Page 16 of Where Darkness Falls

I bow at the waist in mock respect.

“Of course, Lady Powder Puff.”

She swats at my arm and mouths, “Go.”

I take a moment to compose myself, because if Cara can go through with this ridiculous ruse, then I’m giving the performance of my life.

Upon entry, I clear my throat. “Excuse me. May I have your attention?” I say in my best announcing voice.

In unison, the family looks at me, waiting to hear what I have to say.

“As you all know, Cara is stubborn to a fault,” I continue. “She’s asked me to introduce her, so she can behold your true reactions to a dress that she sees as a work of art—nay—amasterpiece.”

They all sit up straighter, anticipation gleaming in their eyes. The Cales love nothing more than to show support to one of their own, and this moment shall be no exception.

“Without further ado, I introduce the illustrious Lady Cara,” I say, moving out of the way.

Cara bursts through the door in the fuschia nightmare, holding her head high. Honestly, I believe she could walk into any room and make everyone eventually believe something was an artistic choice. She is always so sure of her decisions, but in this moment, I see a flicker in her gaze that she might be wrong.

I keep my eyes glued on the family’s faces, waiting for their reaction. Every single one of their mouths drop open. Amelia even lets out a small gasp.

There is a moment of silence.

Then, the room erupts into uncontained laughter. The twins cover their faces, howling like a pack of wolves, while Deidre hides behind her drawing book. Amelia and Rolph are doubled over with tears streaming down their faces, while Fion and Aine play in the dress’s ruffles, giggling all the while.

“That… has to be… the ugliest… dress in all of Aurelius—no, in all of Celestae,” Cillian declares between howls of laughter.

“Indeed.” Rolph wipes his eyes. “It is quite unfortunate.”

“I am waiting for it to carry her away into the gray sky,” exclaims Aidan.

“That’s what I said,” I blurt. “I have affectionately named her Lady Powder Puff.”

Just as the room was quieting down, it erupts in deep raucous laughter once more.

“This isn’t fair. Maeva swayed you to her side,” Cara pouts. “Miss Hamesch insisted this is the style of the season!”

“I’m afraid Miss Hamesch misled you. No one would ever wear that ghastly flurry, my angel,” Amelia says.

Everyone nods their head in agreement as they regain their composure.

“So, you’re all in agreement then? You all believe the dress is hideous and Maeva shouldn’t wear it for her birthday celebration next week?” Cara asks sadly.

“If anything, that thing deserves to be ceremonially burned,” declares Rolph.

“Here, here,” the twins echo.

Cara deflates.

I quickly wrap my best friend in a tight hug. “Your heart is in the right place. It isn’t your fault Miss Hamesch gave you false hope for that dress. Perhaps bring me along with you next time?”

Cara hugs me back and slowly trembles in my arms—not with sobs, but instead laughter.

“It really is quite ugly, isn’t it?” she asks in a whisper.

“The ugliest,” I reply.

“Well, if there is to be a ceremonial burning for this dress, then I will happily light the match,” she says in her most noble sounding voice.