Vivienne stared at her appearance in the mirror. She sighed as she set her long dark hair in its proper place. The violet haltered dress she was wearing highlighted not only her pale skin but also her eyes – more violet than blue against the candlelight. She looked stunning, but there wasn't a hint of pleasure in her face. Instead, she appeared anxious and afraid.
A knock on her door made her turn around. Xavier appeared in the doorway, his dark hair closely cropped and his eyes betraying how much he adored her.
"They've arrived," he announced. "Your father asked me to come and escort you to the dome." The way he spoke the words revealed that neither of them was fond of the guests he spoke of.
"Has my father forgotten what I went through under that monster's hands?" Vivienne asked as she ran both hands over her slender form to smoothen out the slight creases on her dress.
Xavier's gaze darkened, pain looming over his handsome face. "Vivienne…"
