CHAPTER 27

AVA CLARKE

Daylight streams into my room, bathing it in a soft glow that contrasts with the lingering cold in the air. I awaken slowly, feeling the warmth of the sun against my skin as I nestle under the covers.

My eyes open to a brightly lit room, a comforting glimpse of a new day beginning. Sitting up in bed, I gaze at the verbena flowers I planted near the bedroom window. They sway gently in the morning breeze, their vibrant colors bringing a touch of joy to their surroundings.

A sigh escapes my lips as I allow myself a moment of tranquility before facing the day's obligations.

Looking at the flowers and the necklace Mary gave me soothes me a little and makes me feel somewhat more protected after the red-eyed creature I saw on the night of the attack.

However, I soon remember that the ball is rapidly approaching, and I still need to find the perfect dress. With a slight furrow of my brow, I rise from bed and head to the bathroom, ready to begin my morning routine.

Taking a refreshing shower and donning warm clothes to combat the chilly day, I prepare for another journey to the University. Thoughts of the ball persist in my mind as I dress, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness bubbling within me.

I really need to go to a store to find a dress for the ball after my classes at the University today.

As I exit the room, I am prepared to traverse the long corridor, but my feet suddenly encounter something large and solid in the way. My eyes widen in surprise as I crouch down to see what it is.

A large box rests on the floor beside my room's door—a mysterious object that wasn't there before. I glance around the corridor, but I see no one nearby.

I wonder if this could be another prank by Elara, but strangely, I don't hear the mischievous laughter of the girl this time. With a mix of curiosity and caution, I notice that my name is written on the box.

I pick it up carefully and take it back to the room, placing it on the bed before starting to unravel the mystery. I still don't know who put this here, but I can feel curiosity overwhelming me more and more at this moment.

With trembling hands, I open the box, unsure of what to expect. My curiosity peaks as I open the box and come face-to-face with a stunning red fabric. My fingers hesitate for a moment before touching the fabric, feeling its softness and luxury under my skin.

Carefully, I remove the fabric from the box, revealing a beautiful, long red dress with black details that seem to have been made centuries ago.

I am speechless at the beauty of the dress, my eyes roaming over every detail with surprise and admiration.

I've never seen anything so stunning before, and the idea that someone thought to gift me with something so incredible leaves me moved. Furthermore, I was thinking of buying a dress just a few minutes ago, and now I'm holding the most beautiful dress I've ever seen in my life.

It looks like a dress from a princess who lived many centuries ago, but the dress's appearance remains perfect.

As I touch and examine the dress, a thought crosses my mind: Damien. He had asked if I had found a dress for the ball, and I said no.

Could he have been able to do something like this for me?

My heart begins to beat faster in my chest, and the possibility that this generous gesture may have come from him completely surprises me.

Without a second thought, I head to the bathroom with the dress and quickly begin to try it on. Each movement is made with care, as if I am handling something too precious to be handled carelessly.

The fabric slides over my skin, enveloping me in a sense of elegance and sophistication I've never experienced before. When I finally return to the room, I approach a large mirror, my heart pounding with anticipation as I prepare to see the dress in all its splendor.

As I see myself reflected, I am speechless. The dress fits me perfectly, as if it were tailor-made for my body. Every detail is impeccable, from the fabric's drape to the delicate embellishments adorning it.

The dress's design is very long, and I turn my body to see that the dress completely highlights my neck and my breasts, which seem larger now.

I blink my eyes, and a smile appears on my lips as I spin and observe every part of my body covered by the long red dress. I feel very beautiful, like a princess about to attend a ball with a prince charming.

A wave of gratitude and emotion envelops me as I admire my image in the mirror. I've never felt so beautiful and confident before, all thanks to a generous gesture from someone I barely know but who seems to understand exactly what I need. With a radiant smile on my lips, I allow myself to dream of the upcoming ball, knowing that I will be stunning thanks to the unexpected gift I received.

At that moment, I hear a noise, and I quickly turn around, looking at the door and hoping it's Damien or Lucius, but I'm surprised when I see Elara standing near my room, watching me.

My heart races as I identify Elara standing there, admiring me with admiration written on her angelic face. For a moment, our gazes meet in the mirror's reflection, silently sharing a moment of complicity.

I watch tenderly as Elara enters the room, her delicate steps echoing softly on the wooden floor. She takes in every detail of the dress, her eyes shining with fascination at the sight.

"You look stunning, Ava.", Elara murmurs, her soft voice filling the room.

"Thank you, Elara.", I reply, with a sincere smile on my lips.

I feel deeply touched by the way she looks at me, as if she can see beyond appearances and grasp the true essence behind the stunning dress.