I shut my door behind me harder than intended and collapsed against it, finding a meager amount of comfort in the quiet of my room.

  Or so I thought.

  The Velmires do not raise disappointments. Grandfather's voice cracked, sharp like a whip, his presence still looming over me.

  Then, a softer voice, no less unsettling: When was the last time your family made you feel like you were enough?

  I shook my head, as if I could physically dislodge both voices from my mind. I pushed myself from the door, determined to leave the shame, the pain and the feeling that the ground beneath my feet was crumbling, behind me.

  I crossed the room to my vanity. In the mirror stood a shallow version of myself—eyes rimmed in red, hair still a messy tangled braid from the long night, clothes wrinkled from my escape attempt.

  A Velmire shouldn't look like this.

  A Velmire shouldn't feel like this.

  "Enough! You're a Velmire."

  Grey eyes stared back, not fully convinced.

  When? When was the last time, if ever? My own mind taunted me.

  I undid my braid with trembling fingers, letting my hair cascade down my back, all the way to my knees. Then I unclasped the thin crystal-set bracelet adorning my wrist beneath my shirt. The only gift my father had ever offered me, the one I always wore.

  The shower's steam did little to wash away the heaviness under my skin. My hands lingered on the runes tattooed on my left side. Channeling and protection runes. Once a mark of pride, now a reminder of everything I had failed to prove.

  By the time I fell into bed, my head was throbbing. Grandfather's words, father's indifference—and underneath both, Sirius's speech. Their echoes tangled and blurred until I fell into a restless sleep.

  It felt like I had just shut my eyes when a knock jolted me awake.

  Enora stood rigidly in front of my door, blue eyes as sharp as ever.

  "Lady Velmire," her tone was respectful, but her eyes lingered a second too long on my wet tangled hair. "Your father has instructed me to inform you that you'll be attending the Cassel Foundation gala this evening."

  "This evening?" I blinked.

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  “Yes, my lady. You are expected to be ready by six. A maid will assist you with the preparations.”

  I put my hand on the wooden door, ready to retreat. “Tell her to come in half an hour.”

  “I’m afraid that won’t be possible. The preparations must begin immediately, as per your father’s instructions.”

  My fingers twitched. “Naturally.”

  The housekeeper's eyes softened slightly, falling on my bloodshot eyes and the dark circles around them. “Shall I send her in, my lady?”

  “Yes. Thank you, Enora."

  As the door shut, I let out the massive yawn I’d been holding in. A gala, of all things. Because nothing said damage control like silk and champagne.

  The maid arrived in a hurricane of mists, potions and crystals. She wasn't the same woman who usually attended upon me. Younger, with a head full of curls and a youthful enthusiasm that irked me.

  “Good morning, my lady! My name is Hana. It is my pleasure to attend you today. Shall I prepare you some tea while I draw your bath?”

  I nodded absentmindedly, observing her swift movements around the room.

  By the time I finished my tea, the marble bathtub was filled with steaming water and the scent of bath crystals.

  I melted into the water and closed my eyes, feeling my muscles ease for the first time in twenty-four hours. Hana’s fingers massaged my scalp firmly, and I actually relaxed.

  When I emerged, Hana was waiting with a warm towel and that gentle, professional silence only trained attendants seemed to achieve.

  At the vanity, she worked potions and mists into my hair until it shone like obsidian, then twisted the strands into an intricate arrangement. I sat still through the whole process, my eyes barely managing to stay open.

  She dabbed brightening drops on my red eyes, the faint shimmer spreading and stinging until my irises looked vivid again, alive. The shadows beneath them disappeared under a dab of golden potion.

  By the time she finished it was impossible to tell I had barely slept after the most shameful day of my life.

  “The dress is here!” Hana hurried to the door.

  The dress was exquisite—layers of silk and sheer tulle shifted between shades of amethyst and midnight. The corset bodice hugged my frame with precision, embroidered with gold thread so fine it looked like sunlight woven directly into the fabric. Tiny constellations of gems traced the hem, scattering light as I moved.

  Above all, this dress was a statement not of beauty, but of lineage. Of belonging.

  The irony—to be dressed like the night sky when I felt so far from anything bright.

  “Oh, Lady Velmire! You look like something out of a painting,” Hana breathed.

  I offered her a small smile.

  After adjustments, Hana stepped back with a proud smile. “Not even your grandfather could find fault with this.”

  I let out a breath, my pulse quickening at the mention of grandfather. “Let’s hope he doesn’t try.”

  Her gaze softened. “You’ll do fine, my lady.”

  I looked at the younger woman—really looked at her. She had deep, warm brown eyes. I searched for malice and didn't find it.

  Does she not deserve a voice? I shut my eyes and silently cursed Sirius Lioren.

  “Thank you, Hana. You... did a great job today.”

  Her face brightened and she clasped her hands together. “You’re very welcome, my lady!”

  The next hours blurred into soft brushes, shiny jewelry and a couple of glasses of prune wine to calm my nerves.

  When I descended the grand staircase, sunset was beginning to paint the windows with warm colors.

  My father was already waiting at the entrance, adjusting the cuffs of his tailored coat as if the world itself required constant refinement.

  His eyes swept over me once, cool and assessing, as if he were inspecting a horse for blemishes before a race.

  With a faint nod, he offered his arm. “Shall we?”

  I gave a nod of my own, softly placing my hand on his arm. I took a deep breath.

  Let the play begin.