Dress up

I’ve never been to a real party before, let alone one in a castle. The thought makes my heart race with excitement. If we’re going to attend a royal celebration, I figure I should dress the part. With a clap of my hands, I transform my casual look into something truly elegant—a deep purple silk maxi dress. The gown drapes gracefully over my curves, the soft fabric catching the light with every movement. The deep V-cut neckline accentuates my chest, while the high slit running up my thigh adds just the right touch of allure.

I glance at my reflection and smile. The dress hugs my figure perfectly, elegant yet daring. I decide to leave my hair down, letting my long, wavy locks fall naturally, with just a bit of it pulled to the side. A quick clap of my hands adds a subtle touch of makeup—black eyeliner to make my purple eyes pop, glossy lips, and a soft shimmer of glittery powder across my skin, adding a touch of magic to the look.

Satisfied, I step into the living room where my friends are waiting, still in their casual attire. “Time for a little transformation,” I say with a grin. With another clap, I dress the men in sharp white tuxedos, the ties matching their individual hair colors, adding a personal touch to each outfit. The result is stunning—they look polished, stylish, and ready to impress.

Turning to the ladies, I start with Arya. I clap her into a stunning red maxi dress with a curved neckline that highlights her toned figure. The slit running up her thigh adds the perfect hint of seduction. I finish the look with bold red lipstick and dramatic black eye makeup, making her look like a fiery goddess. She catches her reflection and raises an eyebrow. “Damn, Lenora. You’ve outdone yourself,” she says with a playful smirk.

For Daisy, I go for something more modest but no less beautiful. I clap her into a green silk gown with a straight neckline. The dress flows elegantly, and the color complements her gentle nature perfectly. I give her light makeup—just a hint of gloss on her lips and a subtle shimmer on her cheeks. She looks like an ethereal forest nymph, sweet and stunning without feeling exposed. “It’s perfect,” Daisy says softly, her eyes shining with gratitude.

Maya’s look is next. I clap her into a shimmering silver gown, the kind that catches the light with every step. The shoulderless design is sleek and sophisticated, and the high slit gives it just the right edge. I pull her hair into an elegant updo and add a splash of red lipstick and silver eye makeup to complete the look. Her and Marco standing together look like a power couple from a fairy tale.

With a final clap, I add the finishing touch—sleek black heels for the ladies and polished leather shoes for the men. As they all admire their new looks, I can’t help but feel a surge of pride. “Wow, Lenora. You’ve got an eye for fashion,” Arya says, twirling in her dress. The others nod in agreement, clearly impressed.

Just as we’re soaking in the glamour of the evening, a knock sounds at the door. I open it to find Beta Carter standing there, looking dashing as ever in his own formal attire. His eyes widen as he takes in the sight of all of us. “Wow, you all sure know how to show up,” he says, clearly impressed. I giggle, thanking him as I step toward the carriage waiting outside.

As I move past him, I catch a glimpse of him stiffening, his eyes locking onto Arya. There’s a brief moment of tension in the air, but it’s quickly broken by Claude clearing his throat. Carter snaps back into his usual charming self, flashing a smile as he leads the rest of us toward the carriage.

The carriage itself is a work of art—white with intricate gold accents along the edges. And pulling it? Not horses, as I expected, but lycans in wolf form. I can tell by their scent—they’re the same ones we encountered at the gate earlier. I raise an eyebrow in question and turn to Beta Carter. “Are the guards we met earlier pulling this carriage?” I ask, my voice light but curious.

Carter grins, clearly amused. “You catch on fast, my lady. Yes, I thought it’d be a fitting way for them to make up for their rude behavior earlier.” His grin turns playful, and I can’t help but burst into laughter.

“I think they might become my biggest fans after this,” I say, giggling as we all settle into the carriage.

As we begin our journey toward the castle, the soft clatter of wheels on cobblestone mixes with our chatter. The air is filled with anticipation. I lean forward, my curiosity piqued. “May I ask what the special occasion is?”

Carter’s face lights up, his grin widening. “It’s the king’s birthday,” he announces proudly.