Marcellus grabbed Raven’s waist, pulling her closer, running his other hand gently up her back, straightening her spine, fixing her posture for the “Twilight Step,” the most important dance of the ‘Allgante’. She blushed but adjusted and tried to remember this stance for the millionth time as Tyreis, Marcellus’ chosen attendant for this session, started the music again. “Don’t worry, sweet. You are nearly perfection,” Marcellus murmured into her ear before spinning her into the next step. On cue, Tyreis stepped in for the partner change, pulling Raven close as he led them into the first position of the dance. She grinned with pleasure, happy that the partner exchange was seamless. As instructed, Tyreis began to make small talk, as tradition calls; partners were to talk briefly as they danced.

“Now, now, don't be nervous, lovely. For Marcellus can be a bit of a tyrant, and you have accomplished so much in these last few days. He is only now showing his tyrant ways by making you practice up to the last minute.” Tyreis rolled his eyes before spinning Raven into the 6th position. “But let your dear feet fret not. If we don't begin readying you for tonight's grand soiree, I fear we may miss it altogether, and all this practicing will be for nothing.” Raven smiled, biting back a laugh as Marcellus appeared for the partner change.

Abruptly, Marcellus stopped the dance and signaled for Tyreis to stop the music. “While I do not like being called a tyrant,” he looked sharply at Tyreis, who seemed unfazed by his master’s look of disapproval, “however, I must admit we must begin your transformation.”

“Transformation?” Raven asked as she sat on the nearest chair, removing her practice shoes. She knew today was the day of the event. The last few days had been a pampered hell. Marcellus meticulously criticized her every move and personally oversaw each of her personalized etiquette lessons, becoming her dance instructor with Tyreis chosen as his assistant for the task. She had come to love Tyreis' sarcasm as he was just what Marcellus needed when he became obsessive in his lessons.

“Yes, Transformation, Sweet. Tonight is the night we have been preparing for!” He ran a hand through his purple curls before calling for more attendants. “We must begin before the hour of the party sneaks up on us. Lacielle, my dear?”

“Yes, Master,” she said, appearing gracefully, her sheer fabrics flowing around her in a shimmery mass.

“Please see to it that she is made ready for me to supervise her fitting and attire for tonight's affair. I was THOROUGHLY unsatisfied with her appearance from her introductory breakfast, and I refuse to allow a mess to be made over my darling, Sweet again.”

“Of course, Master,” Lacielle said with a sparkling smile before two other beautiful attendants appeared beside her, and she began quietly instructing them as Marcellus continued to speak.

“Now, Raphhhhhaeel,” he called lovingly. “Come now, darling.”

A very tall and handsome man with luscious dark braids decorated with golden beads appeared in the doorway. The blue shimmery robe barely covered his chest, and even Raven blushed at his pure handsomeness. His face seemed annoyed, however. “I told you not to call me ‘darling’, master. It's embarrassing,” he said, his voice like a deep caress echoing through the room. He walked forward, interrupting Lacielle, giving her a very sloppy kiss while keeping his eyes mischievously on Marcellus. He stopped and smiled. Lacielle blushed and continued speaking with the attendants as if the exchange had not happened.

“You are to wash and style her hair for tonight. I expect perfection,” Marcellus said, unbothered by Raphael's actions. “Save your mischief for after your success. I have been granted permission by the Grand Council and my Lady Selene to personally oversee this preparation. I’ll reward you all IF I'm satisfied. Dismissed.”

Raven watched wide-eyed as Marcellus exited, and the attendants began to move around the room with lightning speed. The entire process of bathing was pure magic, as she expected to be escorted to the crystal bath that she had been bathing in the last few days, but instead, she was taken to Marcellus’s private bath deep within the suite. It was an indoor hot spring dug from the magical grounds of Amber City where the Palace resides. “This water will completely purify you and may feel a bit strange at first,” Lacielle whispered as she helped her undress and enter the water. Just as her foot touched the water, she felt a cooling sensation in her core despite the water's warm touch. “It's okay, the faster you cover yourself in the water, the sooner your body will adjust.” Without hesitation, Raven dunked herself completely into the water and let the feelings of cool and warmth overtake her. When she popped her head out of the water, Lacielle and the three other attendants were there, scrubbing her from head to toe before swiftly helping her out of the water, covering her with oils and perfumes before wrapping her in a soft fluffy white towel. She was then brought to a very brightly lit room that was set up like a fancy salon. She was seated, and two attendants began working on her nails and toes; she tried her best to remain still as the ladies skillfully polished each nail a milky-white color, setting a single crescent-shaped diamond in the center of each.

“Okay, ladies, beautiful job.” Raven looked up with surprise as Marcellus and Raphael entered the room. “I have finalized my decision on tonight's attire. Lacielle?” He handed her a golden envelope, which Raven suspected had his instructions inside.

