Chapter 83: The Last Time

My mother’s dress of shiny black fell over her body, clinging to her curves and exposing her shoulders, back, and arms. Her hair fell in massive waves and moved with her every footstep. My brother came last, along with Sialianna, who wore a dress much like my own except her skirts fell to her ankles and her shoulders were bare. Her hair was smoothed back and crimped just on the ends.

She was beautiful and she looked charming on my brother’s arm. My brother addressed the room, much as our father had many times before. He was poised and confident, sure of himself in a way that I had never seen before. It was his formal introduction to the Universal and I finally understood the reason for changing the guests of the Ball.

He was putting himself and his work on display for his colleagues; not seeking approval, but stating that he was here and ready for the challenges ahead. I looked from him to my mother and father and never before had I felt so proud to be part of this family