Elena's Dress At The Mikaelson Ball Novels & Stories

That's what decided it. The night of the gala, Elena stood in front of her mirror, barely recognizing herself. Hair swept up in an elegant style. Minimal jewelry. The blue dress that made her look like she belonged among the wealthy and influential. She counted backward from thirty before leaving her apartment. Thirty, twenty-nine, twenty-eight. "You can do this," she told her reflection. "You belong there now." The Grand Metropolitan Hotel ballroom looked like something from another century. Crystal chandeliers dripped light across marble floors. Women in designer gowns mingled with men in expensive tuxedos. Waiters circulated with champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

That word didn’t belong to her world anymore. Still, she couldn’t ignore a flicker of curiosity. A gala meant public appearances. And public appearances meant one thing — Adrien showing her off. But why? --- By evening, the mansion buzzed with quiet tension. Tailors, stylists, and assistants moved in and out of rooms, preparing for the night. Elena stood before the mirror, her reflection almost unrecognizable. The deep crimson dress Gianna had chosen fit her like it was made for her — elegant yet bold, the fabric hugging her figure before falling gracefully to the floor.

She'd smiled at me for the rest of that year like I'd personally insulted her bloodline. I almost didn't go. I stood in front of my closet for twenty minutes in a towel, seriously considering cereal over the sink instead. Then I put on the green dress anyway because some petty, furious part of me wanted Eleanor Lin to see exactly what she was dealing with. The ballroom was chandeliers and string quartet and old money. Marcus stood across the room beside Sophia and her parents, poured into a tuxedo, looking — I hate this — handsome, in the specific way he gets when he thinks people are impressed by him

The boat shaped neckline was lightly ruffled with white colour ribbons, and even the end of the sleeves were elaborately decorated to match it. Seeing this Eloise's eyebrows twitched, 'am, I going to a ball for goodnes's sake, its fifty degrees out and we are in a moving death trap and she wants me to dress in that luxurious outfit!' smiling she whispered, "today.... it looks like it will be quite hot, why don't we find a comfortable one to wear?" "How can it be, my lady you have to dress according to your status," the maid firmly refused.

The bass vibrated through the room as Elena sipped her champagne and watched the crowd dance beneath the shifting lights. Her dress was shorter than anything she normally wore. The smooth silk clung to her figure as she crossed the room. The small mask covering her eyes was almost pointless. Anyone who actually knew her would recognize her in seconds, but tonight, she didn't care. She wasn't supposed to be here. In less than a month, she'd be standing beside Adrian, smiling for family photos and celebrating the future they'd spent years planning together. His engagement ring caught the light every time she lifted her glass.

Elena sat up slowly, pushing her hair from her face, and found a folded note resting on the nightstand. "I had an early meeting. The staff will help you prepare. The ball is tonight. Wear the dress they bring. — D" A soft knock followed almost immediately. Two maids entered carrying a long garment bag and a series of boxes. One of them smiled politely. “Miss Elena, Mr. Blackwood asked us to assist you with preparations for this evening’s ball. May we begin?” Elena nodded, still half-caught between sleep and the lingering weight of the night before. The letter fragments remained hidden in the drawer. The decision she had made in the dark still held. The devil she knew would have to be enough.

The scent of bitter almonds and sharp citrus was thick in the air the moment they entered the royal suite. Selena wore an emerald gown with silver threading that caught the light like scales, her silver hair pinned with pearl combs. Elena’s attire was more serious — a high-necked burgundy dress with gold accents that made her scarred face look even more imposing. They moved like women who knew exactly how much power they held in this room. “We worried the hunt might have frightened you away from court functions,” Selena muttered. “It would be unfortunate if the future Luna became known for hiding in her chambers.”

He hugs me in return, goes back into the limo, and drives away. I make my way up the stairs to the entrance and take in the scenery. The floors are white marble with a soft golden glow from the lights along the walls. The hall is full of perfect people dressed to impress, and we're waiting on the second set of double doors to open. That must lead to the ballroom. "Hello, gorgeous. May I have your name?" I turn to my right and see a tall, red-eyed, porcelain male model wearing a velvet blue suit, perfectly fitted. He is stunningly handsome and clearly a vampire.

David didn’t speak the entire ride. The silence felt deliberate like even words could make things worse. Elena stared out the window dressed in her black dress, the gold jewelry from her mom and her hands gripping the small gold purse so hard her knuckles were white. The news was still playing on the car screen. GEORGE HERBERT’S FIANCEE ELENA THOMAS CAUGHT IN SECRET MEETING WITH RIVAL CEO. David finally glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his eyes lingering for a second longer.

“You’re fine.” He reached out, brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, and kissed my forehead. “Don’t ever hide anything from me again, Elena. Promise me.” I swallowed. “I promise.” His eyes lingered intensely. “Good. I’ve prepared your outfit for the Silver Veil Ball. The maids will bring it to you soon.” “You did?” He nodded. “You deserve to be seen.” I smiled a little. “Thank you.” “Don’t thank me yet,” he murmured. “You haven’t seen it.”