Divided

Part 1: Red Moon

A/N: Hey guys! So this is a Halloween special! It is two parts, and I really hope you all enjoy it:D

Caterina's POV

The soft sheets of my bed wrap around me like a warm hug, and the gentle chirping of birds outside lulls me into a peaceful slumber. Just as I start to drift off again, the door swings open with a bang.

"CAT!" A whirlwind of energy bursts into my room, and I'm jolted upright, tumbling off the bed in a flurry of blankets.

"Ouch..." I groan, wincing as I rub the sore spot on my backside from the sudden fall.

"Oh... sorry, Cat!" Ajia exclaims, her bright smile lighting up the room. She scratches her head, laughter bubbling up as she hops in place. "I'm just so excited! Haha!"

"It's the day of the Red Moon!" she declares, her eyes sparkling like stars.

Slowly, I push myself off the floor, still clutching the rumpled sheets that cling to me. With a yawn, I shuffle to the mirror, squinting at my reflection. My hair is a chaotic mess, dark circles under my eyes, and a streak of dried saliva clings stubbornly to my cheek. Not my finest look.

"Ajia, you're so fast," I mumble, trying to tame my wild hair.

Yvette enters the room, shaking her head with an amused smile. "Good morning, Caterina," she says, glancing at Ajia. "And you, Ajia, need to learn how to ease into the morning."

"Good morning, Yvette," I reply, stifling another yawn that seems to stretch forever.

"Go get washed up, Cat," Ajia urges, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I'll be waiting downstairs!" With that, she dashes out of the room, leaving a trail of contagious energy behind her.

As I gaze at my reflection one last time, a flutter of excitement stirs in my chest. The Red Moon is finally here, and I know today will be anything but ordinary.

As I step out of the bathroom, I see Yvette carefully arranging a pile of clothes. "Hmm... not that. Or that one... this one," she mutters, holding up a shimmering piece of clothing.

She turns to me, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "I want you to put this on and come out so I can tie it from behind." I nod, taking the top from her. It resembles a bra, made entirely of beads woven into a delicate fabric. The beads vary in shape and size, glinting in the light and cascading down to my ribs.

Once I've slipped it on, I peer at my reflection. The intricate design and the way the beads catch the light make me feel both beautiful and vulnerable. I step back into the room, clutching the front of the top with one hand and holding a towel around my hips with the other.

"It looks very pretty on you, Caterina," Yvette says, her smile warm and encouraging.

"Come here, dear," she calls, and I walk over, turning my back to her so she can tie the top securely.

"This is a very special day, Caterina," she says as she works. I focus on the floor, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as she ties the garment. "On this day, everyone wears traditional clothing. Witches, werewolves, vampires, and other creatures all have their own styles. It's beautiful."

As she finishes, I turn to face her, and she beams with pride. "Now here is the skirt that goes with it." She hands me a flowing piece of fabric, and I tilt my head in confusion.

"Umm... how do I put this on?" I ask, looking at it quizzically.

"Just slide it on like this," she demonstrates, pulling the skirt up gracefully.