Page 58 of Shadows of Change

"Always," I promise, and for once, there’s no joke in my voice.

The moment we step outside, the shadows fall into formation. Bob straightens, his earlier playfulness gone as the shadows snap into formation. Their fluid edges sharpen, radiating purpose. The change is so sudden it sends a shiver down my spine. Whatever Darian’s planning, we won’t let him win. Not tonight.

As we move toward the dance, I glance at Malrik, Aspen, and Torric. Seren’s words echo in my mind:Make sure she knows you’re there when it counts.

Now is when it counts.

37. Kaia

"Ow!" I yelp as Seren attacks another tangle with her enchanted hairbrush. "Are you trying to scalp me?"

"Beauty is pain, darling," she says cheerfully, wielding the brush like a weapon. "Now hold still. I'm almost done with this section."

My shadows writhe sympathetically around my feet, and I swear one of them is mimicking Seren's enthusiastic brushing motions. Another keeps trying to steal the brush when she's not looking, probably to save me from further torture.

"I don't see why I can't just wear it down," I mutter, wincing as she starts on another section.

"Because," Seren says with exaggerated patience, "this is your first Equinox Ball. Everyone who matters will be there. Including all those brooding boys who keep following you around like lost puppies."

"They don't—" I start to protest, but she cuts me off with a wave of her brush.

"Please. I've seen the way they look at you. Especially when they think no one's watching." She pauses, studying my reflection."Although lately, it seems like Darian's the only one you're noticing."

Something in her tone makes me shift uncomfortably. "He's... different. Easy to talk to."

"Mm-hmm." Seren's reflection raises an eyebrow. "And the fact that he's gorgeous has nothing to do with it?"

"They’re all gorgeous.” I retort before I can stop myself.

My face reddens, “Can we just focus on the hair torture?" I ask, desperate to change the subject. My shadows flicker restlessly, and I force them to still.

Hours later, I barely recognize the girl in the mirror. My usual mess of blonde waves has been transformed into an intricate updo, with delicate wisps framing my face. Tiny crystals catch the light with every movement, making it look like I'm wearing a crown of stars.

The midnight blue gown Seren loaned me flows like liquid starlight, hugging my curves before cascading into a full skirt with a daring slit up one side. My eyes, usually a stormy violet, shimmer with flecks of silver thanks to her careful application of some kind of magical cosmetics.

"Holy shit," I whisper.

Seren beams. "I know, right? You're welcome."

I stand, fighting the urge to hide under the bed. Part of me—the part that's spent years trying to be invisible—wants to change into my regular clothes and forget this whole thing.

But a larger part is tired of hiding.

"Ready?" Seren asks, practically vibrating with excitement.

I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. "As I'll ever be."

“Good. You look fantastic. Now, I have a few last minute touches to make. I’ll see you down there in a bit.” Seren pauses at the door, glancing back at me with a hesitant smile. “You’ll be amazing tonight, Kaia. Just... don’t let anyone dim your light.” Then she’s gone, her lavender hair disappearing down the corridor like a comet.

The room suddenly feels too quiet without her bubbly energy, and I'm left alone with my reflection and my thoughts.

I turn back to the mirror, studying the stranger staring back at me. The girl in the glass is ethereal, otherworldly—a far cry from the scruffy, shadow-wielding outcast I've been for so long. My fingers trace the delicate curve of my cheek, the arch of my brow, as if touching my face might shatter the illusion.

Who am I now?The question echoes in my mind, persistent and unsettling.

I used to be so sure of myself, of my place in the world. Looking out for myself, taking care of myself. I was Kaia, a girl who tried to blend in, and just get through the day and knowing full well that I had no one else but myself.

Okay and Mouse.

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