#Chapter 85: Anonymity Makes Everyone Bold

On the night of the Second Ball, Charlotte helped me add the finishing touches to my costume. My sheer butterfly wings hung close to my shoulders, not extending too far, just enough to show. My hair was up and mostly hidden under a sea of brightly colored flowers. My mask covered most of my face, leaving only my mouth and chin exposed. Looking in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. I doubted anyone else would either. Despite what he said, I even had my doubts about Nicholas. Charlotte handed me my gloves one by one as I slid them on. “Tonight, you can be anyone,” she said. No one would know me. No one would know that I’m the outsider tonight. I would simply be part of the group. I nodded, unsure what to say. I didn’t know how that made me feel. I wasn’t ashamed of who I was, but I had always wondered what it would feel like to belong. As I finished getting ready, Elva, in her wolf costume, ran circles around the bedroom. She gave a little growl at the Nanny and then at Mark,