Flora tugs meinto a village shop in Onyxland.
“You need something original, something befitting a queen. I know just the person to make the most fitting dress for you,” she exclaims.
The shop is nestled on the bustling coastline, it’s architecture is beautiful appearing to be made entirely of driftwood. The air carries a light scent of salt mingled with exotic perfumes. Sunlight streams through teal-colored stained glass windows, casting colorful patters that resemble the sea across the wooden floor. This place is filled with some of the most glamorous dresses I’ve ever seen. Nothing like this would ever be worn back in Cloudrum. But then again, the Fae have always had unique taste, far from the traditional styles of the Sorcerer Realm. Everywhere I look there’s something sparkly or sheer or fur-lined.
“I’ve never seen so many fancy dresses in my life,” I muse as Chepi and I follow Flora to the back of the shop. She pushes on the back wall, revealing a hidden door that opens up, leading us down a small staircase. We reach the hidden room below, which is adorned with even more extravagant fabrics and jewelry, clearly a workshop where the dresses are crafted.
“Flora!” A young woman looks up from where she’s sewing something with magic and comes around to give Flora a hug. She’s unmistakably Fae, with a short white bob haircut and bright silver and white wings neatly tucked behind her back.
Gods, she’s wearing a spectacular dress too, as if she’s headed to a palace party, and I can’t imagine dressing like thatevery day. She’s even wearing the most uncomfortable-looking high, strappy shoes. “What brings you in today?” she asks, releasing Flora and looking over at me and Chepi with a sweet smile on her face.
“This is Lyra,” Flora introduces me with a wide grin, gesturing grandly in my direction. “She’s about to have the most-talked-about bonding ceremony in all of Nighthold, and we need something that truly stands out.”
The young woman’s eyes light up as she looks me over, her gaze sharp and assessing. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lyra. I’m Seraphina, and I’d be honored to design your ceremony attire,” she says, her voice melodious, matching her ethereal appearance. She extends a hand, which I take, feeling a slight tingle of magic at her touch—her energy vibrant and lively.
Seraphina leads us deeper into her hidden studio, where rolls of fabric in hues I’ve never seen before line the walls—colors that shimmer and change as you look at them, some seeming to glow softly from within.
“We’ll need something unique, something that encapsulates your strength and beauty, perhaps with elements that reflect your dark magic in a subtle, enchanting way,” she muses aloud, pulling down swatches of fabric that catch the light and seem to dance with color.
How does she know I have dark magic?I wonder, and Flora turns back to me, sensing my train of thought.
“It’s one of her gifts. She can get a good feel for people and design things especially for them. It’s why she took your hand.”
I run my fingers over a piece of deep-black fabric that shifts to a translucent white and back again as I move it. “I love this,” I confess, watching the colors change.
“Perfect.” Seraphina claps her hands, clearly pleased. “If it’s the color change you like, I can use that as the base and perhaps add accents of silver to representthe moonlight. Maybe even a hint of shadow magic could be woven into the train, delicate thread that only reveals its patterns under the right conditions.”
Her ideas flow like a wellspring, each one more enchanting than the last. Flora watches, her eyes twinkling with approval and excitement. “And don’t forget some dramatic elements, perhaps a cascading cape or a subtle glow from within the gown itself that lights up with your emotions.”
Seraphina nods enthusiastically. “I can integrate tiny enchanted crystals throughout the bodice and along the cape, which will softly illuminate based on your heartbeat—subtle but effective, especially for the evening ceremony.”
The thought of such a dress, one that not only embodies my essence but also reacts to my feelings, sends a thrill through me. “That sounds incredible,” I breathe, my heart already enamored with the concept.
“Leave everything to me,” Seraphina assures us, sketching rapidly as ideas crystallize. “This will be a dress worthy of your love story and the magic it represents.”
Flora squeezes my hand, giving me an encouraging smile. “See, I told you she was the best for the job.” As we discuss more details, the excitement builds within me—for the dress and my future with Colton. By the time we leave the shop, I’m confident I will absolutely love whatever Seraphina creates for me. I can’t quite imagine what the final look will be with all of her extravagant ideas, but I’m excited.
We settle into a quaint café, and they serve us a delightful tray adorned with neatly cut sandwiches and fresh fruit. We each pour a glass of sweet white wine, and I start nibbling on a cucumber and soft cheese sandwich.
Between bites, I express my gratitude, “Thank you for bringing me out today, Flora. I can’t imagine what I would have ended up wearing without your guidance.”
“You’re welcome, darling. I can’t wait to see what she creates for you. It’s going to be spectacular. Colton will be breathless when he sees you,” Flora replies, her eyes sparkling as she sips her wine. “So have you two set a date yet? Where will it be?”
I pause, my food halfway to my mouth, “Oh, we haven’t really discussed the details yet.”
Flora’s enthusiasm doesn’t wane. “You know, Colton’s parents own a property on the coast of Onyxland. It’s not as grand as the Elders’ Palace, but it’s absolutely beautiful and overlooks the water. The terrace there would be a perfect spot for your ceremony.”
I hesitate, unsure how Colton’s parents will receive the news of our engagement, given everything that’s happened. Opting not to dwell on potential complications, I steer the conversation back to more pleasant topics. “That does sound amazing,” I say, smiling genuinely.
Flora beams at me, her joy infectious. I grab a tomato sandwich and offer it to Chepi, who’s perched on the window ledge next to our table, watching the people pass by.
We continue our meal in silence for a few minutes, allowing me to gather my thoughts. I’ve been wanting to ask about Nyx, so I finally break the silence. “How is Nyx doing? Have you seen him since he got back?” I ask, trying to sound casual.
Flora’s brown eyes study me carefully, as if deciding how much to tell me. “He’s alright, his usual broody self. Don’t let him ruin your happiness, Lyra. He will be okay,” she reassures me, but I sense she’s holding back. I nod, accepting her vague response for now.
“Yeah, I hope so.”
We finish our meal and the bottle of wine, and by the time we stand to leave, I feel a slight buzz. “I haveto get back to the library to finish some work, but I’d love to do this again. Maybe I’ll come visit you at Colton’s sometime,” Flora suggests as we prepare to part ways.
