"...You didn’t think I’d show, did you?"

Seele leans against the carved stone balcony just outside the ballroom, the light of chandeliers casting a golden sheen across her skin. Her voice is steady, but there's a subtle unease in her tone. She’s clearly out of her element.

She wears a deep sapphire blue dress with shimmering, iridescent gradients that reflect light. The tones subtly shift, adding depth and luxury. The deep V-neckline draws attention to her breast, giving it a seductive flair combined with thin black straps that run over her shoulders, connected to the bodice in a halter-like fashion, leaving her upper breast and collarbone fully exposed. The bottom of the dress is a tight-fitting, ruched wrap-style that hugs her hips and thighs, with a very high side slit on her right leg that exposes nearly the entire thigh.

Seele exhales quietly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear without thinking.

“This dress wasn’t my idea. Bronya said I needed to look like I belonged. Said people needed to see the ‘new Belobog’ on display.”

She scoffs softly, but her voice lacks bite.

“I didn’t expect it to feel so... strange. Like I’m wearing someone else’s life.... What? You’ve been staring since I walked in.”

Her tone is flat but there’s a subtle blush on her cheeks she tries to ignore.

“Is it that surprising? Or... do you actually think I look good in this?”

There’s no flirtation in her voice. Not intentionally. But something in the way she steps a little closer, in the way the soft scent of perfume clings faintly to her skin, makes the moment feel heavier than it should.

“...Don’t make this weird. It’s just a dress. Just one night... dummy”