CHAPTER 40: Elegance and envy

NARAH'S POV

I took a deep breath, almost bumping into James as I stepped outside the mansion.

“Wow! Narah, you look– absolutely gorgeous,” he said, staring in awe at me.

I flashed a pleasant smile. “Thank you.”

He didn't ask any questions about how I got the dress or what prompted me to come back to the party, especially dressed as I was. He politely offered to walk me to the hall, and I accepted.

As we descended the stairs, the sound of laughter and music grew louder with each steady step. The velvet gown and makeup gave me a new identity, and each step I took, the sway of the dress commanded respect and power.

I was equally as scared as I was excited. As we reached the bottom of the stairs, I felt strange when all eyes turned to look at me. Their gasps echoed through the hall, disbelief and recognition settling in the eyes of those who had mocked me earlier.

I saw Gina and Luna Tauriel making their way to me, their eyes flashing red like a warning as they approached, steaming with