Page 71 of Riftborne
“Go change in my room,” Raine suggested, holding out a small key. I smiled and lowered my head before returning through the gates of the Compound.
I steppedin front of the mirror to get a view of the dress. It was made from a silken fabric the color of spiced wine, and it moved weightlessly as I turned to examine it in the mirror. The top was structured and clasped around my neck in a thin band, leaving my decolletage bare. The length spilled down into a simple A-line skirt.
I had to give it to Osta. She knew how to make a statement. The dress was simple, yet completely elegant. It made me look like I had some semblance of style, which was an impressive feat on its own.
I pursed my lips, shifting my weight as my reflection stared back at me, observing my tightly pulled back hair and permanently shrouded eyes.
Osta left some of her beauty products in the bag...
Before I could change my mind, I pulled out the black charcoal pencil and began to line my eyes. I wasn’t as graceful as Osta, so I didn’t have high hopes.
Stepping back, I inspected my work. Not bad. It added that semblance of allure back to my features. I bit my lip. My hair seemed all wrong.
Untying it, I let the white curls fall weightlessly around my shoulders and took a deep breath. If we were going to one of Osta’s preferred spots, I might as well look the part, plus… Seeing me like this would cheer her up even more, especially without any of my normal resistance. I had committed to the facade at this point. Tugging on the matching slippers that Osta provided, I made my way to the door.
But just as my hand touched the knob, my body froze. I hadn’t thought about the fact I’d have to walk through the Compound looking like this.
Alone.
My stomach churned, but it was too late now.
I took a steadying breath before nodding and stepping out into the hallway.
I started up the stairs to the mess hall, trying to walk quickly and avoid any direct eye contact. But that was difficult seeing as my legs were still stiff from conditioning. A part of me wondered if I’d make it through the night in these shoes.
We’d better be going to a place where sitting is encouraged.
A few members of infantry were sitting at a couch at the top of the stairs. Their eyes fell on me as I stepped through the doorway. I tried to tune out their whispers as I walked in between the mess hall’s tables, through the bodies of people eating, writing letters, and having conversations amongst themselves. A few of them turned their attention to me as my shoes made clicking noises that sounded gravely different from the boots that normally echoed through this place.
A wince shuddered through me as I heard a whistle from somewhere behind, but I didn’t let myself turn around. The lobby was only a few more steps ahead. I could feel the eyes burning holes in my back.
I collected myself and brushed past the gates, savoring the cool chill from the breeze. Osta, Raine and Briar were still talking amongst themselves. From the outside, one might have thought they had known each other for years.
Briar noticed me walking towards them, and his jaw dropped.
“Riftborne, is that you?” Raine asked, shock lacing her tone. I shook my head and looked at Osta, taking the last few steps towards them.
“It’s all Osta.” I rolled my eyes and threw my arm around the shoulders of my oldest friend. She was just grinning at me in self-satisfaction.
“It’s new. I just finished making it last week at the shop,” she said. “I knew you should be the one to wear it. Although I’m holding back nauseating jealousy! It’s a great dress.”
“I had no idea your hair was so curly,” Raine said.
“I usually don’t wear it down like this.” I tugged at one of the curls, pulling until it bounced back into place.
“Well. You should. If I had your hair, I’d wear it like that every day. It’s enchanting. It’s like the texture has no weight, like it’s floating,” Briar mused before hooking arms with Osta.
Clearly those two were hitting it off.
“So did you decide on a plan?” I asked. Osta’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Raine and Briar before turning to me, a mischievous grin sprawled across her face.
Oh Esprithe, what had she managed?
“I got us into the Enclave,” she squealed.
“The Enclave? How is that possible?” I questioned nervously. It was one of the Apothecary’s biggest clients, so I was all too aware of the types of elixirs they provided their patrons. The establishment was a mystery for most of Luminaria—amembers-only club that catered almost exclusively to the elite. I gulped.
“Shun is best friends with the hostess working tonight. He was able to pull a few strings and get us reservations at one of their tables,” Osta replied, a satisfied expression spreading across her face.
