The carriage wheels rolled over the cobbled road with a steady rhythm, the sound echoing faintly in the early morning air. Inside, Penelope sat opposite Lady Sofia, her face bright with anticipation, while Kael leaned casually against the seat beside her, one leg crossed over the other.
Nerine,however, sat stiffly in her seat, her gaze shifting to the blur of scenery outside. She hadn't asked where they were headed, but the moment she caught the glint of the Hollowood gates in the distance, her stomach gave a sharp twist.
Hollowood.
Her fingers curled into her lap, the nails pressing against her gloves. She kept her breathing even, but her mind was already racing. Faces she used to know, shopkeepers who had seen her growing up, the whispers that would spread if anyone looked too closely—there was danger in familiarity.
Penelope, oblivious to her unease, was chatting excitedly about dresses and the upcoming annual ball. "Oh, Sofia, you'll look stunning. I can already imagine the colors on you. Something soft, maybe cream or blush—"
Nerine forced a smile, nodding politely while keeping her voice even. "Whatever you think will suit me."
Kael's gaze flicked toward her briefly, as if catching something in her tone. But he said nothing, only resting his gloved hand against the window ledge and watching the streets pass by.
The carriage slowed as they entered Hollowood proper, the marketplace alive with energy. Merchants called from their stalls, displaying bolts of silk, fresh bread still steaming in the morning chill, glittering glass trinkets that caught the sun. The air was thick with the mingled scents of spices and roasted chestnuts.
Penelope's eyes lit up. "It's been ages since I came shopping. We'll start with the dressmaker, then the jewelry shop. Oh, and maybe stop for tea before heading back." She turned to Nerine with a grin. "We have to make a day of it."
Neine nodded faintly, pulling the hood of her cloak forward just enough to shadow her face.
Kael stepped out first when the carriage stopped and offered his hand to Penelope, then to Nerine. She hesitated a fraction before taking it, her gaze flitting across the street to see if anyone was paying her undue attention.
The dressmaker's shop was nestled between a bookbinder and a florist, its window framed with cascading lace. The carved sign above read Irene's Atelier, the letters painted in soft gold.
Nerine was almost sweating when she saw the sign.
The moment they stepped inside, the warm, fragrant air wrapped around them. The space smelled faintly of lavender and pressed linen. Rolls of fabric lined one wall—satin, velvet, silk—while mannequins stood dressed in half-finished gowns.
Behind the counter, a woman with auburn hair tied neatly back looked up from a ledger. Her pen froze mid-stroke when her gaze landed on Nerine.
"Hello," Penelope greeted cheerfully. "We need gowns for the annual ball."
Irene's eyes didn't move from Nerine for a long heartbeat. Her gaze flicked briefly to Nerine's hair—a dark brown or more of black than the one Irene remembered—before returning to her face.
Nerine's lips curved into a calm smile. "Long time no see," she said softly, her voice even, betraying none of the tension coiling in her chest.
She decided to talk first before she was exposed.
Penelope blinked between them. "You know each other?"
"I used to come for dresses now and then," Nerine replied smoothly, her tone light, as though it were the most casual thing in the world.
Something flickered in Irene's eyes—a recognition she didn't voice. Instead, she gave a faint nod. "Yes… I remember now."
While Penelope began explaining the kind of gown she wanted, Nerine caught Irene's gaze once more and mouthed thank you.
From the side, Kael's eyes narrowed slightly, catching the silent exchange. But he said nothing, merely standing with arms folded as the ladies discussed fabric.
Irene led them to a fitting area draped with pale curtains. "For the ball," she said with a professional smile. "I'll make sure they are perfect." She measured Penelope first, jotting down numbers, then turned to Nerine.
Sofia stood still under Irene's measuring tape, her mind elsewhere. She focused on the quiet snip of scissors nearby, the soft swish of fabric being moved. Every so often, she felt Irene's gaze linger just a little too long, as though she were trying to piece together a puzzle.
Kael, leaning against the wall, watched the whole process with the faintest ghost of a smile.
When the measuring was done, Irene promised, "I'll send them to the estate before the ball. Trust me, you'll both draw every eye in the room."
Penelope clapped her hands in delight. "Okay, you're the best."
Nerine managed another polite smile, but inside she was relieved to be stepping back onto the bustling street.
They walked on, Penelope's arm linked with hers. "Now for the jewelry! I know exactly where to go. We'll find pieces to match our gowns perfectly."
Sofia's relief began to fade with each step. The shops passed by in a blur—stationers, confectioners, leatherworkers—until Penelope suddenly pointed across the street.
"There!That gem store.It looks like it has the finest selection."
Nerine turned to look at the store only to recognize it....it was where she had most of her memories..... it's madam Helen's store
"No.....this can't be happening!",she muttered under her breath.
Before Nerine could object, Penelope was already pulling her along. The shop's window glittered with displays of rings, necklaces, and brooches. Sunlight caught on the gems, scattering rainbows across the polished glass.
The little brass bell above the door chimed as they stepped inside. The air was cooler here, scented faintly of cedar and polish. Nerine lifted her gaze...
....and froze.
Behind the counter, arranging a tray of sapphires, stood Kindra.
Her hands stilled on the velvet tray, and slowly, she looked up.
Their eyes met.