30

LUNA

I STOOD IN FRONT OF MY MIRROR, adjusting the collar of the costume Hudson insisted I wear. With a frown, I glanced at my reflection. I hate Hudson. I thought as I gazed at the Snow White costume. The pale yellow shirt and blue bodice felt like an ill-fitting piece of my past. Memories of the past crept into my mind, making me shiver. I'm going to murder him.

"You look beautiful." My mother said, entering the room.

Her eyes sparkled with pride as she admired me. I forced a smile.

"Thanks, Mom."

A shadow fell across my doorway, and I turned to see Hudson leaning against the frame, an arrogant grin plastered on his face. He wore a matching Prince Florian costume, every bit of him charming. It deepened my unease.

"You look ridiculous."

His eyes twinkled with mischief as if he enjoyed my discomfort.

"You always know how to make me blush, Snow."

"Let's just get this over with." I said, eager to leave.

"Not without photos, Snow."

Hudson grinned as if my dismay was his greatest source of entertainment.

"Thank you, Hudson!" My mother said, before running out of my room and calling for us to meet her downstairs.

I stomped forward and punched him in his arm with as much force as possible.

"Ow!" he said, rubbing his arms.

"That's for the ridiculous outfit and the photographic evidence of it!"

"I just want memories for the grandkids!"

My mother returned with a camera, beaming as she snapped photos of us. Hudson squeezed my waist in a spot where he knew I was ticklish. I hit his chest as he burst into laughter. My mother was loving every second. After what felt like an eternity, my mom declared she was done. Hudson extended his arm out to me.

"Are you ready?"

I took his arm and walked out to his truck. The crisp fall air did little to chase away the tension in my chest. As we drove to the dance, I stared out the window, lost in thought.

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The gymnasium was a transformed wonderland of spooky decorations, cobwebs strewn across the ceiling, and orange and purple lights cast an eerie glow. I admired the effort put into the party.

I spotted Maya across the room as we headed for refreshments. I weaved through the costumed crowd and embraced her.

"Well, you look like a cute couple. " She said with a grin.

I sent her a warning glare as Hudson's smirk widened.

"Thank you, Maya, I thought so too." He said, wrapping his arm around my waist. "If you will excuse us, I want to share a dance with my princess. "

He winked at Maya, as if they planned to annoy me together. I followed him to the middle of the dance floor, and he extended his hand to me with a playful glint in his eyes. The moment I placed my hand in his, the song slowed down.

"What are the odds a slow song plays the moment we step onto the dance floor?"

"Likely," he said, biting off a grin. "The DJ owed me a favor, and I collected."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by his statement. Typical Hudson. He pulled me closer until our bodies were flushed together.

"I don't have cooties anymore. You can be closer." He said with a chuckle.

I hesitated for a moment before swaying with him to the melody.

"You better behave yourself tonight," I said. "No fights."

"Scout's honor." He promised, but the glimmer in his eyes made me think otherwise.

While dancing, his eyes revealed something unique. I had grown accustomed to his teasing glances, the mischief that seemed to dance in those deep, blue pools. But as we swayed under the dim lights, I noticed an unfamiliar softness, a warmth that made my heart skip a beat.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You know," he began, his voice low. "I never thought I'd see you in a Snow White outfit again. You look even more enchanting than I remember."

I laughed, rolling my eyes. It was playful rather than annoying this time.

"And I never knew Prince Florian could be such a flirt."

He chuckled, twirling me under his arms.

"I have many talents, and flirting is one of them."

As we danced, he kept up a steady stream of teasing remarks.

"You should thank me for the costume. You look stunning."

I smirked, trying to suppress my amusement.

"For what? For making me relive an embarrassing childhood memory?"

He leaned in closer, his warm breath against my ear.

"Your beauty could make anyone forget that day."

I blushed, the warmth spreading from my cheeks down to my chest.

"You're impossible." I said, unable to keep the smile off my face.

"And yet, here you are," he said, looking into my eyes. "Dancing with me."

We just stared at each other. The world faded into the background. His eyes softened, revealing a flicker of authenticity.

"You know," I said, attempting to break the silence. "You're not the bad boy you pretend to be."

He raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smile.

"Well, you're not the good girl you pretend to be."

"Touche."

The music shifted to a slower tune, and he drew me closer, his arms wrapped around my waist. I rested my head against his shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart against my cheek. The song ended, and we pulled apart; the spell broken.

"Want a drink?" He asked, leaning closer so I could hear him over the music.

"Please."

As he headed to the refreshment table, I spotted Maya at her table. She looked at me with a smug grin. Here we go.

"You looked very cozy."

I should have known wouldn't waste an opportunity to dig at my relationship with Hudson.

"Maya, you know it's all for show."

She placed her chin in her hands, far too pleased with the situation.

"If that was acting, then you deserve an Oscar. "

Ignoring her, I shrugged and attempted to change the subject by pointing out some outfits of people who walked past us. We were having a fun time laughing when Cynthia approached us, dressed as Cinderella. Her face had a smug look. I braced myself for the inevitable confrontation.

"Hey, Luna." She said. "You look cute ."

"Thanks."

She ran her hands down her dress to draw our attention to the expensive material.

"Do you like my dress?"

"No." Maya said before I could answer.

Cynthia ignored her and turned her attention back to me. Her eyes were as cold as ice.

"Austin bought it for me. Tomorrow is our six-month anniversary."

I wanted to tell her not to brag, but it hit me like a punch. We were dating six months ago . Anger bubbled up inside me, and before I could think, I lunged at her, unable to contain my fury.I grabbed a handful of her dress, grinning in wicked satisfaction as I heard it shred. A chaotic scuffle ensued as we tumbled onto a table laden with decorations. We tore down streamers and carved pumpkins. I didn't care that I was causing a scene. I was hell-bent on hurting her.

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