Midnight Shadows

Chapter 17 - Act Like Royalty

Aurora's POV

The day has come.

Tonight is the ceremony that links Kaede, Acyn and I together in their world forever.

There's a finality to it somehow, as if this is the final stop before committing to them utterly and completely. I know I won't be become a vampire anytime soon as they have made sure I understand that it is my choice when that time comes. I'm forever thankful for that, as I don't trust myself to make that decision yet. It will take time until I am fully ready but knowing that they are willing to wait for me is sweet. Even though the two of them are far from being sweet.

I slept in today since they told me to, and apparently there are going to be a few surprises tossed my way, and as usual they've kept me in the complete dark, not even giving me a single hint about what the hell they are planning.

I've just been relaxing on my couch, reading and keeping myself hydrated as I haven't heard from them yet.

As if on cue, there is a brief knock on my door, and I look over before getting up to answer it. My eyes widen once the door opens and I see not only Kaede and Acyn, but 3 other people with cases, a dress bag and supplies galore.

All sitting out in my hallway.

"What the? What is this?" I question as I step aside as everyone, and everything gets piled into my living room.

"Tonight is special, darling. We brought a whole team here to get you ready."

"This is all for me?" I look around and blink a few times. I'm overwhelmed to say the least.

I'm pulled into Acyn tightly, my back to his front and he whispers into my ear. "All for you, darling. You're getting pampered."

"Uh, okay?" I say lightly and Acyn brings me over to the dress rack.

"I hope you don't mind, but we picked the dress out for you already." Kaede says as he walks past and unzips the garment bag on the rack, pulls it out and my jaw drops. It's a strapless, deep emerald gown with some sparkle. It's not too flashy or big like other gowns can be, which suits my tastes perfectly.

Of course they would pick a gown that is me.

"We thought it would be easier to match your hair so nothing clashes." Kaede says, still holding the dress out and I smile. "I would have picked black or green, so you guys did great. It's beautiful."

"Okay, now that the dress is approved, we can move on to the rest of the pampering." Acyn says with a sly smile as I turn my attention to him, moving away slightly to pull up a chair and ease me down into it as the rest of the team surrounds me and starts on my hair and makeup simultaneously.

As the team gets everything setup, I get two quick deep kisses from them both before they go to my front door. "We will be back to pick you up, see you soon baby." Kaede says as they take their leave, the door closing with a light click.

As time passes, the teams asks if I have any preferences, and I state a few, such as no bright red lipstick, and I prefer smoky eye makeup. With my suggestions noted, they start their work. I sit for a few hours, taking small breaks for water and snacks and eventually they finish, telling me to go look and see if there is anything I am unhappy with.

I stand and go inspect in my bathroom, audibly gasping when I look at myself.

I could never make myself look this way. Flawlessly airbrushed skin, grey/black smoky eyes with a hint of green shimmer, long eyelashes and the smallest amount of blush to bring some warmth into my cheeks. They opted for a dark maroon lipstick which I love, and I make a mental note to ask what one they used to I can buy one.