Azzurra stood before the mirror, staring at the reflection that hardly felt like her own. The deep red gown clung elegantly to her frame, its hem sweeping the marble floor despite the heels adding height to her posture. It radiated an air of royalty, glittering as though gemstones were stitched into every fold of fabric. For a moment, she almost believed she was someone else someone regal, untouchable.

Her gaze swept over her features. The stylists had been merciful, keeping her makeup soft ...