The first rays of sunlight slipped through the royal palace windows, spilling soft gold across the polished floors.
In her room, Ellyna woke up quietly—no spell, no fake transformation. This was her real self.
She stretched her arms above her head, humming softly as her long golden hair cascaded around her like a veil.
Today wasn't a day for pretending.
Today was real.
She moved quickly, sifting through her wardrobe with purpose.
Silks.
Laces.
Dresses lined with fine embroidery.
Normally, she hated wearing such fancy things.
They felt heavy, restrictive, too "princess."
But today?
Today she chose the most beautiful dress she could find—
a deep royal blue, embroidered with silver threads that caught the light with every movement.
She didn't care if Hazuki would ask where she got it.
She didn't care if he stared in confusion.
It didn't matter anymore.
All that mattered—
was that she wanted him to see her properly.
She wanted him to remember.
