Chapter 8 First day
The next morning, sunlight poured through the sheer curtains like golden threads, warming the little room in a quiet embrace.
Alina stood in front of the mirror, tying the soft ribbon at the back of her favorite sky-blue dress. The fabric fluttered gently as she moved...simple, soft, and full of memories. Her hair was left open, cascading down her back like a gentle waterfall.
She didn’t wear any makeup today.
She didn’t need to.
Her skin was glowing...not from anything she applied, but from something inside. A soft kind of happiness she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Whenever she was anxious, her face turned pale and dull like wilted petals. But when her heart felt light, her skin would glow like a full moon in spring.
Today, her cheeks had a natural blush. Her pink lips were full and warm, and her deep hazel eyes shining under the sunlight like melted honey.
She looked... peaceful.
She looked like someone who was slowly, quietly healing.
••••••
Soon, she found herself standing inside the principal’s office again.
Dante Nightshade stood near his desk, his long black coat trailing behind him like smoke.