The morning light filtered softly through the tall windows of the von Lestaria house, painting golden streaks across the polished floor. Elena stood before the mirror, silent, her fingers running slowly along the fabric of the dress hugging her body.
It wasn't the one she showed Noel yesterday.
This one was a deeper shade of green, with golden embroidery that traced delicate patterns along the sides. The skirt had a daring slit that revealed nearly her entire leg when she moved. It clung to her torso without sleeves, though her arms were covered in matching green gloves that stretched up past her elbows.
Her platinum hair fell loose over her shoulders, shining faintly in the morning glow.
She reached for the small velvet box on her dresser and opened it with care. Inside, the necklace he had given her—platinum chain, amber gemstone—still gleamed as if it remembered that night at the Drunken Hammer.
She held it for a moment, thumb brushing against the gem.
