The academy transformed overnight. Velvet banners draped from high ceilings, crystal chandeliers cast warm light, and the grand hall shimmered with gold and silver. Students in elaborate costumes filled the room, their masks hiding faces but not intentions.
Sara lingered at the entrance, her heart hammering.
Lina had insisted on helping her prepare, and the result left Sara barely recognizing herself. She wore a flowing gown of deep midnight blue, its fabric catching light like stars scattered across the night sky. A delicate silver mask framed her eyes, making them appear brighter, sharper.
"You look stunning," Lina whispered, squeezing her hand. "Forget Emily. Tonight, you shine."
Sara forced a breath. But even as her nerves buzzed, a flicker of hope warmed her chest.
Across the hall, Emily watched. Her crimson gown was as bold as her smile, and her mask glittered with jewels. But when her eyes fell on Sara, that smile faltered for just an instant.
"She dares," Emily muttered under her breath. Hannah leaned closer, whispering reassurance, but Emily's gaze had already sharpened. Tonight, I'll show everyone exactly what Sara is — nothing.
The music swelled, strings and piano filling the hall. Couples began to gather in the center. Sara stood frozen, her palms damp.
Then Daniel appeared.
He wore a simple black suit, but his mask was striking — black edged with silver, elegant and commanding. Gasps rippled through the crowd as he walked past, every step measured, every glance drawing attention. But his eyes found only her.
"Sara." His voice was steady, calm. He held out his hand.
She hesitated. "I… I can't—"
"Yes, you can."
Something in his tone, quiet yet unyielding, pulled her forward. With trembling fingers, she placed her hand in his.
The crowd parted.
The music shifted into a waltz. Daniel guided her into the dance, his hand firm at her waist, the other clasping hers. At first, Sara stumbled, panic flashing in her chest.
But Daniel leaned close, murmuring, "Don't think. Just follow."
And somehow, she did.
The world blurred. The hall, the whispers, the eyes watching — all faded. There was only the sweep of the music, the press of his hand, the steady rhythm that anchored her.
"See?" he said softly. "You're not invisible."
Her heart raced. She met his gaze through their masks, and for a moment, it felt like the world existed only for them.
Around them, murmurs grew.
"She looks… incredible.""Is that really Sara?""And with Daniel?"
Emily's nails dug into her palms. She forced a smile for the crowd, but inside, fury burned hotter with each spin of the dance floor.
"Now," she whispered to Hannah, who slipped a phone from her clutch. "Get ready."
The waltz ended. Applause broke out. Daniel guided Sara off the floor, his hand lingering just a moment longer than necessary. Sara's cheeks burned, but for the first time, she didn't shrink from the attention.
Then it happened.
Hannah "accidentally" brushed past Sara, her drink spilling down Sara's gown. Gasps rose. Emily's voice rang clear, feigning shock.
"Oh no! How clumsy. Poor Sara, ruined already. What a shame."
Whispers erupted, sharp and cruel. Sara's heart lurched. The beautiful dress, the fragile confidence — all threatened to collapse.
But before she could retreat, Lina darted forward, glaring at Hannah. "Funny," she snapped, "how the drink was full a second ago but the glass is almost empty now. Almost like you meant to."
The crowd stirred.
Adrian appeared at Sara's side, tossing Hannah a mocking grin. "Smooth performance. Shame it was so obvious."
Ryan cracked his knuckles. "Want me to make it clearer for them?"
Leo shook his head. "No need. Everyone already sees it."
Eyes shifted, not to Sara, but to Emily and Hannah. Doubt flickered through the whispers now.
Emily's smile stiffened.
And for once, Sara didn't hide. She lifted her chin, meeting the crowd's gaze. The stain on her dress glistened under the lights, but instead of shrinking, she stood taller.
"Accidents happen," she said evenly. "But they won't ruin my night."
The firmness in her voice silenced the room. Daniel's eyes glimmered with quiet pride.
As the music swelled again, Emily seethed, her plan unraveling.
Sara, however, stepped back onto the floor with Daniel by her side, her pulse steady.
For the first time, she wasn't just surviving.
She was fighting back.