"Wow, you look fabulous, darling," Marian gushes, her skin prickling with goosebumps from both excitement and amusement. Seeing Ella in the dress is a thrill, it fits like a second skin, hugging her waist perfectly. She looks absolutely breathtaking.
"It feels like it was made for you. Girl, you're gorgeous," Marian continues, pressing a quick, affectionate kiss to Ella's cheek.
Ella blinks, momentarily caught off guard by the gesture. "Uh… thanks," she says flatly, waving away thoughts of how tight the dress is or how much of her skin it reveals. She's not used to something this daring, but she can't deny it, she looks good.
"Great. You've picked a dress," Balu interjects, her voice cutting through the moment. Then, turning to Marian, she says, "Now, have me pick the best dress you have. I want something stunning, gorgeous, and impossible to ignore. When I walk in, I want all eyes on me."
Her chest rises and falls as she takes a steadying breath. She might have been dragged here for Ella, but there's no way she's letting Ella outshine her.
Marian's lips curl into a knowing smile. "I have just the thing. It was originally designed for Lady Augusta, but you, my darling, can have it, for the right price."
She won't miss a chance to squeeze money out of the city's wealthiest heiresses.
The moment Balu's eyes land on the dress, her breath catches. It's magnificent. Elegance carved into fabric. The beaded diamonds trace an exquisite pattern across the bodice, emphasizing the curves of the bust, while the rest of the dress shimmers under the light. Every inch of it screams art, power, beauty.
"I love it," she breathes, unable to look away. "What's it called?"
Marian's smile turns teasing as she slowly drags out her words. "Darling, it's not that I don't want you to have it, but like I mentioned… it was designed for Augusta. So…"
She trails off, watching the hunger in Balu's eyes.
She isn't one of the city's top designers for nothing—she knows exactly how to work her clients, making them desperate for what they can't have.
Balu's jaw tightens. "I don't care. I'll pay double whatever she paid."
Marian tilts her head, pretending to hesitate, but the glint in her eyes gives her away. "Well, darling… since you're my personal favorite, and I do like you, I'll let you have it. But…" Her lips curl into a sly smile. "It'll cost you two million Leones. It should be worth more, but…"
"I'll take it," Balu states, sealing the deal without hesitation.
"Ahh, that's why you're my favorite," Marian beams, her expression victorious as she signals her assistants to pack up the dresses.
Later that evening, back in her room, Ella collapses onto her bed with a heavy sigh.
She hadn't expected shopping to take that long. The constant dress changes, the back-and-forths, it all ate up the hours. And now, exhaustion weighs on her limbs.
At least she's settled on a dress.
Now, she has just three hours before they leave for the party. If she's going to survive the night, she needs rest.
Closing her eyes, she barely drifts into sleep before…
A knock.
"Miss Ella," Abi's voice carries through the door as she steps inside. "A lady is here to see you."
Ella groans, reluctantly pushing herself upright. She has no idea how long she slept, it feels like a minute, maybe less, but a glance at the clock tells a different story.
Two hours.
Yet somehow, she still feels like she hasn't rested at all.
And now, someone wants to see her?
She frowns. She has no allies in this city, no friends who would drop by unannounced.
"…Who is it?"
The answer comes before Abi can speak.
A young woman steps forward, her posture poised yet respectful. "Hello, ma. I'm Fatim, Madam Marian's assistant. She sent me to you."
Ella's brows furrow. Marian sent her assistant?
Why?
"Ma instructed that I help you get ready. Also, she sent a different dress, she believes it will look better on you than the one you bought," Fatim says with a polite smile as she carefully lays the new dress on the bed.
A different dress? Why?
Ella's brows furrow slightly, but she doesn't question it. Marian is a renowned designer, and if she thinks this dress will suit her better, then so be it. Besides, a single glance at the gown tells her all she needs to know, it's breathtaking. The deep, rich shade of emerald green shimmers under the light, the fabric smooth as liquid silk. Intricate gold embroidery weaves along the bodice, swirling into delicate patterns that accentuate the curves of her figure. The off-the-shoulder design exposes her collarbones and the graceful slope of her neck, while the fitted waist flares into a cascade of flowing layers, giving the illusion of effortless elegance.
