THE next day, Asmeen woke up in excitement, wondering why exactly she was so excited.

Then she remembered. The ball.

She shot straight up, blinking hard. When her vision cleared, she could see Wylla already up, giving her a knowing look.

"Elyn and I couldn't sleep either. Well, she said she had to study before the ball."

Asmeen let out a laugh, grimacing at her own sour breath. "Typical Elyn."

After the three of then were done washing up, they studied for a while. Then they were called down for a tense breakfast—ever since their father had come back from his trip, he'd been in a sour mood. Probably because sales were getting worse. Asmeen was glad to be escaping the house for the evening, especially since her father would probably remember her mother even more today.

They'd met on a blood moon and fallen instantly in love. It was perfect timing, seeing as her mother was just about to retire as the leader of the Flower Children. They were soon married, and then they had Asmeen. But then, fate had interfered.

Asmeen and her father had been on their own after that, until he'd met Azol. They'd married for convenience, but that was how she'd found her sisters, so Asmeen didn't mind. Azol wasn't cruel to her either. It was a happy ending.

They spent some more time studying, Elyn quizzing them until lunch. And after that they all got some rest—the ball was likely to continue late into the night, and Asmeen didn't want to be sleepy during the ball.

When they awoke, it was about time to be getting ready. They all got ready in their respective dresses. Asmeen got plenty of praise, from Wylla and even Elyn.

She looked at all three of them in the looking-glass. She didn't think they'd ever looked this beautiful.

Wylla had pulled Elyn's golden hair back and loosely secured it at the nape of her neck, weaving in little red roses that she'd found somewhere. The roses matched her dress, which had a modest neckline, but sleeves that slipped off her shoulders slightly, letting her shoulders show. Asmeen had thought it would be too plain, but Elyn looked like she was shining even in the plain fabric.

Asmeen still wasn't quite sure how Wylla had managed to make all the colors stand out—at first sight, her red hair, down in curls, and green gown seemed to be too vibrant to stay together. But Wylla had made it, and the dress, a bit too tight, perfectly accentuated her curves. It was the least modest out of all of theirs, but Wylla made it seem grateful and respectable.

Then Asmeen looked at herself. Wylla had pulled only half of her dark hair up, leaving the rest flowing behind her shoulders. Her dress was white—a bit risky, but Asmeen thought she could make it work—and breezy. It was also the least modest dress Asmeen had ever worn, the sleeves floating below her shoulders, so her neck, shoulders and collarbones were exposed. Wylla had said it looked lovely on her.

Then, Wylla painted the standard, shimmery gold body paint onto their skin, in free, looping swirls. It stood out the most on her, because of her darker skin. Asmeen, for a moment, was worried that it would clash with Wylla's hair or outfit, but miraculously it didn't.

After that, they set off. Wylla separated to go with her large friend group, while Elyn made her way to the ball alone. Asmeen made a quick detour to Nara's house, as she had to pick Nara up and accompany her, Nara being her guest.

She knocked, and Nyma opened the door, a wide smile spreading over her face as she took Asmeen in. "Bjóll, you do look beautiful, Asmeen!"

Asmeen smiled, trying not to mess up the red juice Wylla had painted onto her lips. "Thank you." She even attempted a curtsey.

"Did you make that yourself?" Nyma asked. Then she shook her head. "Of course you did. And Nara's, too. Right—Nara." She turned back into the house, calling out, "Nara!"

"Coming!" Nara's voice came, followed by footsteps, and soon Nara appeared.

She looked a vision in the dark dress Asmeen had made for her. It matched her hair and flowed down her petite figure, her milky skin practically glowing amidst all the black. There were only slight hints of gold on her skin, and Asmeen was glad. She looked wonderful without it.

Asmeen had added gauzy fabric over Nara's dress, much like hers and Elyn's, but this one was studded with small sparkles, so it looked like Nara had all the sky and stars draped over her.

She smiled. "Ready?"

Asmeen helped her down and gave her an arm. Nara clasped it. "You know, if I hadn't known you since childhood, I might have just fallen in love with you."

Nara laughed. "You look lovely yourself."

"I fear I might just be overshadowed by you," Asmeen said. She wasn't even joking, really. She hadn't ever seen Nara look this beautiful.

Nyma laughed. "Have fun, you two! And Asmeen, make sure she gets home safely."

"I will!" Asmeen promised, even though Nara rolled her eyes. "Goodnight, Nyma!"

