On the night of the Second Ball, Charlotte helped me add the finishing touches to my costume.

My sheer butterfly wings hung close to my shoulders, not extending too far, just enough to show. My hair was up and mostly hidden under a sea of brightly colored flowers. My mask covered most of my face.

leaving only my mouth and chin exposed.

Looking in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. I doubted anyone else would either. Despite what he

said, I even had my doubts about Nicholas.

Charlotte handed me my gloves one by one as I slid them on.

“Tonight, you can be anyone,” she said.

No one would know me. No one would know that I’m the outsider tonight. I would simply be part of the

group.

I nodded, unsure what to say. I didn’t know how that made me feel. I wasn’t ashamed of who I was, but I

had always wondered what it would feel like to belon

in her wolf costume, ran circles around the bedroom. She gave a little

Nanny and then at Mark, who both pretended to be

was looking dapper tonight, wearing a crisp tuxedo

alongside the

and I were supposed to pretend we didn’t know each other. If we

the ballroom would be able to guess my identity simply from

hurt me to have to pretend not to know her, though I

I would be there

damned.

hugged me tightly, her lanky arms around my neck. “Goodbye,

Then she giggled.

little. “If

and patted my arm, like I had done so many

alright.”

of course. She was in very good hands, and I didn’t need to worry.

was easier than worrying about myself. I

first. After waiting a few

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