She runs her fingers over the dress, feeling the quality of the material, soft yet luxurious. It's far grander than what she originally picked.
With skilled hands, Fatim works on her hair, twisting and pinning the dark strands into an intricate updo, leaving a few loose curls framing her face. Her makeup is kept soft yet alluring, a touch of gold shimmer dusted across her eyelids, enhancing the warm glow of her hazel eyes, and her lips painted with a subtle, peachy hue. By the time they're done, even Ella barely recognizes herself.
She looks… different. But in the best possible way.
A knock on the door pulls her from her thoughts.
"Are you ready?" Steffen's voice carries through the room as he pushes the door open.
And then he freezes.
His breath catches, and for the first time in years, he feels something dangerously close to awe.
Ella stands before him, illuminated by the soft glow of the room's chandelier, and for a fleeting second, he forgets how to speak. The emerald gown molds to her body like it was crafted solely for her, accentuating every delicate curve. The gold embroidery catches the light, making her seem almost ethereal, as if she belongs to another world—one far too enchanting for his own.
Her hazel eyes meet his, filled with an innocence that contradicts the effect she's having on him. Her lips, full and slightly parted, are painted the color of ripe peaches, subtly tempting, dangerously inviting.
Steffen clenches his fists at his sides, steadying himself. Damn it. A second longer, and he might just lose control.
"How do I look?" Ella asks in a whisper, her voice hesitant, uncertain.
Steffen swallows hard, his throat dry.
"Beautiful," he finally says, his voice lower than he intends. "You look… amazing."
And for the first time in a long time, he means every single word.
And just like that, they're inside an immense hall, grand enough to host over three hundred guests. The walls are adorned with delicate flowers, each seemingly in full bloom, their petals exuding a symphony of sweet fragrances. The air itself carries the scent of wealth and power, mingling with the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of crystal glasses.
The atmosphere screams luxury, everywhere one looks, it's a display of grandeur. Tall chandeliers, dripping with golden light, hung from the ornately carved ceiling, illuminating the room in a soft, enchanting glow. Guests moves elegantly through the space, dressed in custom-made ensembles undoubtedly crafted by the finest designers.
"Steffen…"
The sound of Balu's voice carries through the crowd, smooth and commanding. She stands across the hall, effortlessly drawing attention. Her gown shimmered under the golden light, slit high along one leg, revealing smooth, bronzed skin. Her dark waves cascades over her shoulders, styled to perfection.
"You're here, and…"
Her words faltered the moment her eyes lands on Ella.
What the hell?
Balu stiffened. A slow wave of fury and disbelief crepes through her as she takes in Ella's appearance. She looks ,no, she radiates, beauty. More than that, she outshines her. But how? This isn't the dress she picked. No, this is something entirely different. More refined. More… breathtaking.
A cold realization strikes her, Marian played her. The boutique owner robbed her of millions of Leones while keeping the best hidden, only to present it to Ella.
That sly, manipulative—
With effort, Balu mask her anger behind a pleasant smile, though her fingers clenched at her gown in frustration.
"Ella, you look… different." The words leaves her lips, laced with control bitterness. "What happened to the dress you chose?"
"It was a last-minute decision," Ella said, her tone light and unbothered. "Marian is a darling for helping out.
Darling? Darling her foot.
Balu swallows her fury, forcing a chuckle as she nods. Oh, Marian will pay for this.
"You look amazing yourself," Ella adds, sincerity in her voice.
Balu arched a brow, surprised. Though they're always at odds, Ella's compliment holds no mockery.
Before Balu can respond, a voice cut through the air, soft yet brimming with confidence.
"King Steffen."
Steffen turns at the sound of the greeting, his gaze meeting that of a woman who exudes an aura of grace and authority.
"Augusta," he acknowledges, shaking the hand she offers.
"It's been a long time," Augusta said smoothly before her sharp eyes flicker towards Balu. A smirk curl on her lips. "Balu, I see you've taken my rejects."
