RAYA BANKS

I immediately want to back out and scamper down the Burning City Castle foyer when I enter the high tower of the banquet hall to be assaulted with a wash of colors and scents.

The high dome-shaped ceiling of the banquet hall had me squinting at the twirl of multi-colored ribbons and bows that sagged from the pinpoint center, catching the bright wash of fluorescent light so that it glowed oddly.

“Aren't you coming in?” I squeaked louder than I had wanted to and ignored the nettle-armored guard at the doorway as his head snapped sideways to look at me, focusing instead on the sweaty-faced maiden who had...