Yulia was both nervous and excited. She was wearing a shiny black dress that she had borrowed from Rowan and her favourite boots. She had braided her long dark hair and twisted it up into a bun, securing it with sparkly clips, and was trying to apply a little bit of makeup that was subtle enough to enhance her features but not look like she was trying too hard; it was a nightmare!
She was going out to the Christmas eve/Ignat day party at Ilinka’s house, and although she had been assured that it was fairly informal and should be good fun, she was worried about going out in society again and being scrutinised. What if they could somehow see how damaged she was.
It didn’t help that Lance had been funny with her all week. He had been moody and quiet, but whe
