Page 20 of Of Curses and Courtship

But the ball. Above all else, I long to attend the ball, and I trust such a simple wish not to backfire on me.

“You must be sure no one will recognize me,” I say.

“That will not be hard to do. A simple illusion spell.”

“Then that is what I want. I wish to go to the ball, for no one to recognize me, and… to have a lovely time.”

I’m not brave enough to wish for love. The part of me that yearns for it is one I no longer entertain.

“Consider it done.”

“Is this what you do with your magic? You grant wishes.”

“Mhm. It is a trait of many Moon Fae... like yourself.”

“Like me?” I snort under my breath. “I cannot grant wishes.”

“Perhaps not.” She taps my nose. “But I have already granted yours, dear one. Go on. Look at yourself.”

I rush to the looking glass above the mantle, certain she is lying to me—but that isn’t so. My rags are replaced with a floor-length gown that sparkles with the moon’s light. And… my wings. My glamour is gone, allowing my lavender wings to stretch out from my back. When I twist and turn, my skin shines in the light, covered in the glitter I’ve always tried to hide.

Pearls adorn my face, stuck onto the corners of my eyes, and a matching string hangs around my neck. I brush my fingers against the jewelry. Each wisp of my hair is perfectly curled, small tendrils falling out around my face. With the light around me and the magic in the air, I hardly recognize myself…

Which means my stepsisters will not recognize me either.

“This can’t possibly be me,” I breathe.

“But it is.”

I turn to her. “I have no way to pay you. Apologies. I want to thank you, but I have nothing.”

“I don’t require any payment.” She steps forward. “All Iwish is for you to have a lovely evening. One night of fun. Can you do that for me?”

She doesn’t know what a tall ask that is. I’ve never had fun before, at least not as an adult. Brief moments of joy have always been eclipsed by worry and responsibility that were impossible to forget, even for an evening. If this night does not go horribly wrong, it may be my first time doing so.

I nod slightly. “I will do my best.”

“Good.” She grabs my hand and pulls me to the garden. “Then we must hurry before you miss all the fun.”

“Will I truly arrive in a portal?”

“Of course. That is another Moon Fae ability.”

“Where… where did you learn all of this?” I step into the cool evening breeze.

For the first time in my life, the wind brushes against my wings. The sensation is intense… and strangely tempting, evoking imagery of the white-haired fae and his hands on mine. A shiver runs up my spine.

“I was taught by the best teacher: time. You have plenty of time, my dear.” She bends forward and dips her finger into the small pool. “If you want my advice… look to the water. At the ocean, the lake, and even this little pool. That’s where you shall find your answers.”

“I see.”

There is still so much I don’t understand, but perhaps this is not the time to ask further questions. Light glows, silver and brilliant, enough that my eyes squint shut of their own accord.

“Go on, then. The rest of your night—no, the rest of yourlife—awaits!”

Her hectic giggle is the last thing I hear before I step into the portal, pulled by a magic beyond my understanding. I dissolve into mist as I’m transported through time and space.

I’m nothing. I’m numb. I don’t exist. For a moment, I am one with the arcane energy surrounding me.