When the Stars Align

Hundreds of Etoiles stood huddled outside in the bitter cold, every one of them dressed in varying mourning shades of black. Will, Jase, Avery, Josh, Carrie, and I stood among them. Max stood at the front of the crowd along with several Etoiles that resembled the Board. Everyone held candles to honor the fallen Étoiles. My senses grew antsy at the sight of all the flames that surrounded us. I could feel them, breath them. The flame I was holding flickered wildly.

"We honor our brothers and sisters today and hold them in our memory. They are still with us, in the earth, water, wind, and air. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten," Max said blowing out his candle.

Everyone else did the same before filing inside. A new system was set up in front of the Hotel doors so each Étoile had to hold their palm to a scanner before the doors opened to let them in. The scanner recognized their palm and only let in Étoiles. It came to my turn and I held my palm to the scanner. The doors opened and I ushered Jace inside before hurrying in myself.

"Are you going to the party tonight?" Josh asked.

"I don't know, what is it for?" I asked.

""It's just something to lighten the mood, you should come," Will said.

"Yeah, okay," I replied. "I don't know what to wear though."

"Come on, I'll help," Avery said leading me towards the stairwell.

When we got to my room, I unlocked the door and we went inside. She went straight to my closet and started rummaging through. She pulled out a small turquoise dress.

"That's more of a shirt than a dress," I protested.

"It's a party, Nova," she argued. "Just try it on."

She tossed it to me and turned her back. I threw it on and pulled it down as much as possible. I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked thinner than usual, but I held myself better. Avery was right, the dress did compliment me. She walked over and stood behind me.

"You look great," she said.

"It's just so short," I replied pulling it down more.

Even then, it only came to my upper thigh.

"Will's going to think you look beautiful," she said.

All the blood rushed to my cheeks. "Why would you think that?"

"Don't play dumb with me, I see the way he looks at you, the way you two blush when you hear the others name," she replied with a light smile.

She went back to the closet and brought out a pair of tan colored heels. I typically didn't wear heels and I was worried I might fall but I slipped them on anyway.

"Do I look okay?" I asked.

"You look great, let's go," she said.

We stopped by Avery's room for her to change into a dress and heels before heading down to the cafeteria. All the tables had been moved out of the room and decorations took their place. All the overhead lights were turned out and festive lights on strings hung from the ceiling. A DJ was set up and was playing music while some people danced and others were off to the side talking and enjoying refreshments.