Foolishly risky

In the heart of the city, inside a five-star hotel, lavishly decorated, guests could be seen dressed in high-end clothing, each dressing as if to surpass the other. Although the function of the gala was a fundraiser many had come to make connections.

The dazzling chandelier hung beautifully, illuminating the hall. The beautiful dresses of the ladies shimmered from its light adding more beauty to the women while the men were dressed in their usual three-piece suits of either black or navy blue as the theme of the gala permitted them.

Servers could be seen walking around with trays carrying glasses filled with wine for the guests who were busy chatting amongst themselves, either getting to know each other for the first time or meeting old friends after a long time.

Away from everyone, Eliana could be seen in one of the rooms of the hotel along with Lilian who played the role of her manager. A few more artists could be seen in there as the room was used as their changing room getting ready for their turn on stage as the event would kick off soon.

Many of the female artists in there would cast glances at Eliana once in a while either staring at her unnaturally red hair or her pair of blue eyes that seemed to shimmer. They would look away and murmur amongst themselves thinking they could not be heard but Eliana heard every word that they uttered, although in a whisper.

This made her pick up a mirror to have a look at what was so different about her today. All of these people in here with her have seen her and knew her physical qualities so their murmurs and stares were just uncalled for.

But just as her gaze was about to meet the mirror, it was taken off her grasp and she gasped. Turning she found Lilian putting the mirror away and out of her reach. She pouted and glared at her best friend.

"I have booked another room for you, come on, you will thank me later," Lilian bent and whispered into her ear.

Eliana paused and blinked before nodding her head, "...Alright," She agreed.

Without another word, they strutted out of the room into another that was not far from the previous one. Lilian dropped the bag that she had carried belonging to Eliana and turned to stare at her friend. The look of awe that she had tried to hide while amid others appeared on her face.

There was both wonderment and worry.

"There is something wrong with me today isn't it?" Eliana touched her hair, bringing a few strands forward so she could see it and her eyes widened. She had hoped that nothing would go wrong but she was mistaken. Everything seems to be going wrong already.

"Mhm-hmm, for starters, your hair and eyes," Lilian replied. She suddenly had the urge to pick up her camera and film her, having the feeling that something much more interesting would happen but she fought it. This was her friend and with the weird encounter with the police, she wouldn't want to be the one to lead them back to Eliana and some other set of people that they did not know just yet.

Eliana walked into the washroom and stood before the vanity mirror, she froze at the sight that greeted her.

Although her hair had always been red, tonight, it was redder. It was unnaturally red, like strands of flames cascading down from her head and over her shoulders. Her eyes… their colour was also changing. Within them, she could see a silver glimmer like a small moon slowly appearing and increasing in size which had the rest of her eyes glowing as well. Her skin had always been soft and tender but tonight… Tonight was different. Just like her hair and eyes, her skin glowed and she knew it had nothing to do with her skincare.

"What is happening?" Eliana wondered out loud. She could see the silhouette of Lilian slowly coming towards her until she stopped right beside her and her reflection, visible through the vanity mirror.

"Should we cancel your performance?" Lilian asked. Although it would be a breach of contract, she didn't want everyone to know what was happening to her friend. It was not normal for humans to change like this.

"When am I supposed to appear on stage?" Elaina asked. She would prefer to put on a disguise and perform as quickly as she could. All she had to do tonight was sing. Nothing more, as long as her voice could be heard, it didn't matter what she had on her body. Setting trends was part of being in the showbiz, her look tonight could be considered as an attempt at a new trend.

"You are the last performer," Lilian didn't like that Eliana still wanted to go ahead with it but she answered anyway.

Eliana went silent, deep in thought. A moment later she glanced at Lilian. "Is there a wig here? Some contacts for my eyes would help too."

Lilian stared at her, very doubtful about her thought solution. If everything keeps up like this, none of those would be of help and if it happens on stage, there would be nothing that they can do then.

"Elia…" Like Lilian paused when met with her pleading gaze. With that shine within it, Lilian could not bring herself to oppose her. "Alright," she replied with slumped shoulders. "Everyone will be out there, I also believe there will be a live stream, Eliana, I hope you know what you are doing?"

There is no telling the number of people that will be her audience tonight, humans and non-humans alike. This was what Lilian thought and if she had thought of this, Eliana should have as well.

"I know," Eliana softly whispered. What was happening she knew without doubt that it was because of that same pill. So little but it was giving her a headache. But this also provided an opportunity for her. Perhaps someone among the audience would know what was happening. She couldn't be the only one not human in this world.

It is a foolishly risky thing to do, but she was willing to be foolish just for tonight.