Heaven again

Chapter 1

This was supposed to be the it event at Rosa Nova Academia, but to be honest, it's not as thrilling now that I'm getting older. Even though I do think the Midnight Haze Masquerade is a great, eye-catching event, and as much as I would love to enjoy this magnificent celebration, I certainly can't, not without a dance partner, or even just friends to share the great ambiance and music with. It's not like when we were younger, when nobody cared about what species you were. But now, once you grow up, everyone becomes so much more judgmental. I can't even count how many times I've prayed to the gods to make my horns disappear and replace them with wings and a halo. At least now, I can say that I'm less insecure than I was back then.

The Midnight Haze Masquerade is an annual festival held for the admission of new students, where each guest is obligated to wear a mask, making the reveal of the new students even more intriguing. After the big reveal, we make a toast to the prosperity of the new members. The final act, the most exciting and memorable, is always a classic dance with your partner—or in my case, by yourself. The only thing I could truly enjoy at these events was the fashion. Getting dressed up felt like a relief compared to the other boring days in those stiff, strict uniforms. Now, I could wear whatever I pleased. So, this year—my last year at Rosa Nova—I decided that, after months of practicing my sewing skills, I would make my own dress. A sparkling, jet-black gown that appeared space-blue when the moonlight hit, complete with a gorgeous, noticeable thigh slit. For shoes, I bought a pair of black pointed heels specifically for this occasion. I decided to let my brunette hair down, leaving it free and natural and to complement my dress, I chose a black mask that perfectly matched the look.

As soon as I entered the room, the sound of classical music filled the air. Looking around, I noticed the blue and purple lights of the beautiful midnight sky reflecting in one of the enormous windows. I could already spot some familiar, unpleasant faces, which I could recognize even behind those masks. Deyanira Wilson Samar. The school's favourite faerie, the golden girl of Rosa Nova Academia. Her curly hair, a soft light pink that made her seem almost saintly, and her emerald green eyes were unmistakable. She wore a dress that perfectly complemented her eyes. It was clear that Deyanira wasn't missing an event like this, as always, and not alone—her best friend Venice was with her as well. I could recognize her instantly, just by those piercing blue eyes that I despise. Her long azure hair gently moved around her white, sparkling dress, I'm served a glass of champagne by the champagne server. As I take a delightful sip, I hear footsteps drawing near, followed by whispers and laughter behind me. You've got to be kidding me.

"So, what do we have here, hmm?" Deyanira scoffs, her sarcastic tone instantly making my blood boil.
"Good to see you too, Deyanira," I reply, mimicking her tone.
She and her minion step closer, making sure they're in full view.
"Aw, what a lovely dress you're wearing, Graciela," Venice says, her smile fleeting, as if she honestly thinks I'll buy her fake act.
My mom always told me never to trust mermaids in folklore. They lure sailors with their beauty and songs, only to lead them into danger or doom. Sure, that was centuries ago, but if people are still allowed to judge demons after all these years, I'm certainly allowed to judge them too, right?

"Thank you, Venice. How thoughtful," I said through gritted teeth, my sarcasm barely contained. I could already feel it, the smugness in the air, the expectation that they'd make fun of my dress.
"I can tell you made it, huh? Such a shame it would be if something ruined it, or someone." Deyanira said, her lips curling into a cruel smirk. Before I could even process what was happening, she deliberately splashed her champagne all over my dress. My blood boiled. Oh, she's going down.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" I snapped, shoving her hard. Payback, bitch. She staggered back, her head slamming into one of the cocktail tables, and she crumpled to the floor.
"What's wrong with me?! More like what's wrong with you, you crazy bitch?!" she screamed, her hand flying to her head as she realized blood was spilling down her face.
I froze for a split second, panic creeping in. I'm screwed. The noise and chaos in the room made it feel like everyone was suddenly watching, but I couldn't let this stop me. I looked around, my eyes darting to the bathrooms. Without thinking, I bolted toward them, my heels clicking loudly against the floor.

Behind me, Venice's shrill screams filled the air, calling me every name under the sun, shouting for the adults to come and help Deyanira. I could hear her voice growing more frantic.

If everyone wants to label me as a cruel villainess, then so fucking be it.