Aiyla wasnât sure why she was here, or why she wanted to come in the first place. She supposed it was something childlike within her, vaguely remembering fairytalesâ wanting to dress up like a princess, go to a ball. But now that she was here all she wanted to do was go home, behind the safety of her locked door.
But she was safe here too. She just had to keep reminding herself of that. And at least it helped to have people here she trusted- so when she spotted Ranaâlooking unbelievable in the dress sheâd chosen, Aiyla immediately went over to her, waiting until she caught the womanâs eyes to get her attention to reach for her hand, gripping a bit tight. âHow do you..handle. Around all these people?â
Rana could have truthfully avoided the masquerade ball and been fine with that. She didnât feel like attending a large event or dressing up since the only times she had ever done so in the past were to be shown off or to be a good little pet for someone. Still, Kadri and Aiyla had wanted to go, and they asked Rana to go. So, sheâd agreed right away. Honestly, sheâd do anything for them. Theyâd all go shopping together, Rana felt overwhelmed as sheâd never gone shopping for herself or picked out the dresses in the end. But one red dress she tried on, the sisters insisted sheâd get it, and so here she stood wearing the revealing red gown. Though, Rana felt comfortable, and did not feel exposed or revealing in the slightest.Â
Leaving Aiylaâs side only to go find them drinks, she returned with three champagne flutes in her hand and gave one to each. With a now free hand, she squeezed Aiylaâs hand back. The younger woman was nervous, Rana could recognize it and wished to help soothe her. âI growl at them.â Rana answered, and thought of how sheâd done so with the waiter to get him to stop so she could take drinks off his tray. âThat usually keeps others away.â Growling and snarling had worked earlier in the evening whenever someone tried to approach her. âBut I will not lie to you, I am comfortable being around so many.â She only could put on a good mask⊠under the very real mask.Â
Kadri hadnât been sure about going at first. Large crowds made her jumpy and claustrophobic, reminding her of the circus and all she and her sister had endured there. But then most of the people at her work and others she had met seemed as if they were going, and she had to admit it was probably healthy for her and Aiyla to be out in public like this. Unlike them Rana seemed perfectly at ease, though she suspected that poker face of hers might be misleading. Even now, amidst the full crowd all around them, she could tell her little sister was not able to relax, and honestly neither was she. Yet they were here and as much as her instincts told her to withdraw and run, she fought them.Â
Ranaâs answer made Kadri smile just a little. âIâm not sure its the soundest tactic in the long run though.â she noted, thought without judgement. Growling at people had to be satisfying to some degree. âIâve found using the excuse of going to the bathroom works when I need space.â she offered, not sure if it would be as useful to Aiyla yet it had solved quite a few situations sheâd found herself in. Taking a sip of the flute of champagne, she wrinkled her nose a little. The taste was bitter.. âMe either. Half the time Iâm tempted to turn and run..â she admitted quietly to the other two.