Cassandra Ricci - POV
The dress had a very low backline with a tight bodice that would push my breasts up. It was puffed up, but it had this beautiful flow to it, that just made it look perfect in my eyes. "This is so not me, Abby," I mumbled when I turned to face Abigail, who was about to go to the bathroom.
"It would look perfect on you, Cassie. Trust me. And this is the least standout dress in my collection." she asserted before walking into the bathroom and closing the door. "And please, wear the dress quickly, I will come and do your hair and makeup," she screamed from within.
My eyes moved to the clock that was above my bed to see that we were already short on time. I don't think I will be able to go dress hunting right now. With a begrudging look, I removed my robe and wore my matching pair of lace panties and bra, and then wore the dress.
The fabric was so soft and light, I didn't feel like I was wearing a dress. Abigail walked out of the bathroom a few minutes later, and she wore her clothes as well before she began with my makeup and hairdo.
It took us both three hours to get ready and we were already late. "Done," she said when she stepped away from me. "Why don't you take a look at yourself?" she asked me when I walked to my vanity mirror and stared at myself. I couldn't recognize the woman staring back at me.
The scars that were on my face were skillfully covered with makeup, my hair was done in a beautiful messy French plait with small baby's breath flowers placed strategically on my hair. The makeup wasn't too heavy either. "I look nice," I muttered when I turned to face Abby.
"You look breathtaking. Now let's go. We are already late." she said when I nodded my head. After wearing my heels, we both rushed downstairs and quickly jumped into her car and left. The cupid's ball was taking place at the party hall that our town has, which was located a few meters outside the town.
As we got closer, my mouth opened agape as I stared at the venue. It was a beautiful single-storey wooden structure which was built on a rock, and the front and behind walls were made out of glass, so you can see who was inside while you get to see the mesmerizing view of the mountains behind you.
Abigail parked the car and we both got down and made our way inside. The place was decorated with fresh flowers, and there were lanterns floating in the air. Soft music was playing in the background as we stepped inside. To my left, there was this long wooden table with all kinds of food and beverages, and to my right, there was a table with small shot glasses filled with a sparkling red liquid that almost glowed.
"What are those?" I asked Abigail when her eyes moved to the drinks.
"Those are called the finders. It's a kind of potion that the elders make for this occasion. We consume it at midnight, and it is believed that it would lead us to our soulmate." she explained when I nodded my head.
"I will check out the buffet table," I told Abigail and she nodded her head when I saw a group of girls waving at her.
"Why don't you come and say Hi to our friends before going?" she asked me when the nervousness began to set in.
"I am parched. I will grab a drink and meet you there." I promised, and even though she looked like she didn't believe my words, she nodded her head.
"I will give you thirty minutes, and then, I will drag you there myself, all right?" It wasn't a suggestion, it was a warning before she walked away. I made my way to the buffet table and looked at all the delicacies when my eyes sparkled in mirth.
"I thought you wouldn't come." I turned away from the table when I saw Arlo standing there. He was wearing a three-piece suit that perfectly showcased the muscles underneath, and he wore a purple tie that coincidentally matched my dress.
"You know how insistent Abigail is. Even if I told her I had the flu, she would have dragged me here tonight." I said, When a smile appeared on his face.
"Did you get the chance to mingle yet?" he asked me when I shook my head.
"The moment I saw the crowd, the nervousness set in. I don't think I am ready to open up yet." I answered. I looked at the dance floor to see couples moving in for the next dance.
"Can I have this dance with you, Cassie?" Arlo asked me when I felt my throat become as dry as the desert. It's not that Arlo isn't handsome, but he is one of the powerful wizards among our kind. And many women have their eyes set on him already, and I can feel the burning gazes as we talk, and accepting his offer in this dance would only increase my number of enemies.
That was not the only reason, among our kind, if a man asks you on his first dance, then that would indicate that he likes you, and it might potentially lead to marriage. Many young men who are at a marriageable age ask their mother's or sister's for this first dance if they aren't looking for a wife, and I have no idea why Arlo would want me.
"There are a lot of other women in here. You can ask them, Arlo." I politely declined when he shook his head.
"Are you still stuck in the old ways, Cassandra?" he asked me.
"Tradition is still tradition, Arlo. What would people think if you asked me for this dance? I don't want to be the center of attention." I asserted.
"No one would say anything. I insist, Cassandra. I want to have this first dance with you, as friends." he was persistent, and I knew I had run out of reason to reject him, so I nodded my head as I placed my hand on his.