Page 50 of Wings of Ash & Flame
“Yoohoo, Alaire. Are you even paying attention?”
“Yes.” But all she saw when she closed her eyes was that aquamarine gaze burning into her soul.
“So, you’re in?”
“Huh? Sure.”
“Perfect. Let’s see what I have that’ll fit you. You can’t wear your training leathers to a party.”
“Wait, what?”
“So youweren’tlistening?” Kaia planted her hands on her hips.
“I can neither confirm nor deny.”
Kaia rolled her eyes. “You’re lucky we’re friends.”
“I am.” The declaration wasn’t planned, but Alaire knew it was true. Somehow, Kaia had dismantled her well-fortifieddefenses. Letting someone in was terrifying, but Kaia made it feel safe.
Kaia’s eyes widened at her admission. “Are you being mushy?”
Alaire scoffed. “Don’t get used to it. But I can admit I’m lucky to have found you in this place.”
Kaia hopped onto the bed and squeezed her shoulders. “Say you’ll come with me.”
“Come with you where?”
“To a party.”
“A party?” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Parties aren’t my thing. What if we sneak some food and stay under the blankets instead?”
“You aren’t some tragic poet. You’re young and attractive, and we deserve a break. Don’t make me go alone. It’s yourdutyas my friend to come to these things.” Kaia’s eyes drilled into her.
Alaire glanced out the window one last time, then back to Kaia—who was pouting now, her lower lip jutting out.
“Fine,” she groaned. “But I get to veto any ridiculous outfits.”
“Deal!” Kaia squealed. “This is going to be so much fun.”
Alaire gave one last longing look at the bed—so long, friend.
Alaire stared at herself in the mirror, hardly recognizing the person peering back. Kaia had convinced her to wear something she would’ve never chosen on her own: an ombre tank top with a silver sweetheart neckline fading into black, layered with a sheer, long-sleeved top that shimmered like the night sky. The high-waisted skirt was a deep navy, and Kaia had paired it with a small, elegant clutch covered in stars. Around her neck, silvernecklaces of varying lengths layered down her chest, the longest ending in a star pendant.
Somehow, Kaia had tamed Alaire’s mass of wavy hair into a sleek, high ponytail, its base wrapped with a strand of her hair. Dark kohl enhanced her green eyes, while the rest of her face remained natural.
Alaire had drawn the line at the shoes. Kaia’s original choice—a pair of heels as high as Eclat Castle’s spires—was quickly vetoed in favor of stylish yet comfortable metallic slippers with delicate bows at each heel. Alaire was far from delicate, but tonight she could pretend.
Kaia poked her between the shoulder blades, forcing her posture straighter. “Girl, if you got it, flaunt it.”
“It’s the flaunting part that’s the problem,” Alaire muttered. Give her blades, and she’d feel much more at ease.
“Pfft. Dawson won’t know what he’s missing,” Kaia said, disappearing into the bathroom.
“We don’t care what Dawson thinks, remember?”
“I never knew humans were so stubborn.”
“Not just a human trait. Though I’ll admit, the people of Lyra know a thing or two about fashion.” Alaire had never worn anything so extravagant.
