Velvet Ribbon Novels & Stories

Stardust and miniature constellations spiralled around the edges, creating an otherworldly allure. Finally, there was the ribbon, a delicate silver strip of fabric far longer than was needed to tie it in place. It was meant to hang loose, its ends trailing like wisps of moonlight. As the wearer moved through the ballroom, the ribbon would flutter in their footsteps and in the wake of whispers, beckoning curious idlers to chase after it. It was stylish. Luxurious yet surprisingly tasteful. Simple enough to go with anything yet stunning enough to stand on its own. The mask was absolutely beautiful.

It was only later that she was laughed at more and her horizons broadened, and then she just learned how noble ladies matched their outfits. Selena's eyes fell back on the lily of the valley hairpin on the jewelry shelf. The leaves made of light green ribbons and the flowers made of pink ribbons complement each other and are lifelike. They look cute and suitable for her age. The shopkeeper saw this and said, “Young lady, you really have a good eye. This lily of the valley hairpin is a new product that just arrived in the store. The craftsmanship is very good. The clip is made of silver, and the lily of the valley decoration is made by ribbon…"

"Look forward to tasting what you have to offer me?" Ruby muttered, biting back a grin and halfway hoping there was a double meaning to that comment. A surprise for me? Excitement welled up within her as she made her way over to the large walk-in closet. Pulling open the double doors she gasped, her eyes immediately focusing on the black, strapless floor length gown, hooked on a steel rack in the center of the closet, along with a matching satin wrap. "You have got to be shitting me," she muttered as she walked into closet and tentatively touched the soft fabric. The tag inside was marked Versace.

Finally, midnight approached. Helen and the specialists returned to dress me. The gown was made of deep crimson velvet, so heavy it felt like armor. The bodice was embroidered with gold thread in the shape of the Valerius crest. Around my neck, they placed a collar of rubies that felt incredibly heavy. My hair was left down, flowing in waves, with a delicate crown resting on my brow. "You are ready," Helen said, her voice uncharacteristically soft.

He held it up for her inspection. The dress itself was a simple black velvet sheath, long enough to reach her ankles but slit to just above the knee for ease of movement. Two silver clips held the three-quarter inch straps to the bodice. The outer robe was a smaller replica of his midnight velvet. Instead of the rearing stags she could now see embroidered into the edges of his clothes, hers had silver leaves and vines with small flowers. In place of snarling volti heads, the chain that clasped her robe had dragonflies. The material felt heavenly against her fingers.

The sight of it made me pause mid-step. It was pristine, the kind of white that seemed untouched, unmarred by dust or time. Its edges were razor-sharp, symmetrical, flawless—almost unnatural in its perfection. A single ribbon, deep crimson in color, was wrapped around it, tied into an immaculate bow at the center. The silk of it gleamed under the dim glow of the bedside lamp, catching the light as though dipped in liquid rubies. The ribbon looked impossibly smooth, not a wrinkle or imperfection in sight. It lay there like a seal, a finishing touch to something far too carefully presented to be a mere accident.

A True. I presumed we all knew that by then and it would be boring to keep stating it so I didn't say a word. I reached for my phone under my pillow and my earpods on the table beside my bed. I plugged them in my ears, connected and searched for a soothing piece to play. After scrolling through two thousand + songs, I settled for 'moonlight sonata' by Beethoven. It seemed to hold more meaning that dawn. I closed my eyes and pretended to play an imaginary piano on the air, totally oblivious of my surrounding, especially poor Maureen who was probably waiting for me to comfort her. I'm sorry Maureen, but if you happen to read this in future, just know that I wasn't trying to be rude. I was mere

Then there was the dress she picked up at one of the more trendy downtown shops. It was such a contrast to her normal look that she was fascinated the first time she slid the sumptuous velvet over her skin in the dressing room. It was held up by black satin ribbon that tied behind her neck, the skirt tight and knee length with a slit up the left side, the bodice very low cut and back dipped nearly to her waist. Just the sight of herself in it aroused tingles up her spine, and she could just imagine the impact she'd have if she put on dark lipstick and emphasized her eyes with liner and mascara. Pure vixen.

Rylee said sweetly, tilting her head to one side, "is both an aphrodisiac and a paralytic…enough to flood your body with desire, but just enough weakness that you can't fight back." His breathing quickened. His body tingled. He tried to rise, but his legs wouldn’t cooperate. "You're insane," he said through gritted teeth. She clapped her hands twice. The door opened. Five women walked in. Each one tall, poised, and wrapped in velvet and sin. Women from Velvet Flame. Zena was among them…tattooed, leather corset, legs for days. She chewed gum and gave Cameron a sultry once-over. "Rylee, you bad girl…" she purred with a dark chuckle.

Caleb walked toward me with that familiar spark in his eyes, carrying a sleek, matte-black bag in his hand. “Here,” he said as his voice softened. “Don’t forget to get ready and get dressed. This is all about you.” I took the bag, eyebrows raised. “What is it?” He smirked. “Open it.” I pulled apart the magnetic flap, and my heart did a little flutter when I saw the label—Valentięr. This is one of the most loved luxury fashion houses by me. Enclosed in the silky tissue paper was a dazzling green dress that had crystals on the bodice and a long slit that hinted at sophistication, not too much fashion. Even though it wasn’t showy, the gem managed to catch and hold the eye in a silent, intense w