"Goodnight," Nyma called back, and the two of them set off down the dusty path.

"You look excited," Nara said, nudging Asmeen with her elbow. "Is there someone? A fellow trainee, perhaps?"

"Of course not." Asmeen scoffed. "Though there is someone I'm not looking forward to seeing."

Nara grinned. "Yes, I heard about that."

"Well," Asmeen said, straightening her shoulders. "I don't want to talk about him tonight. Let's have fun."

Nara nodded. Once they entered the main streets, she squeezed Asmeen's arm a little tighter. "We have to get our flower crowns. I brought money."

Asmeen followed her to one of the stalls, looking around. Wreathes of white camellias and baby's breath hung from every door, each with a single red chrysanthemum. Everywhere vendors were selling flower crowns, that even the youngest children were wearing as they ran around the streets.

People were milling in the streets, all dressed in their finest clothes, and Asmeen could feel plenty of eyes on her and Nara. She couldn't blame them. Nara certainly looked ethereal, especially now that the sky was darkening, like some sort of night wraith. Some were going to their own destinations, their own smaller halls and parties, and Asmeen was all the more excited to get to her own.

Nara bought the freshest flower crowns she could find and handed one to Asmeen, who placed it on her head carefully, trying not to mess up Wylla's carefully done hairdo. Then they walked to the town hall, where the function would be held, hand-in-hand.

They finally reached, and Asmeen took in a soft breath. The path to the hall was lit by small candles on the ground, leading them to the large building. The distinct smell of rosemary and lavender filled the air as they walked down the path, careful not to set their gowns on fire.

Ahead, Asmeen could see that the town hall was already full, with light shining from the large windows, and silhouettes of trainees and official Flower Children, or Children of the Night, inside. There was music spilling out, and Asmeen could feel Nara beginning to sway even while walking. She could make out the shapes of people already dancing.

When they finally walked in, Asmeen stopped in the doorway itself.

It was beautiful. Everywhere white and red flowers decorated the walls, candles around the room giving out the most heavenly scent, and flower-decorated heads spinning and twirling on the floor ahead.

Around the room were tables with food set on them, and those who weren't dancing were standing near the tables, eating, or just talking. Asmeen had no doubt she'd find Elyn there at some point, and Wylla on the dance floor.

She was right. A moment later, Nara asked, "Isn't that Wylla?"

Asmeen narrowed her eyes, catching sight of Wylla's distinct, green dress whirling around. Yes, Wylla was there, dancing with someone Asmeen didn't know, and smiling as wide as Asmeen had ever seen.

She nodded and looked at Nara. "Let's go."

They walked inside together, Asmeen immediately noticing others looking at her—and, especially, Nara. She could understand. Nara normally dressed in the plainest clothes, and didn't stand out. But today...

She disentangled her hand from Nara's gently. "I'm thinking I should dance with you now, before you get snatched up."

Nara let out an uncertain laugh, looking around. "I doubt it."

Asmeen reached out and squeezed her fingers gently. "Don't you see the way people are looking at you? You're going to be dancing the entire night. So—may I have this dance?"

Nara smiled then, bright, and took her hand. Asmeen led her through on sweet dance, marveling at the difference in Nara. It wasn't just the dress. It was her. Nara was just about glowing. She didn't even seem to notice her leg, so apparently those fancy pain medicines were working.

The dance ended, and Asmeen let go of her hand. "Don't worry," she told Nara, before taking a few steps back.

She was right. As soon as Nara was left alone, a tall girl swooped in and asked Nara for a dance. Nara shot Asmeen a worried look, but Asmeen only nodded at her. Go, she mouthed.

Nara squared her shoulders and nodded at the girl. They walked onto the dance floor together, and Asmeen grinned. Nara would have the time of her life tonight for sure.

Asmeen let Nara enjoy her time and walked away, going around the floor. Was Elyn there already, or had she been delayed? She wouldn't be dancing, Asmeen was sure, so she had to be at the edges of the hall.

Then Asmeen saw Aven.

He was standing in a small group—his friends, perhaps. Nyma wasn't there obviously. She took a step closer, trying to hear what he was saying.

"—And I wonder how she made it into this round of training. It's like she doesn't even want to really get in, and—"

Just then, he caught sight of her. His little group quieted as well and turned, their eyes widening when they saw her.

Oh, Bjóll.

Aha! I've been so excited for this scene like forever, and especially the next part! Did you like it?

See you next chapter!