They Sniff Out Weakness

Eve~

"I am done, ma'am," Agnes announced.

"Thank you," I murmured. "I love it," I faked enthusiasm.

But I could feel her confusion because I hadn't looked in the mirror, and she noticed.

"Alright." She bowed before walking out the door.

I breathed a sigh of relief as the door closed behind her. I glanced at the mirror but looked away again, my heart racing.

I closed my eyes and attempted to calm my raging nerves as I stood. I looked down at the emerald dress, its silky fabric clinging to my body in all the right places, its elegance doing little to calm the storm of anxiety swirling inside me. The plunging neckline, the shimmer of the material—it was all meant to make me look powerful, alluring, but all I felt was exposed. My fingers brushed over the smooth fabric as I paced the room, trying to steady my nerves. The Lunar Gala. And Hades.

I hadn't even dared to look in the mirror.