Chapter 65: Meredith Fires Back at Wanda
**(Third Person)**
The tension from the encounter with the little boy lingered, but Meredith forced herself to focus as she stepped into another boutique. The lighting was warm, and the space quieter.
The shopkeeper gave her a brief nod before returning to folding scarves behind the counter.
The boutique was lined with flowing dresses—elegant cuts in soft hues and modern patterns. Meredith brushed her fingers over the delicate fabrics, drawn to a pale violet dress with soft embroidery at the hem. It reminded her of the early spring rains in Stormveil. And the colour of her eyes.
Azul stepped closer. "That one would look good on you, my lady."
Meredith smiled under her veil. "I think so too." She pulled the dress gently from the rack and held it up to herself. Arya and Cora stepped forward, nodding in approval.
Then Meredith turned, scanning the rows again. Her eyes softened as she began picking out more items—one dress each for Arya, Cora, Azul, Kira and even Deidra, who had been pretending not to be interested.
"This one’s perfect for you," Meredith told Arya, handing her a soft blue gown.
Arya blinked. "For me?"
Meredith nodded. "Yes. You deserve something nice."
Cora gave a surprised grin, holding her own dress close. "We don’t usually get this kind of treatment."