How quickly she had allowed herself to forget that nightmares often begin as the most pleasant of dreams.

Averie should have known better. If things seem too good to be true, they often are. And on the night of the Silver Rose Ball, everything had definitely been too good to be real. The Princess laughed without care, danced as if there was no tomorrow, and let the elation of those around her lower her usually high walls. But in Averie's world, happiness and peace are just beautifully constructed illusions. Because once darkness sets its sight on you, genuine happiness isn't an option.

While she smiled out over the crowd, fear swallowed the faces of the ones standing below. Sickly sweet words sounded and pandemonium was unleashed upon the unsuspecting partygoers, painting them red. As Averie struggles to save the ones she can, it may take only a single moment to bring her to her knees.

As Averie contends with her grief, can she still be the Princess people expect her to be?