GENESIS: THE CATALYST

CHAPTER TWELVE

"The night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you, the dawn is coming."
— Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight

----

Maya stared in the mirror as the hairstylist finished arranging the last few curls. The mirror’s light bounced off her, and for a second, she let herself enjoy the transformation. Her dress hung nearby, a soft, shimmering blue that sparkled under the light, catching her eye and hinting at the excitement that lay ahead.

As if on cue, her sister Kylie strolled in, an amused grin on her face. “Okay, Queen Charlotte,” she teased, taking in Maya's reflection with a dramatic bow. “Who knew you had this level of fabulosity?”

"I mean, Farmer George would instantly run mad if he saw you," Kylie chuckled. "He wouldn’t need that doctor to make him mad."

Maya laughed, rolling her eyes, brushing off the compliment, though a thrill rose at her sister’s reaction. “Wait till you see the dress,” she replied with a smirk. “You look fabulous yourself, by the way. Done with your hair already?”

“Already,” Kylie said, lifting a section of perfectly sleek hair. She wore a deep green satin dress that hugged her curves, a look that was equal parts elegance and edge. “But unlike you, I don’t have a whole glam team here at my service.”

Their butler, Thompson, appeared at the doorway, her presence warm and reassuring as always. “Girls, don’t forget to be down by eight. And Maya, the car will be here soon, so please — no last-minute changes.”

“James, we’re not twelve,” Kylie shot back, though her eyes softened. “But duly noted.” He chuckled and left the room.

Their mom, Clara, walked in, holding a little velvet jewelry box. She raised an eyebrow at the playful back-and-forth between her daughters. “Girls, save the teasing for later. Maya, this is for you,” she said, holding out the box with a soft smile.

Maya opened it to find delicate diamond drop earrings that glimmered under the light. “Mom… they’re beautiful.” Her heart tugged, seeing the quiet pride in her mom’s expression.

“You look beautiful,” Clara said, brushing a stray curl from Maya’s forehead. “But don’t spend all night by the mirror, or you’ll miss your own dance.”

Across the room, Mila and Jake hovered just outside the door, wide-eyed as they watched their older sisters getting ready. Ethan, hands stuffed in his pockets, looked particularly unimpressed.

“You look like you’re about to be in a movie,” Mila declared, stepping in for a closer look.

Maya knelt down, tapping her little sister’s nose. “When you’re my age, you’ll be going to dances, too.”

Kylie smiled at her. “And you’ll look even better at your own dance.”

Mila’s face lit up. “Can you do my hair like this then?”

Clara chuckled, ruffling Mila’s hair. “By then, Mila, you’ll be asking for styles I won’t even know about.”

Jake, standing with his hands tucked in his pockets, shrugged. “It’s alright. You look good, I guess.” But his nonchalant expression faltered as he shot her an almost shy grin.

“Thanks, Jake,” Maya said, smirking as he tried to pretend he didn’t care.

“Girls, we need to get moving!” Clara reminded. “Your car is waiting outside.”

Finally, as they descended the stairs, Maya felt her nerves spark again. She couldn’t help but worry. She had been so paranoid, but to be honest, the dance had helped her calm down a little.