Chapter 56

I couldn’t help but laugh at their commentary as I tried on gown after gown. There was a sapphire blue dress with sparkling gems sewn into the bodice that Kaden said made me look like a " goddess of the sea." Then there was a pale lavender gown with layers of tulle, which he insisted made me look like I belonged in a fairy court.

But none of them felt quite right. Each dress was stunning, but they didn’t feel like me.

Then, the shopkeeper pulled out one final gown—a light dusty blue chiffon gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a corset bodice covered in delicate flower lace. The skirt flowed out elegantly, not too full, but with just enough weight to give it a small train that trailed behind me. The color was soft, almost ethereal, and the fabric felt like air against my skin. As I slipped into it, I could feel something shift. This was different. This was the one. I had a slit going all the way up to my thigh, not revealing much at all.

I stepped out of the dressing room, smoothing the fabric nervously as I approached the mirror. My breath caught in my throat as I took in my reflection. The dress hugged my curves in all the right places, the corset bodice accentuating my waist while the chiffon skirt floated gracefully around me. My long, wavy white hair cascaded just below my breasts, the soft color of the gown bringing out the icy blue of my eyes. I looked… regal.

For a moment, I was speechless. I glanced at myself in the mirror again, turning slightly to catch the way the dress moved with me, its small train sweeping elegantly across the floor. It was perfect.
I turned around to see Kaden’s reaction, expecting another playful remark. But when I met his gaze, I found him standing still, just staring at me. His eyes were wide, his mouth slightly open, and for once, he seemed at a loss for words. His usual easy grin was gone, replaced by something deeper, something more intense. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, but there was no mistaking the way he swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he took me in.

" Oh, now you have nothing to say?" I teased, trying to break the silence, though my heart was racing at the look in his eyes.

Kaden blinked, his gaze softening slightly as he pushed off the wall and took a step toward me. " I… you look…" He trailed off, his voice rougher than usual. He cleared his throat, his eyes never leaving mine. " You look incredible, Meara."

His words sent a warm rush through me, and I couldn’t help but smile. " No silly comment this time?"

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. " No. This one… there’s nothing silly about it."

In my mind, I could hear Merilla's voice again, her tone smug. " I think we broke him. He’s completely speechless."

I bit my lip to hold back a laugh as Kaden continued to watch me, his gaze lingering on every detail. There was something in the way he looked at me that made my skin tingle, something in his eyes that made my heart race. For once, there were no jokes, no teasing remarks—just quiet admiration.

Finally, he stepped closer, his hand reaching out to take mine. " You’re going to steal the show at the ball," he murmured, his voice low as his fingers brushed against my skin. " I don’t think I’ll be able to take my eyes off you."

I blushed, my heart fluttering at his words. There was a sincerity in his tone that left me breathless, a vulnerability I hadn’t seen in him before. For a moment, we just stood there, his hand in mine, the world outside the shop fading away.

" Well," I said softly, trying to lighten the mood even as my pulse raced. " I suppose that means this is the dress."

Kaden nodded, his lips curving into a slow smile.

" Definitely the dress."


*****


Kaden wanted me to get in more training before our departure to the Water Kingdom. I could feel the mix of excitement and nerves buzzing beneath my skin, a constant hum that kept me on edge. The upcoming The Crystal-Light Ball had been consuming my thoughts, but Kaden, as usual, was laser-focused on my progress. And today, he had something specific in mind for our training session.

Merilla and Luka were both lounging lazily in the sun, sprawled out on the warm ground as Kaden and I faced each other. Merilla’s white fur glistened in the light, and Luka's imposing figure made for an almost comical contrast as the two creatures lay side by side in a rare moment of calm.

Kaden had me working on summoning my magic more easily—calling on it without needing to concentrate or overthink. It was a difficult task, but I knew he was right. If I wanted to improve, I had to reach a point where I could use my power instinctively, without hesitation.

" Watch," Kaden said, his voice steady as he held up his hand. His fingers crackled with sparks of blue lightning, electric tendrils dancing across his skin. The energy pulsed through the air, fierce and deadly, yet beautiful in its precision.

I couldn't help but be captivated by his power. He made it look so effortless, as if controlling that raw, destructive force was as simple as breathing. My eyes lingered on him, taking in the way his expression remained calm despite the surge of energy he wielded. This man—this king—was responsible for uniting four kingdoms, a task that seemed impossible to me, yet he carried it on his shoulders with such ease.

I looked down at my own hand, where a small flame of blue fire flickered in my palm. It was nothing compared to the lightning that crackled in Kaden’s grasp, but it was mine. My power. My FrostFire.
With a deep breath, I focused on the flame, willing it to grow. The fire pulsed, flickering stronger for a moment before shrinking back. I bit my lip in frustration. It was still difficult for me to control the intensity, especially when my emotions were involved.

" Don’t force it," Kaden said softly, his voice breaking through my concentration. " Let it flow naturally. You’re thinking too much."

I nodded, inhaling deeply and trying to relax. I allowed the flame to dance in my palm, feeling its heat mix with the cold energy that came with my FrostFire. It was a strange sensation, the simultaneous warmth and chill, but I was slowly growing accustomed to it.

Suddenly, a bright light shot out, blinding us. It was coming from where Merilla lay.

" Merilla!" I called out, my heart leaping into my throat. Panic gripped me as I took a step toward her, ready to run to her side, but Kaden’s strong hand grabbed hold of my arm.
" Meara, wait," he said, his voice calm yet firm.

I looked at him in confusion, my body tensing. " What’s happening?" I asked, the worry evident in my voice.

He smiled; his eyes gleaming with understanding.

" She’s emerging."

My breath caught in my throat. Emerging? Then it hit me—what Merilla had once told me about her eventual transformation. She had said that as my powers grew, she would change as well, morphing into a new body that mirrored my own growth. It was part of the bond we shared, part of the magic that connected us.

I glanced back at Merilla, who was still engulfed in the blinding light. Luka was sitting patiently, his tail wagging in excitement as if he understood what was happening. Kaden, too, was watching with a calm anticipation, while I stood frozen, torn between awe and worry.

The light began to dim, and slowly, a new form emerged from the glow. My heart raced as the shape took on clarity—a massive figure, powerful and majestic. When the light fully dissipated, my breath caught in my chest.

Standing where Merilla had been, was a tiger. A huge, magnificent white tiger with black stripes that ran sleekly across her fur. She was enormous, even larger than the average tiger from the human world. Her size was nearly on par with Luka’s, her muscles rippling beneath her coat with every subtle movement. But her eyes—her eyes were still the same piercing blue, sharp and familiar.

I stared in awe, unable to believe what I was seeing. Merilla had transformed into something far more powerful than I could have ever imagined. She was a force of nature, a perfect embodiment of strength and grace. And she was mine.

Without thinking, I ran toward her, excitement bubbling up inside me. I couldn’t contain the joy that surged through me at seeing her new form. " Merilla!" I cried, throwing my arms around her neck as I buried my face in her soft fur. She was even more magnificent up close, her warmth and strength radiating through me.