Graziana and Noemi arrived at our door ten minutes later, their casual attire making it clear they hadn’t yet visited the tailors or stylists. Despite their informal appearance, they exuded determination, which sparked a small flicker of hope within me. Perhaps something had shifted in the dreadful future we all feared.
“You’ll have your hair done while you eat, then makeup, and finally your wardrobe,” Graziana outlined, glancing at us with a weighted gaze that somehow still carried a glimmer of optimism. “Did you both sleep well?”
I felt my cheeks flush instantly, positive she somehow knew exactly what had transpired the night before. Still, her tone seemed sincere, leaving me to grapple with my embarrassment.
“We slept well, all things considered,” Leonardo replied smoothly, managing to suppress the smirk I knew was itching to surface.
“Good,” Graziana said with a nod, ignoring my reddened face. “Today will be one for the history books-if we survive it.”
“Wouldn’t it be a surprise if the ball just went on as planned?” I mused wistfully, clinging to the faint hope that danger might simply bypass us, even if it was far from realistic.
“No matter what happens tonight, something *will* happen,” Noemi said, her white curls bouncing as she shook her head. “That much is certain.”
The sisters led us to the same fitting room we had visited before, though now it was teeming with activity. Fae of all kinds bustled about, darting from one task to another in a chaotic yet oddly harmonious rhythm.
“We’ll meet you back here when it’s time for the ball,” Graziana said, offering a brave smile that seemed genuine. “No matter how things unfold, I’m glad to have met you both.”
“It’s nice having a brother again,” Noemi added sweetly, her smile so heartfelt that it brought a sting of tears to my eyes.
“I’ve never had siblings, so I’m not very good at it,” Leonardo admitted with a gruff laugh. “But I hope things work out. I’d like the chance to learn.”
Once Graziana and Noemi left, the stylists descended upon us like a whirlwind. I was guided to a padded chair surrounded by a table of ripe fruits and delicate pastries. The setup was oddly reminiscent of a human salon, with a large mirror facing me. I picked up a pastry that looked like a croissant but tasted like a blend of pretzel and caramel. By the second bite, I decided it wasn’t half bad.
“Your hair is stunning,” a stylist cooed as she approached me, her vibrant sunset-colored hair tumbling down her back like a cascade of flame. “The color will pair perfectly with your gown. Healthy hair is such a joy to work with.”
Her emerald eyes sparkled as she studied me through the mirror, her cinnamon freckles making her look like a forest goddess.
“What’s the plan for my hair?” I asked curiously.
“Hmm,” she mused, tapping her chin with a polished emerald nail before walking to the front of my chair. She examined my face for a long, squirm-inducing moment before nodding decisively. “Layers. Lots of layers. We’ll leave it down, curl it, and let it frame your face beautifully.”
Satisfied that nothing drastic would be done, I nodded. Though my long hair was often a nuisance, it was one vanity I allowed myself.
I glanced over at Leonardo and couldn’t help but laugh. He eyed a stylist armed with clippers, his expression so intimidating that her pale blue skin seemed to blanch further.
“Intimidating, isn’t he?” my stylist chuckled as she began snipping away at my hair. “But that’s the beauty of true mates. No matter how terrifying he is to others, you’ll never fear him.”
I considered her words, lost in thought until Leonardo’s voice broke through.
“Intimidating? Really?”
“Oh, don’t be modest,” I shot back, grinning at him through the mirror. *”You know you are, and you enjoy it.”*
Over an hour later, I admired the fresh curls that cascaded down my back, richer and healthier than I’d ever seen them as a werewolf. The stylist brushed a few forward to frame my face.
“Isabella? Please follow me,” another Fae called, ushering me toward the makeup team.
From there, I was whisked from station to station-fitted with jewelry, shoes, and even warned before they touched my feet. I’d accidentally kicked someone in the jaw earlier, much to my embarrassment.
Meanwhile, Leonardo lounged leisurely, his styling done in half the time. His flawless complexion required no makeup, and his sharp grey eyes practically glowed under the light.
Finally, I was ready. My smoky eye makeup and crimson lips gave me an ethereal, almost dangerous allure. The ruby-studded gown clung to my curves, the gemstones shimmering as though alive.
But before I could fully take in my reflection, Noemi burst into the room, worry etched across her face.
“What’s wrong?” Leonardo asked, immediately on alert.
“Marinella’s left the castle,” Noemi panted. “I’ve tracked her to this side of the property.”