Bonus Story: Elara pt. 6

When it's finally the day of the party, my nerves start to get the best of me. I haven't been to one of these events since I was a child, and I don't know what to expect.

I put on my best dress, a light green summer dress with little flowers printed on it. It was my mother's idea. She also put my hair up in a braid. To me, it feels like I am being dressed to be sacrificed.

Okay, maybe I am just being too dramatic. It's not like my parents are trying to force me to be with someone. But still...being among a crowd of strangers makes me uncomfortable.

As I stand in front of the mirror, my reflection stares back at me, and I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. My parents have been excited about this gathering for weeks, talking about how it's a great opportunity to meet new people and maybe even make some friends. I can't deny that their enthusiasm is infectious, but it's still hard for me to shake off my anxiety.

I make my way downstairs, where my parents are already ther