she felt herself. Now, the woman staring back at her was not just pretty but gorgeous and no longer the little girl from Brookstead.