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“Oh, you were like—really—crying,” she breathed, rushing over to the vanity and procuring a handkerchief. I took it from her without question, if only to have something to hide behind if I needed it.

“I—” the words were hard to say. “You just remind me of someone. From home.” I looked down, a soft smile somehow breaking through the tense moment.

“Oh, well, in that case, I’m sure she’s fabulous,” Effie said with a flourish. Something about her nonchalant response had me feeling lighter, like I wouldn’t fall completely into the depths today.

"Oh, she is," I agreed.

Effie smoothed her hands over her dress, seemingly unsure what to do with them. Then, as if struck by sudden inspiration, she brightened. "Well, since you've managed to ruin the moment with all this...emotion, I suppose I should tell you more about what to expect tonight." She waved her hand dismissively, but there was something almost kind in the gesture. "Can't have you completely ruining my family's reputation, after all."

"Your family?"

"The Eirfalks," she said, as if this should have been obvious. "One of the oldest noble houses in Umbrathia. Though I suppose you wouldn't know that, being..." She trailed off, wrinkling her nose. "Well, you know."

I blinked, trying to process this new information. "You're nobility?"

"Obviously." She rolled her eyes. "Why else would I have all these lovely things?" She gestured to the trunks surrounding us. "The Umbra certainly doesn't pay this well."

"But you'reinthe Umbra," I said, still trying to make sense of it.

"Oh, please. My parents practically pushed me into it." She began refolding the scattered gowns with unexpected precision. "I suppose they thought my tether was better served in combat than ballroom classes. As if I had any say in the matter." Her tone was light, but there was something beneath it—a hint of old resentment, perhaps.

“And your tether is…?” I asked.

“Teleportation.” She smiled. “It made for quite the grand entrance. Before everything, at least.”

“Ah,” I breathed, suddenly remembering how she’d disappeared and then reappeared mere inches from my face back in the tower, all those weeks ago.

“It’s not as strong as it was, of course.” She sighed, annoyance creasing her brow. “Before, I could have taken us halfway across the continent.”

Before I could respond, she shook her head, as if clearing away unwanted thoughts. "Now, about tonight. You'll be posing as my cousin Millicent—Millie. The Breidfjords haven't attended a conference since..." she paused, considering her words. "Well, let's just say they've fallen out of favor with certain members. Which makes Millie the perfect choice, really. No one will expect to see her, and few would dare question an Eirfalk's word."

"If you say so."

“So you’ll be at my side for a majority of the evening. I can navigate any conversations that might arise. Don’t try speaking to anyone on your own. I could only imagine how fast you’d blow your own cover.” She sighed dramatically.

“I don’t plan on speaking at all, lucky for you. Simply observing.”

Three sharp knocks at the door made me jump. Effie practically skipped across the room, her earlier tension momentarily forgotten.

"Matilda!" she exclaimed, swinging the door open to reveal an older woman carrying a worn leather case. "Thank the Esprithe you're here."

"Miss Effie." The woman curtsied slightly, her eyes immediately finding me. "This is our... project for today?"

"Yes, yes. Come in." Effie ushered her inside, closing the door quickly. "We don't have much time."

Matilda set her case on Effie's desk, her movements soft. She gestured for me to sit in front of the mirror she'd brought and smiled in expectation.

“I’ve never seen hair this color.” The alterationist hummed, her fingers gently lifting a curl up to examine.

“I’ve noticed it’s…uncommon,” I offered with a half smile.

“I’m sure you have.” She smiled back at me in the mirror Effie had set up on her desk.

“This is Matilda, my family's alterationist.” Effie smiled fondly, giving Matilda a quick hug. “Oh, how I’ve missed seeing you.”

“The manor has been quiet without you Miss Effie.” Matilda laughed. “Now tell me what I can help you with today?”

“We need you to make Fia look like Millicent. Do you remember my cousin Millie?”