I grinned and ran into my bathroom to get ready. A few minutes later, I found her and Roslyn in the common room, holding their packages. Mine was beside them in a box with elegant golden foil. “Where did these come from?” I asked.
Roslyn waved her hand. “This cute boutique I go to back home.”
The winter ball was tomorrow and everyone was excited. I gently touched the package's exterior. Isabella had a closet full of dresses she had offered to me, but I had yet to pick a dress out. I couldn’t believe Roslyn would order something…
“The box is too beautiful. I don't want to open it.”
Roslyn looked at me like I was crazy and then ripped hers open. She pulled out a carefully folded garment bag and unzipped it to reveal a beautiful crimson dress. The skirts were full and the gemstones were hand-sewn into the bodices. It was stunning, as if it’d been made for a princess. Isabella soon tore into hers. She pulled out a shimmering golden gown with a long train and sparkles that would bedazzle her. Excited, I finally began to open mine. I slipped the garment bag from the box and laid it across my lap. Carefully, I unzipped it. Inside, a beautiful royal blue gown sparkled up at me. I pulled it out and stood up, holding it against my chest. I’d never in my life seen such a beautiful dress before. It featured a fully structured corseted bodice with delicate beadwork and a lace-up back. The off-shoulder neckline was softened by thin shoulder straps, and long, sheer gloves. The skirts were layered and cool to the touch—like gliding your hand across the surface of shimmering still waters.
“I don't know what to say,” I said, spinning around and seeing the skirts of the dress twirl.
Roslyn grinned. “I'm glad that you like it.”
I smiled at her, “Thank you, Roslyn.”
The followingday brought with it a contagious excitement that spread through the castle. There was a thrill in the air as everyone prepared for the Winter Ball. Soon, the Adepts would be free to visit the village as much as they liked, and Initiates could relax and spend lazy days by the fire.
The day's first event was a brunch celebration in the Meridian Hall. Like the Rooftop Evening, it was a tradition held by the Aurkai for the Initiates and Adepts.
Everyone was there. Delicious spreads of fruits and pastries were on tables throughout the room. White linens fell to the floor as students grazed with their small plates, chatting at standing tables throughout the hall. Excitement filled the room and laughter delighted my senses as much as the dessert bar’s scent of caramel and cinnamon. Festive music was played by the fire by a woman sitting beside a harp. Roslyn spotted Caelan, who noticed us too, and waved us over.
It was too good to be true.
We spent the better part of the morning playing board games and discussing the finals we’d just taken. I took note of things I usually didn’t notice, like how easily Caelan’s smile came even when the joke wasn’t that great, or how natural of a flirt Isabella was, and most of all, the subtle way in which Roslyn seemed to understand everyone around her, and knew everyone and a fewthings about them when I couldn’t recall their name. I hadn’t seen Blake or any of the other Ravens there that morning. Even the thought of him had my heart racing and tore through the joyful peace I’d found here with this group of friends.
As I tried to tune the thoughts out of my mind, I noticed Saryna across the room. I wondered briefly why she wasn’t over here when I saw her glance at Caelan.
I stood, feeling oddly brave, and approached her.
“Hey,” I said, sitting down beside her. She smiled awkwardly and took a sip of her drink. “You seem to enjoy these parties as much as I do,” I said with a small smile.
She chuckled. “Yes, it’s been somewhat of a requirement in my life. Seems to have sucked all the joy from it.”
“Really? Where are you from?” I asked.
“My family travels a lot, honestly,” she said. “There is always a formal dinner and guests to entertain somewhere.”
I nodded pleasantly but I had no idea what that meant.
“You and Caelan?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t overstepping. “You both have the pegasus on your uniforms. Did you know each other before Nightfall?”
Saryna glanced at Caelan.
“Yes, we have known each other for some time now,” she said.
“Have you guys ever,” I made a face as if I were thinking, “been a thing?”
Saryna gave me an odd look before looking at Caelan.
“No,” she said. “No, that is not?—”
“Not what?” I asked.
“It is getting late,” she said, rising from her seat. “It was nice chatting with you. See you tomorrow.”
As she walked off, I caught Caelan watching her, too.
Chapter 23
