"Say something," he snaps, "or is that pretty little mouth of yours finally going to stay shut?"
✧
Four-point five hundred seventy-one billion years ago the galaxy formed. The planets were set into orbit and four-point five hundred forty-three bill...
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A t h e n a
I study my imperfections in the mirror.
The raging scar beneath my collarbone, the little freckles on my cheeks, the spots on my body. I tug at the straps of my silk black dress that falls to my ankles and hugs the curves in my body. It's like a second skin, there's a tall slit in the dress that roams to my upper thigh. I was going to wear a suit and only then did I realize I didn't even have one.
I slip on my heels and head to the front, I examine myself in the mirror. My hair is down my back in soft curls, my the black dress contrasts from my pale skin and matches my nails that Ace had painted for me. I smile to myself and grab my purse before walking out the door.
✧
When I arrive, I'm taken back. It's a castle, gushed with lights that decorate the entrance, the grand double doors are open and a black carpet streams along the stairs. I take a deep breath before stepping out and composing myself. Classical music swells in the air and swirls with the stars as I walk down towards the entrance.
Everyone's eyes lock on me as I walk, the wind breezes against my skin and causes my hair to flow with it. I ignore everyone's staring. I walk with grace to the front door as Ace's mother and father notice me and wave over. "Dear," his mother smiles. "You look magnificent."
"Thank you, Miss Hawthrone," I say gently. Her father smiles and says, "You do look nice, honey. Ace is inside."
I give them both a smile before heading inside, the inside of the stone castle is lit with chandeliers, banners hang from the second floor that encases the dance floor. Ball gowns swish against each other as people dance with elegance and grace. I find myself smiling at the sight of them before I scan the ballroom.
My eyes find him, he has a black tux on that's unbuttoned at the top of his white dress shirt, he holds a glass of champagne in one hand and the other is in the suit pocket of his pants. He's talking to a group of guys and he looks up at me for a split moment before looking back down. But then he looks back again and tilts his head. His eyes wander up and down the lengths of my body before he smirks and licks his lips.
