It was none other than Anna.
For a moment Lydia just stared, unsure if her eyes were playing tricks on her. Anna looked different. She looked almost like another woman, though still herself. Her usual sad expression, the constant heaviness that seemed to follow her, wasn't there. Instead there was something lighter in her face. Not joy, but something close to peace.
And her clothes—Lydia had never seen her like this. Anna wore a brown dress that fit her so well, as if it had been sewn just for her. The fabric looked soft, flowing gently as she moved. Around her neck and ears were pieces of amber jewelry that glowed warmly under the light. Her brown hair had been brushed smooth, falling neatly against her shoulders.
She looked beautiful.
Lydia couldn't hide her surprise. "You look different," she said softly.
Anna's cheeks colored. Her hands folded in front of her dress, and she looked almost nervous, like a girl being complimented for the first time.
