Chapter 21 Chapter 21 The night passed by in a blur . Marcelene had dashed out to fetch the medicine prescribed for my stitched hand . When she returned later , she snuck back in through the kitchen elevator ne of the few secrets I had shared with her . Blanket and pillow along , settling on the floor This time , she finally gave in to my request to sleep over . She carried her despite my protests for her to take the bed . When I suggested watching a movie , she shut off the lights without a word , ignoring my mock untrum . Still , I smiled , the simple presence of her bringing a small sense of comfort to the storm . brewing inside me . Maybe I was just overthinking . I had already changed so much about my fate . Of course , some things were bound to stay the same , right ? So what if a few old scars seemed to linger ? I wasnt marrying Jaxon , Marcelene and her brother would live , and the war would end with Celestes marriage . With that hopeful thought , I drifted off to sleep . Morning came and went in a haze of lessons and mundane routines . Marcelene , as usual , suffered through my teasing during the drives , rolling her eyes at my antics but never truly annoyed . When I finally returned home , my heart sank as I walked into my room . The black dress Id meticulously chosen for the ball was gone . In its place lay a hideous brown monstrosity ruffled , frumpy , and completely unsuitable for the evening . My stomach churned . No , no , no … This couldnt be happening . I clenched my fists , calling for a maid , who timidly admitted that Mrs. Lethia had been in my room earlier . 1 felt anger boil in my chest as I stormed toward her chambers . The sight of her lounging in front of her vanity , her blonde hair being blow dried while she scrolled through her phone , did little to soothe my temper . I tooka deep breath , forcing myself to speak as politely as possible . I began , my voice tight , may I know where my dress ? She glanced up lazily , her silver beady eyes meeting mine . What do you mean ? Its on your bed . Didnt you see it ? The one I bought , I clarified through gritted teeth . The black one . Realization dawned on her face , and she feigned an apologetic expression . Oh , that one . Poor Celeste spilled hot chocolate on it . Shes been crying all day . I told her not to worry her big sister wouldnt be angry over something so small , right ? Besides , I replaced it with an antique dress . Very highly priced . My blood boiled , my hands trembling as I fought back tears . The mother daughter duo strikes again . Without another word , I turned on my heel and left , biting my tongue to keep from screaming . Time was ticking away mercilessly . Only about an hour or two remained before I had to be ready , and I was stuck with that hideous dress . My anger simmered , tears spilling over as I bumped into August in the hallway . Why arent you ready yet ? he demanded , his sharp eyes narrowing . Leave me alone , I muttered , trying to slip past him . ! But he grabbed my wrist , his grip firm . I asked you something How dare you ignore me ? The dam broke . I yanked my arm free , glaring at him as tears streamed down my face . What ? Are you going to punish me for not answering your stupid question ? Why are you being rude ? Ashs booming voice cut through the tension as he approached , flanked by Aiden . The three musketeers . I rolled my eyes , sneering . Go cry about it . Chapter 21 Without waiting for a response , I stored off . I didnt care anymore . They had betrayed me in the past , and I had suffered their antics in childhood as well , I wasnt going to pretend to respect them now . When I finally made it back to my room , defeat weighed heavily on me . The brown dress mocked me from the bed , a cruel reminder of how complacent Id been . My phone buzzed , and without checking the caller ID , I answere You left your mask and jewelry here , Celestes annoyed voice ene through . Ten throwing it away if you dont come pick it up . I sniffled . Do whatever you want . I dont need it anymore . I hung up before she could reply .. Not even three minutes later , a loud banging on my balcony window startled me . I whipped around to see icy blue eyes glaring at me through the glass , Marcelene . I rushed to open the door as her cherry red wolf leapt inside , shifting back into her human form in a blink . What the hell are you crying about now ? she demanded , her arms crossed . I hiccuped , unable to form words . Marcelene rolled her eyes , grabbing a glass of water from my nightstand and shoving it into my hands . Between gulps and snifflesal explained everything . That is a very ugly dress , she deadpanned after I finished . I know ! I groaned , burying my face in my hands . Should I just fake a fever and skip the ball ? She shook her head firmly . Cinderella went to the ball , and so will you . I couldnt help the wry smile that spread . But I dont have a fairy godmother. Her lips curved into a smirk , No , you have something better . She paused dramatically . I blinked , stunned . What- ? Grab scissors , thread , and a needle , she ordered , moving toward my wardrobe . And let me see your wardrobe . Scrambling to obey , I handed her the tools she asked for . Marcelene sifted through my pitiful wardrobe , her expression one of pure disgust . Even if you are a bastard child , this is ridiculous . Your family has no taste . Modded solemnly . Go shower , she said , waving me off . Finish your hair and makeup while I work . Forty five minutes later , I was ready . My hair was straightened , a delicate braid pinned back with the crystal butterfly clip I was starting to adore . Marcelene stood back , surveying her creation . Fuck ? My jaw dropped as I took in the dress she had crafted . She had merged my plain red silk dress the same one from that night and a lacy black new one I had recently bought into a stunning masterpiece . The gown hugged my figure perfectly , flaring out into a mermaid style skirt . Delicate black and brown lace adorned the neckline , plunging into a sweetheart cut with thin spaghetti straps . Did you actually use that hideous dress as well ? I asked incredulously , staring at the brown lacy details . 11:39 Tue , Jan 14 GU Chapter 21 Mhmm . She sighed , looking down at the mess of fabric in the om , I actually wanted to be a fashion designer when I was younger , Marcelene said with a shrug , a smug grin on her face . Tears welled up in my eyes . I threw my arms around her , pressing a quick kiss to her cheek . You really are my fairy godmother . She recoiled , pretending to gag . None of that sappy shit . I laughed , wiping my tears . I guess this Cinderella wont be late the ball . I winked . 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