Balu's jaw tightened.
A day ago, Augusta had visited Marian's boutique and had been shown the very dress Balu now wears. She had turned it down, deeming it too simple and beneath her status. And now, she is making sure Balu knows it.
"And you're as bitter as ever," Balu snaps back, unfazed.
Augusta let out a light laugh, tilting her head. "Can you blame me, darling? I have class, something you will never understand."
Balu digs her nails into her dress, forcing a serene smile. Oh, how she wants to claw Augusta's smug expression right off her face.
Ella, sensing the tension, cut in. "You two seem like… old allies."
Augusta's gaze shift to Ella, as if noticing her for the first time. She studies her with quiet scrutiny. "And you are?"
"Ella," she replies evenly. "You must be Augusta. Marian spoke about you."
"I don't recall seeing you before. Who are you here with?" Augusta ask, her tone lace with suspicion.
"She's with me," Steffen answer without hesitation.
A flicker of surprise crossed Augusta's features, but it quickly vanish, replace by something more calculating. "Ah… I presume she's the human who bears your mate mark."
The words carries weight. Despite Steffen's efforts to keep the information contained. Augusta is no ordinary noble, she is a royal vampire, privy to secrets most won't dare speak aloud.
"She's beautiful, I'll admit," Augusta continues , "but unfit to stand at your side. Having a human in our world is demeaning. Risky, even."
And just like that, she finds herself on her knees.
A choking gasp escape her lips as an invisible force crushes down on her. Her hands flies to her throat, clawing desperately for air. Her vision blurry, black spots dancing before her eyes.
The room falls into a hush silence. Everyone sees what's happening, but no one dared to intervene. To go against King Steffen's wrath is to invite death.
Steffen's gaze is cold, dark, and unforgiving.
Mistress Lily steps forward, breaking the silence. "Your Highness," she greets gently, her voice carefully measured. "Please, if I may… show mercy. I am not saying she doesn't deserve punishment, but not tonight. The night is meant for celebrating the young witches' successful transition."
Ella steps forward, her voice soft yet resolute. "Steffen, please let it go. Tonight is not the night for this."
And that is all he needs to hear.
His gaze flick to her, and just like that, the tension shatter. The suffocating air lifted, and Augusta collapse forward, greedily sucking in oxygen.
She push herself to her feet, swallowing down her humiliation.
Lily takes the opportunity to step in. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but the council members request an audience with you."
Steffen exhales sharply but nod. He turns to Ella. "Stay close to Balu. I won't be long."
Ella smile reassuringly. "I'll be fine."
He looks at Balu next, his expression hardening. "Protect her."
Balu scoff . "I don't need orders to do that."
With that, he left, following Lily toward the council.
Augusta, still recovering, shoot a cold glare at Balu before whispering, "And just like that sis, you're nothing but a puppet to him. Now that he has a mate, you've lost your value."
Then, without another word, she stride away, leaving Balu seething in silence.
Damn her. It is always the same with Augusta, always a battle, always an insult that burrowed under her skin.
Ella, sensing her fury, speaks up. "Sis? She's your sister?"
Balu's eyes narrows. "Reluctantly, yes. The original owner of this power was her sister. When I inherited it, I became her sister by default."
Ella frown. "I see… So you two don't get along?"
Balu let out a bitter laugh. "Get along? That's an understatement. We detest each other. She believes I stole her birthright. She was supposed to inherit the title of royal princess, but instead, it fell to me, a former human, a former slave."
Ella absorbs this, nodding. "So, in her eyes, you're unworthy. Not just because you were human, but because your rise to power took away what she saw as hers."
Balu sigh, shaking her head. "She's not wrong. I never asked for this. But once the power was given to me, I had no choice."
Ella tilted her head. "Since we're on the subject… What happened to your old master and his son? The ones who had your life ruined" She hesitate. "John never finished that story. He said only you know how it ends."
Balu's expression darkens. The air around her seem to grow heavy.
A slow, knowing smile curve on her lips.
"Oh, Ella," she murmured. "That's a story worth telling."
Year, 1927