so far as to send out elegant invitations that Melody helped design (and had printed in the mortal realm). Enchanted Forest had been buried in favor of the Winter Wonderland Ball. Invitations made of thick white parchment had been hand-delivered to each of my classmates. Snowflakes in several shades of blue were stamped across the invitation with a small, reflective jewel in the center of each flake. I planned to frame mine and keep it forever.
Melody, generous sweetheart that she was, had surprised me with a new dress.
When I told her I couldn’t possibly accept two dresses, she said she could return the green-and-gold gown if it made me feel better.
Now I stood in front of my vanity in a steel-blue dress with a sleeveless V-neck top and full tulle skirt that felt like a cloud made of silk.
Melody had begged to do my makeup using an impressively large kit from the mortal realm. I had to say, the girl had talent. My brown eyes looked smoldering after her careful sweeps with an array of tiny brushes across my lids and below my eyebrows. She’d rubbed color into my cheeks until they were tinted with a faint glow and made my lips a lovely glossy pink.
It was difficult not to stare at my reflection in the mirror. My hair was brushed out to a wavy shine thanks to the gorgeous California highlights.
“One more thing left,” Fraya said, lifting the tiara.
“I can’t wear that,” I said, alarmed. Donning the jeweled crown felt akin to putting on airs. I was no princess.
“You have to,” Melody said with a pout. “I helped my brothers pick that out.”
“You did?”
She nodded firmly. “All your hard work was destroyed. It’s like a Cinderella story. Think of me as your fairy godmother. Well, more like your elf-Fae benefactor.”
Fraya coughed.
“Oh my gosh, that’s right. You’ve never heard of Cinderella.” Melody covered her mouth in dismay. “We need to have a Disney movie marathon ASAP. That stands for as soon as possible BTW, which is by the way.”
I stared at Melody and blinked several times.
Fraya snorted. “How about we finish helping Zelie get ready for the ball and let her enjoy her evening before we go blowing up her brain?”
Melody looked me over with assessing eyes, paying particular attention to my face. She grabbed a piece of tissue and handed it to me. “Here, blot your lips on this.” After I did as she instructed, Fraya held the tiara to me.
“Really?” I groaned.
“Don’t make Melody mad,” Fraya warned.
I took the tiara hesitantly and set it on my head. Melody immediately went to work securing the jeweled headpiece in my thick hair.
“Shake your head gently,” she instructed.
I did as she asked, repeating the motion several times until she was satisfied the tiara rested securely in place. I slipped into a pair of silver flats, then returned to the mirror where Melody and Fraya stood on either side of me, smiling.
“You’re definitely going to be the belle of the ball,” Fraya said with a wide grin.
“I made my brothers promise to be on their best behavior,” Melody added.
Fraya leaned into me. “This is your night, Zelie. Forget about that pit head Ren, and just have fun.”
“Reed and Ronin aren’t on Lark’s level of dance skills, but they do have moves,” Melody said. “We’ve grown up attending so many balls it’s practically ingrained in us.”
Staring at my two friends in the mirror’s reflection, my throat constricted with emotion. My mom was still in Elkcan, thinking Ren was taking me to the reunion ball. Having Melody and Fraya by my side cushioned the hurt and made me grateful for the wonderful support they were happy to provide at a moment’s notice.
I pulled both females in with my arms and hugged them. Fraya kissed my cheek and took a step back.
“Melody and I are going now. Your dates will be arriving soon. You look gorgeous, Zelie. You’ll probably have a better time with the twins than you ever would have had with Ren, anyway.”
Melody nodded. “Ren Norric is dead to me. If I were you, I would snub him all night long. If he asks you for a dance, promise me you’ll tell that jerk face where to shove it.”
Ren would never ask me for a dance, but Melody’s suggestion made me snort with amusement. “Not a problem,” I said. “I have no intention of dancing with Ren.”
Melody searched my face for several beats before nodding. I walked with her and Fraya to my