s popped like strobe lights, blinding and relentless

ine arrived. T

Vance st

ite tulle and feathers. It was pretty,

the photographers scream

practiced, modest smile. "It was

g like a peacock. "My daughter is a ge

tairs, posing for the 'money

the crowd

ead like a contagion. The screaming fans lowered their v

had ar

deep, lustrous midnight blue. It glided

opened th

red carpet. It was black

Vance st

g white. She was

light hit it, revealing depths of violet. It draped over her body like liquid armor, with a high neck but

t gasped. "Is that... is that a cu

to a roar. "Who is sh

. She looked fierce.

to walk up

Cassandra

r, Cassandra looked washed out. The feathers on her

. She grabbed Eleano

n hissed, digging her nails in.

rotated her arm, breaking the grip with a technique that looke

eanor said. Her voice was calm, but it car

r lenses away from Cassandra.

Ms. Vance!

ft! Look

out of focus, a blurry white blob in

eached th

urly man named Tony, bl

irked. "She doesn't have one.

didn't pull out a ticket. She present

ened. This was a VVIP invite, i

said, bowing his head respectfu

stepped

tried t

front of her. "Ticket

m?" Vivian shrieked.

ny repeated,

a queen, Vivian and Cassandra were stuck at the door, fumbling throug

Hall. The lights reflect

of champagne fr

ook a

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