Moonlark's Love

Four

When Sophie reached her locker, Biana was already waiting for her. "Come on, you're coming over today. Don't worry; I already told your parents."

"Okay. Um, why, though?"

"Because we have to plan for the Winter Gala, duh! It's in six days! I honestly can't believe they announced it so last minute. It's really poor planning."

When they arrived at Everglen, Biana disappeared into her closet while Sophie sat on the bed. "I've got a few ideas for dresses, but can I see Fitz's gift again? I'm assuming you'll be wearing it."

Sophie fished the box out of her backpack, tossing it to her friend. She caught it easily, opening it. "Wow," she breathed. "I forgot how beautiful it is."

She looked up at Sophie and grinned. "You must be really special to Fitz."

Sophie rolled her eyes. "I'm serious!" Biana insisted. She dropped it, though, and went back into her closet. She came back out with four dresses piled in her arms.

The first had a bodice encrusted with gemstones. It matched the hairpiece, but it wasn't Sophie's style. The next was white, and looked too much like a wedding dress to Sophie. Apparently elves didn't get married in white dresses, but it still felt weird to Sophie. The third dress was simple and teal, with a black sash. Sophie actually liked it, but Biana decided it was too plain. The fourth one was definitely the best.

It was a dark teal color, made from a lightweight fabric. The skirt was long and flowing, and the fabric in the top crossed over, creating an illusion of a wrap. The sleeves were simple, and made from a lacy fabric of the same color. The fabric had a slight sheen, but overall, the dress wasn't very sparkly, which was surprising for elves, but suited Sophie.

"Please, try it on! And let me do your hair!"

Thirty minutes later, Biana had finished Sophie's hair. It was in an elegant braid that swooped over one shoulder. The chain blended perfectly with her hair, and matched the dress.

"Biana, have you seen my History of Species textbook?" called a familiar accented voice. "I think I left it here last weekend."

Elves in the Elite Levels stayed in dorms, except on the weekends when they could visit their families if they wanted to.

"How would I know where your textbook is?" Biana called back, fixing a stray piece of hair on Sophie's head.

"I don't know, I was just asking if you'd seen it– Oh. Hi, Sophie."

Sophie spun around in her chair. "Hi, Fitz."

"You look, um." His cheeks flushed slightly pinkish. "I'm gonna go find my textbook."

When he had left the room, Biana spun around to face Sophie. "What was that about?"

"What do you mean?" Sophie asked, looking at herself in the mirror.

"He was weird around you. Did something happen between you two?"

"No."

Biana raised her eyebrows.

"Well, I mean, I did run into him today, but–"

"What did he say?"

"We were talking about the Winter Gala. I said I didn't know if I was going."

"You have to!" Biana exclaimed. Sophie looked at her from the corner of her eye. "Sorry. What did he say next."

"He said I could go with him."

"Ooh!" Biana squealed. "He asked you out!"

"No, he didn't."

"Yes he did! Trust me. My brother certainly doesn't have a way with words, but he definitely asked you out!"