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

getting ready, Elva, in her wolf costume, ran circles around the bedroom. She

then at Mark, who both pretended

was looking dapper tonight, wearing a crisp

alongside the nanny, to help keep an eye on

didn’t know each other. If we spent too much time

able to guess my identity simply from Elva’s presence.

give Elva a hug. It would hurt me to have to pretend

eye on her myself. If she needed me, I would

damned.

hugged me tightly, her

Mommy.” Then she

laughed too, just a little. “If you

patted my arm, like I had done so many times with her.

alright.”

She was in very good hands, and I didn’t need to

easier than worrying about myself. I had no idea what to expect tonight.

first. After waiting a few minutes,

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