Chapter 99: A Night to Remember
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
The day of the graduation ceremony finally arrived, marking the end of my grounding. Though my punishment wasn’t a full week, my father had decided to pardon me just for the occasion. Whether I’d have to make up for the remaining day was dependent on how well I behaved tonight.
Excitement coursed through me, making it impossible to sleep the night before. By three in the morning, Dorothy and I were already wide awake, getting ready together. Dorothy hadn’t slept either, her energy just as restless as mine.
Ever since the incident in the cafeteria, students had been hesitant to approach us. Perhaps it was fear of association or admiration from a distance. Either way, we hadn’t received any invitations to the ceremony. This was fine by me. Dorothy and I had already decided on our dance partners–Mara and Avril. We wanted to spend the evening with people we trusted, not nervous classmates who would tremble through the opening dance.
“I’m falling in love with the Queen,” Dorothy declared as she admired her reflection in the expansive mirror of the dressing room. “Her wardrobe is like a paradise every girl dreams of.”
“Careful,” I teased, nudging her playfully. “If the guards hear you, they might arrest you for coveting the Queen’s treasures.” I squeezed in beside her at the mirror and added with a grin,
if you end up swimming in love letters for the But you look incredible. I wouldn’t be s
next three years.”
Dorothy was breathtaking in her white strapless fishtail dress, paired with a smoky–gray fur coat that draped elegantly over her shoulders. Her hair was styled into a classic bun, adorned with a small diamond crown shaped like a shooting star. She looked every bit like a goddess descended to earth.
“If I were a gentleman, I’d do anything to have you as my dance partner tonight,” I said,
beautiful lady.” bowing dramatically and extending my hand. “Please, have pity on me,
Dorothy laughed and gave me a gentle shove. “It’s my first time wearing something like this,” she admitted shyly. “Do you think it’s too much for the occasion?”
‘Not at all,” I reassured her. “In fact, compared to the graduates, we’re underdressed. Tonight is their moment to shine. They’ll be dressed in ways we can’t even imagine. We’re just the greenery in their elaborate flower arrangements
“Your comfort is… remarkably realistic,” Dorothy said, laughing.
The stylist arrived to give us the finishing touches and covered me with a protective smock to ensure my embroidered dress stayed pristine. Dorothy couldn’t stop admiring my jewelry, particularly the black opal pendant I wore around my neck.
Remember
“I’ve never seen real black opals before,” she said, her voice full of awe. “This pendant is mesmerizing, like a tiny universe in itself.”
“Thank you,” I said with a smile. The pendant was a gift from Aldrich, and I had chosen a deep V–cut dress to show it off. Paired with subtle black opal earrings, the ensemble felt complete.
When Aldrich learned about my outfit, he had teased me gently. “You’re like a child showing off their favorite candy,” he had said, laughing softly.
I hadn’t cared. Was it wrong to want my partner by my side on such an important night? I wanted him to see me, to be proud of me.
Mara entered the room, holding our invitations. “Ladies,” she announced with a smile, “the chauffeur is ready. Shall we go?”
It was only six in the morning, and the ball wasn’t scheduled to begin until five in the afternoon. However, Sivir Academy had a longstanding tradition of hosting a grand “Servant Ceremony” earlier in the day to honor the legendary servants of the Moon Goddess. This tradition added an air of reverence and celebration to the occasion.
Dorothy and I took separate cars. She had to maintain the appearance of a regular student and arrived much later than I did. At the school gates, Mara and Avril were already waiting for me. Mara wore a dazzling light pink gown with a long train that shimmered in the sunlight. Avril, however, had opted for a completely different style–a sharp, tailored tuxedo.
“To be honest, I’d trip over myself if I wore a dress like that,” Avril said, gesturing to Mara’s gown. “Why should I suffer for the sake of appearances? This tuxedo is a new design from Fashion Street, and I spent half a year’s worth of pocket money on it.”
Mara rolled her eyes dramatically. “I’m glad you’re being true to yourself again, but don’t think I’ll let you mooch off my snacks next semester.”
Avril smirked. “You say that now, but I know you can’t resist spoiling me.”
When Dorothy finally arrived, she was met with another round of compliments. Together, the four of us made our way into the school, arm in arm.
The royal family’s influence was evident in every detail of the event. Lavish canopies stretched over the venue, shielding attendees from the early summer breeze and ensuring that hairdos and dresses remained immaculate. Each club had a designated area, competing not just in decoration but also in the energy they projected for future recruitment and sponsorship opportunities.
Despite not being the star of the evening, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. The atmosphere was electric, and the night promised to be one we wouldn’t soon forget. As I stepped onto the grounds, my heart swelled with anticipation.
This wasn’t just a ceremony–it was a celebration of transformation, of growth, and of the bonds that held us together.