“Right away, sir,” she said, taking the envelope, and exiting the room.

"Now, my darling, we shall enhance your beauty. Raphael, commence," Marcellus instructed. Raven felt as if she were in a magical trance as Raphael’s robust hands worked their enchantment on her scalp. Unaware of the magic he wielded, her hair seemed to dance to an otherworldly rhythm. Raphael intricately braided the sides of her hair, leaving the middle cascading freely. Effortlessly, he coaxed her wild curls into exquisite dark ringlets that flowed down her back, with two curls left free at her temples. His commanding figure loomed over her as he deftly swirled each curl into place. She watched as he removed one of his golden beads from one of his long braids, and with a sparkle, they began to multiply in his hands, rising like golden sparks, adorning her braids in a magical show.

“Now, now don’t overdo it,” Marcellus said, watching Raphael intensely as his enchantment delicately styled Raven's dark tresses.

“You wanted perfection, did you not?” Raphael responded with a smug grin before spinning Raven around to be seen by Marcellus.

“Ohh, I do apologize, my darling Raphael. This is indeed perfection!” Marcellus exclaimed, coming forward to closely inspect his work. He had styled her hair into a braided mohawk with golden and silver accents woven into the braided design and somehow entwined with her curls. Each curl seemed intentional in its placement. “No time to waste, Sweet. Now onto Lacielle. Time is weighing upon us.” 

Swiftly, Raven followed Marcellus, relying on his assurance that her hair looked as stunning as he described, as she hadn't had the chance to catch a glimpse of herself. Covering only a short distance, they entered another room where Lacielle and the other attendant stood beside a concealed mannequin. Marcellus guided her toward the ladies before unveiling a dress that elicited a gasp from Raven.

“Yes, Sweet. That's the reaction I was hoping for,” Marcellus said matter-of-factly before signaling one of the attendants to begin removing the dress from the form. “The event will be held at an enclosed sacred space outdoors, and tonight is predicted to be rather chilly.” Raven followed Lacielle behind a beautiful partition screen to begin putting on the dress. Marcellus opted for a contemporary ensemble, far from the traditional white robes she had worn during her introductory breakfast. She blushed as she delicately pulled the soft, snug fabric up against her skin. Up close, she could see the marvelous detail of intricate gold and diamond fibers woven into the dress. The patterns were just like the ancient designs that decorated the Palace. While Lacielle and the attendants worked on the back adjustments, a blush crept over Raven's cheeks as she observed the dress's front. Delicate sheer fabric stretched across the center of the gown, adorned with golden threads that mimicked the refined yet untamed marks of wolf claws running along the sides. 

 "Now I understand why Lacielle mentioned I wouldn't need undergarments tonight."

Raven stood still, the ladies finalizing the provocative dress, before she emerged for Marcellus to behold.

“You are the epitome of beauty,” he declared, his voice a deep, resonant approval. A sparkling smile adorned his face as he signaled Raphael, casting an inquisitive glance at Raven. “Yes, I've opted for a modern look; however, we shall pay homage to your Great Family House by adding a delicate and classic touch. The Box?”

Raphael stepped forth, bearing a large, shiny black onyx box adorned with ancient gold accents. It appeared quite heavy as he held it, while Marcellus waved his hand over the box, whispering an incantation. Swathed in blue silk, Marcellus unveiled a luxurious white fur, draping it around her shoulders. “This is one of the few relics that remain of the Great House of Alistair, descendants of the Moonlight Clan, your family. Our true leaders.”

As his words concluded, the floor quivered, and a cascade of swift footsteps resonated in the room. Royal guards emerged, forming a line, and one among them advanced, offering a bow to Marcellus before speaking, “Greetings Master Marcellus, I, Renard of this division of the Amber City Royal Guards, am here as scheduled by the Grand Council. I am here as scheduled by the Grand Council to present to Lady Selene and escort you all to tonight's festivities.”

"Ah, right on time," Marcellus purred as he gracefully began to disrobe, leisurely moving toward the partition screen, prompting Raven to avert her eyes with a delicate blush. The rhythmic click of stilettos resonated, and a cadre of attendants, draped in opulent gowns, materialized, elegantly stepping aside to unveil Lady Selene. Draped in a long silver gown, its enchanted hem resembling cascading water, she wore a black and white fur shawl with an intermittent blue sparkle, akin to fleeting electricity. A daring choice—dark black lipstick, a stark contrast to her usual light glitters and pinks. Coming to a halt, she fixed her gaze on Raven, tears glistening in her eyes as she scrutinized her from head to toe. She marveled, noticing that even Raven’s posture exuded newfound elegance.

"What perfection," she breathed, stunned by Raven's remarkable transformation.