Deeper Realizations

A sign with a dress catches my eye, and I stride inside. The dark wooden door closes behind, and the sound of women clamoring makes my ears ring. Aqua, blush, violet fabrics are strewn around, highlighting the gorgeous features of the shop.

The big bay windows point out into the street, with gold curtains framing them. I hear footsteps come closer, and I turn around to greet the dress shop owner. My eyes meet stark grey ones, and my mouth thins to a wean smile. A vampire living comfortably in a Northern kingdom? Unheard of. The vampiress meets my gaze head on, and she greets me with a wide smile.

"Hi! Welcome to my shop! It has been a while since a mysterious creature has wondered into my little dress corner!"

A few beats past before I speak. "Hello. I would love to purchase a dress."

The lady smiles again and irks me. She is quite the joyous woman. And a vampire. I shake my head to clear my thoughts. Who would have thought a vampire would be living here? Vampires have been banned from the Northern side, and the South is still a couple days away.

The dress shop owner is a gorgeous woman with cascading brown hair, and great features. With big eyes and a big smile, I am sure she has many suitors.

"Of course, miss. Do you have a specific dress in mind, or would you like to browse?"

I regard the dainty shop again, before giving her a polite smile. "I would love to browse."

"Yes, yes. Take all the time you need. I would be happy to alter the dress of your liking if you find one today."

"Thank you, Miss..."

"Nora. Miss Nora."

She leaves me alone in the front of the shop, and I glance around. There are obviously a party in the back, as I hear women laughing and shouting. Luckily, the walls are thick, as I am sure there are some redundant drama that I would rather not listen to.

Dresses fill the walls, varying from all sorts of different styles and colors. Gravitating towards the darker shades, my fingers run over the fabric of the black corset. This dress has long sheer bell sleeves with a black corset. The skirt of the dress quite lengthy, having its own train and is thick, layered with many types of fabrics. The back comes together to tie in crimson colored bow.

Miss Nora comes up behind me swiftly, and I sense her warm aura. I keep my movements natural as I turn to face her.

"Ooh! I love your pick. Would you like to try it on, miss?"

I nod, and she takes it off the shelf, leading me to a room in the back of the shop. I catch a glimpse of the ladies having a party back here. Just by their stature and poise, I can tell that they are vampires. Many questions swirl in my head, and I stop short behind Miss Nora, almost walking into her. She goes into the fitting room and sets the dress on a silver hook after inspecting the room.

"Go on! I am sure you will look stunning in it. The black will match your hair color, and the crimson is beautiful pop of color in the back. The silhouette of the dress will look lovely on you."

She closes the door, and I turn to look myself in the large mirror.

Setting my pack on the cushion next to the dress, I slip out of my clothing. The dress on the cushion stares at me, and I take it off the wooden hanger slipping on the delicate skirt first, then slipping my arms in the sheer sleeves. The skirt flutters around me, and I button up the black corset on top of the sheer puff off-the-shoulder blouse.

The corset hits me perfectly at my waist, cinching me in, and pushing my bosom up tastefully. For a dress to fit this flawlessly is quite the find. Tying the crimson silk behind me, I look at my reflection, almost skeptical. I do not actually look like that. My cheeks are tinged pink, and more strands have fallen out of my chignon. I look like a creature of noble birth.

The door suddenly opens, and I twist around. Miss Nora whistles as she fixes up my bow in the back and tightens my corset. My goodness. What if I wasn't fully dressed?

"Wow, you look gorgeous! You seriously match this dress. I am glad that this dress already fits you perfectly."

I attempt a smile, and she pats my shoulder. "I really hate your fake smiles. Anyways, I wish I had your frame. I am sure all dresses would look amazing on you. You should wear the dress for the rest of day. It is yours."

I nod, and she scrutinizes my face. I am not wearing my cloak anymore, my face out in the open, and I can see all the questions running through her eyes. She has no idea what I am.

Witches are hard to find as they can only be found through their chains marking them as witches or by holy fire, which has the ability to kill a witch, or any magician. I wear my chain on my ankle, hiding it away from the world. I look like a normal human at first glimpse, but if a person looks closer, they will see little things that would not be natural. The way my hair is forever glossy, my wounds healing faster, and more.

Tucking my dress and cloak under my arm, I dig in my bag for some coins to pay Miss Nora for this stunning creation. I made little money under King Maximus, but I saved most that I made. I did not mind a life of simplicity. When I left, I took all the money from my stash. The stash that was safely hidden away in a bag at home. A home that has been tainted by an innocent's blood. A home that is not mine. And was never mine. The sour thoughts bring a frown to my face.

"If two silver coins is too much, I can bring it down to one."

I shake my head, signaling that she misinterpreted my frown, and I hand her two shiny silver coins. Miss Nora grins at me, before handing me a packaged box from the counter.

"A little present for later."

Looking at her in surprise, I nod in gratitude. "Thank you."

"I hope you visit my shop again soon. All the dresses are calling your name, miss."

Departing with a small wave, I walk out into the sunlight. Many gazes turn my way, and I survey the people. Dread starts to settle in my gut. Vampires with their dull grey eyes everywhere. Examining closer, I can see the fangs poking out some of their mouths, and their pristine pale skin.

Fiddling around with my pack that is now fuller than usual due to the weight of clothing I was wearing earlier; I take a step out into the street. Step after step, I stride down the street more confidently. Internally, my paranoia is going wild. Because I think I snuck into an illegal kingdom.