𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 ❥ 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘹 𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘬

𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚'𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭

~*🪝*~

It was officially the most anticipated day of the year --- Castlecoming day! Despite her usual disdain for such events, Ella couldn't suppress the bubbling excitement that had been building up. She hated admitting it, but the thought of spending time with Bridget, and the fact that Charming had asked her to be his date, made her heart race. 

Unwillingly, she had dreamed of dancing with him until midnight, and now that it was actually happening, she couldn't wait. She'd always promised herself not to get caught up in the royalty of Merlin Academy, but tonight, she allowed herself a moment of indulgence. After all, even a normal village girl deserved to have fun once in a while.

The second school ended, Ella dashed back home, her thoughts racing faster than her legs. She had mentioned to Bridget that she'd be buried in chores, and not to wait for her. Bridget, understanding as always, decided to get ready with Rapunzel instead. Ella didn't mind; it gave her a chance to mentally prepare, to steel herself against getting too swept up in the fantasy of the evening.

As soon as she arrived home, she bolted up the stairs to her tiny attic bedroom. The place was cramped and far from glamorous, but it was her space -- a stark contrast to the polished halls of the Academy. She glanced at the clock; only an hour to get ready! Panic shot through her, but Ella quickly shook it off. She grabbed her baby pink silky dress, the one Bridget had helped her pick out, and began her preparations.

The dress slid easily over her body, the delicate shimmer catching the fading sunlight filtering through the attic window. She smoothed down the puffy sleeves and admired how they framed her collarbone. The skirt flared out just the right amount, not too extravagant but undeniably elegant. She hurried to style her hair in loose curls, letting a few strands fall gently around her face. For makeup, she kept it simple; a hint of blush, a light pink eyeshadow, and a soft pink lip gloss that made her feel more put together than she usually did.

For a brief moment, Ella looked at her reflection and allowed herself to smile. Maybe this night would be special after all.

Just as she reached for her shoes, the creak of footsteps echoed from downstairs, followed by a familiar voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, look who thinks she's going to the dance," Anastasia sneered as she entered the attic, followed closely by Drizella and her stepmother. The smug expressions on their faces instantly put Ella on edge.

"I didn't realise you were actually going to that event," Drizella said, crossing her arms. "With that dress? You're joking, right?"

Before Ella could even respond, Anastasia's hand reached out and tugged at the delicate sleeve. "This cheap thing? Where did you even get it?"

"Bridget... Bridget bought it for me!" Ella protested, her voice wavering as she tried to step away. But it was too late.

Drizella grabbed the hem of the dress and yanked, the soft fabric tearing with a loud, sickening rip. "You don't deserve something this nice," she hissed, her eyes filled with evil.

Anastasia joined in, pulling at the skirt and ripping the seams apart as Ella's heart pounded in her chest. Lady Tremaine stood back, watching with a cold smile of approval. "That's enough. She doesn't have time to fix this now," she said with finality.

Ella stood frozen, clutching the torn pieces of her dress, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her perfect evening, the one night she had allowed herself to dream, was crumbling before her eyes.

They left her there, standing in the ruins of her gown, tears stinging her eyes. Alone in the attic, Ella collapsed onto the floor, hugging the shreds of fabric as she tried to hold back the sobs threatening to escape. How could they do this to her? How could they be so cruel?

She ran out of the wretched home and fell to the floor of her freshly trimmed garden. Tears and sobs escaped the girl's shaking body as she broke down.

Minutes passed, though it felt like hours, before a soft voice interrupted her crying.

"Ella? Oh dear, are you alright?" She looked up to see Faye staring back at her with a look of pity. "I was just taking a stroll before Castlecoming and -- Oh no, your dress!" She stepped forward, taking in the sight of the torn gown and Ella's devastated expression. Without a word, she knelt beside her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "What happened?"

Through broken sobs, Ella explained, her voice trembling as she recounted how her stepsisters had ripped apart the dress Bridget had bought her. "I just... I just wanted one night. I don't know why I let myself hope."

Faye's eyes softened with sympathy. "They won't ruin this for you. We'll fix it. Well, I'll try to. Haven't really gotten the hang of this whole 'magic wand' thing yet." She stood up, waving her hand as tiny sparks of light danced at her fingertips. "But... would you mind if I changed it a bit?"

Ella hesitated, clutching the torn fabric. "Bridget bought this for me... I don't want it to be too different."

Faye smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't worry. I'll keep the essence of it. But it'll be even more magical."

With a gentle flick of her wand, the torn pieces of fabric lifted into the air, shimmering with silver stardust. The threads wove themselves back together, forming a new gown that was even more stunning than before. The baby pink dress transformed into a silvery blue masterpiece, with off the shoulder sleeves that sparkled in the night sky. The bodice was intricately laced with shimmering patterns, and the skirt flowed in delicate waves, catching the light with every movement. Glitter dusted the fabric, making it look like Ella had stepped out of a dream.

As the magic swirled around her, Ella could feel the warmth of it, a soft glow enveloping her. She watched in awe as her gown became something out of a fairy tale -- elegant, breathtaking, and perfect for Castlecoming.

Faye stepped back, admiring her handiwork with a satisfied grin. "There. What do you think?" She paused for  second, "I hope it's not too bad. I mean, this is the first time I've ever done something like this,"

Ella looked down at her dress, her eyes widening as she took in the magnificent sight. "It's... it's beautiful." She spun in the dress, watching the light catch the fabric and shimmer like stars. "Faye, this is... perfect. I don't know how to thank you!"

"No need, dear. Now go meet Bridget! You're already thirty minutes late and I'm sure she's waiting for you." 

Ella felt her heart swell with gratitude and hope. The night wasn't ruined after all. She gently lifted the front of her dress and dashed to the Academy.

~*🧁*~