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“I can’t.”

He raised a brow. “Fine. Come. Now.” His voice took on that same resonant tone, and Piper stepped forward.

Layala grabbed her arm and jerked her back, but she pushed forward, trying to get around Layala, as if in a trance. “Give me a second to try.”

“Fine. Stay where you are, Red.”

She froze.

A stare down ensued, his malevolent red eyes locked on hers. Causing a scene, not complying, could result in Hel killing one or more people, the shop owner, and his assistant to start. Her magic reacted to her racing mind, warming from her chest down her arms to the palms of her hands. Her gaze flicked to the window, many people passed by and if she used her magic here it would give them more reason to fear her. Glancing down at her hands she imagined them turning black, shifting to something not solid. Nothing happened.

“Time’s up.”

Layala growled. “Don’t command her like she’s one of your toys.”

“You don’t want to play this game with me. I make the rules. I said turn into shadow, and I wouldn’t command her, but you can’t, can you?”

Piper stepped forward and gave Layala a half smile. “It’s fine, Layala. I don’t want him to hurt anyone else.”

“Piper, no,” Layala said quietly, but in a couple strides Piper turned and sat on Hel’s lap.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “Now Miss Lightbringer, I promise I won’t break her fingers or her neck if you try on that dress.” He pointed to somewhere behind Layala. “And don’t try anything stupid or I’ll be forced to do something regrettable to your friend.”

Waiting behind her on a mannequin was a dress that hadn’t been there before. It was midnight purple, a shade or two away from black, with tiny silver stars along the bodice with a half-moon placed at the center of the sweetheart neckline. The solid deep purple skirt flowed wide. Along the back of the shoulders and down the back was a sequined drape. It was one of the most beautiful dresses she’d ever seen.

Hel snapped his fingers, and the dress came off the mannequin and floated to Layala. “Take your time. I have lovely company,” he said, and stroked his finger down the side of Piper’s neck. She slammed her eyes shut but was controlled enough she didn’t flinch.

Layala snatched the dress and hurried to the back. “Help me get this on,” Layala commanded the tailor’s assistant and dashed behind the velvet curtain. She peeled off her black dress and corset, counting every second she was away and stepped into the new one. A horrifying image flashed across her mind: Piper left on the floor with an endless stare just like the guards he killed days before.

Of course, the dress had a lace-up back and couldn’t just be slipped on. “Faster.”

“I’m trying, Lady Lightbringer.”

The girl jerked and tied, breathing rapidly. Was this dress one she’d worn before? She stared at it in the mirror. It looked familiar though she couldn’t say why. Even the feel of it gave her the sense she’d worn this exact dress and it fit her perfectly.

“Done,” said the assistant, then she stepped back. “Wait, where did you get this? It’s not one of ours.”

Layala shrugged, picked up the front of the gown and moved. The sound of the fabric swishing with each step echoed in her ears. She steadied her breathing and calmly stepped through the curtains to the front of the store. The more she panicked, the more he would enjoy torturing them.

Piper still sat upright on his lap, no blood in sight. “I’m alright,” she mouthed.

It was so quiet in the room her elf ears heard both their hearts beating and the shallow pull of their breaths. At first, Hel’s stare worried her; his pinched expression made him appear irrationally upset. But the longer she watched him she wondered if he wasn’t angry, but sad. As if seeing her in it broke something inside him.

Hel’s red eyes slid along every curve, as if drowning in her. His throat bobbed and he lifted his eyes to meet hers. “Do you remember that dress?”

So, shehadworn it before. Layala shook her head as she slowly walked toward them. She caught sight of herself in the mirrors behind the raised platform and stopped. It felt like something was missing, but what?

“Wear it to the ball tomorrow or little Miss Red will pay the price.”

“Why do you always resort to threats? You could have just given it to me as a gift. It’s a beautiful dress. Perfect for the occasion.” The better question was why would he make a commotion out of her not wearing it? It was a dress, and this ball wasn’t anything special. Balls, parties, and festivals happened quite often in Palenor. Orlandia found every occasion to invite friends and to dress up. The Spring Equinox would be soon, the second largest festival in Palenor apart from the Summer Solstice celebration. They missed the Winter Solstice on their travel to the Void from the dragon court months prior, but no doubt there’d been a party.

“And you’d accept it as a gift from me, would you? No, you forget I know you. To you, it’s been a few days since I came into your life, but I’ve known you foryears. You’d refuse to wear it simply because it was from me. Even if I’d packaged it up nicely with a bow and gave it to you with a smile and a box of your favorite dark chocolate truffles.”

Layala’s mouth twitched.I really am as stubborn as a mule.“Why is this dress so important to you?”

“You’ll figure it out, love.”

Mr. Drenovan hurried into the room grinning from ear to ear. “I’ve got the wine!” He sang cheerfully. “Wow, I must say Lady Lightbringer, that dress is stunning on you. You look like… a goddess.” He brushed past her and handed the long-stemmed glass to Hel.