Chapter 40

Ava came out of her room, yanked the material rubbing against her legs up, and ran down the two flights of stairs. She regretted agreeing to wear this thing. She hurried into the dining room and slid to a stop. Whatever purpose the little slippers had, it wasn’t for navigating. She looked down at them and then released the material.

Someone whistled, but she ignored it. “I look like an idiot in this.” Grasping the material that barely covered her breasts, she tugged on it, trying to pull it up.

“You look amazing.” Em said. “Who knew you were a girl under those jeans and leather?” She smiled.

“What are you wearing on your feet?” Crystal got up from the table and came over.

Ava lifted the skirt so her feet were visible. “They were in the suitcase.” She gave her a helpless look. “I didn’t think my boots would go with it.”

“Good choice.” Crystal smiled at her. “You look great.”

“Is it some kind of party?” Espy leaned on the table and stared at her.

“I don’t think so. It’s a big thing, though, from what Firo said.” She shrugged and tried again to pull the material up. “Is it done up right?” She turned around. It had been a struggle to reach the back and do it up. The material rode low beneath her shoulder blades, and she could only assume it was so her wings wouldn’t ruin it. She hoped so.

Crystal touched her back. “It looks right.”

Capri came out of the kitchen and stopped and looked at her. Her smile was slow to come, but it was a good smile and not one that was making fun of her. That made her feel a little better. “You should take your hair out of the elastic. It will make you feel less naked with it resting on your shoulders.”

Ava nodded and reached up to do that. “I hope they don’t need me to bend or lean.” She lowered her arms and pointed to the front of the gown. “If I do—” She motioned to her breasts. “—these aren’t going to stay in there.”

“I’m sure it’s not a physical thing, or Aireese wouldn’t have sent that for you to wear.” Sparx nodded. “You do look pretty sexy in it.”

Ava scoffed. She’d never felt inclined to do or wear anything that would make her feel sexy, and other opinions of her—aside from those that lived here—she didn’t care about. “I feel like a fake.” She hissed out a breath and glanced down the front of herself. “I’m going to go put some jeans on.” She hiked up the material so she could run without it trying to wrap around her legs.

The chimes went off for the perimeter spell.

“Too late. No time now.” Espy got up and went by her toward the door.

Ava glanced over at Capri, she nodded to her, an encouraging look on her face. “You’ll do fine.” She smiled. “I wish you could take pictures, but I’m sure that won’t be allowed.”

Ava swore softly. “I forgot my phone.”

“That’s fine. I’m sure you won’t need it.” Capri motioned to the door. “You should get going. I’m sure the elders won’t like it if they’re kept waiting.”

Ava nodded and then froze and looked at Em. “Can you run up and grab that letter? I wanted to let Princess Aireese read it.”

Em nodded, her curls bouncing. “I’ll just be a sec.” She ran by her.

“Okay.” Ava blew out a long breath. “Here I go.” Holding the material up, she went down the hall to the door. Espy stood there with it open. She could see Firo standing outside, and then something inside her calmed. Had he done that, or was it just because it was him, and she knew he wouldn’t let anything happen to her? Normally, she didn’t trust others, but he kept saving her, so she hoped she was right about him.

She heard Em coming down the stairs.

“I grabbed your phone too.” She stopped beside her and shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind seeing FaTerra.” She held out the bag with the letter and her phone.

Taking them, Ava pulled the material on her thigh and went to the door. She was careful going down the few steps. It wouldn’t make a good impression if she tripped on this stupid gown and fell and landed on her face in front of him.

When she stood in front of him, he just stared at her. “Is it bad? I can go change.” She turned to go back up the steps.

“No.” He cleared his throat. “No, it’s fine. More than fine. I was just—” He gave her an awkward smile. “—surprised. It’s not like your usual attire.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I don’t think something like this would be practical riding down the road.” She looked down to make sure the top of it was still in place, and she wasn’t flashing him. “I feel like I need a sweater or something.”

“You look lovely. It is warm tonight in FaTerra, you won’t require a sweater.”

She watched his gaze move down over her body and felt her cheeks warm. Great, now she was blushing like some kid. “I thought Aireese would come with you.”

His gaze flicked back to her face. “She is meeting us there.” He held out his hand. “May I put your phone and the letter in my pocket?”

Ava looked down. She had no pockets. She didn’t know who designed something like this, but with the material saved by having only half a top half, you would think they’d give you at least one pocket. She sighed and held them out to him.

He placed them inside his jacket, and that’s when she noticed he was dressed differently than he normally was. His jacket had some kind of golden trim on it, and he wore a belt that matched. Smiling at her, he held out his hand to her again. “Shall we?”

“Have fun,” Espy said with a huge grin on her face.

“Right, because I’m the life of the party,” Ava said, glancing at her. Placing her hand in his, she grasped the material again so she wouldn’t trip over it. Her whole hand was tingling, and it caused goosebumps all the way up her arm. She looked up at him. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this blending thing.”

Firo smiled at her. “I hope we never do.” He raised his arm above his head and slowly brought it down. She squeezed her eyes shut, not sure if she wanted to see when he magically brought them somewhere else.