Alaric woke up early, sunlight streaming through his curtains, a gentle warmth that seemed to match the excitement bubbling in his chest. Tomorrow was his wedding day—a monumental moment that would unite two powerful families and, more importantly, bring him closer to Evelyn, the love of his life.
As he sat on the edge of his bed, stretching out the stiffness of sleep, a grin spread across his face. He couldn't help but think about how far he had come, how his journey had led him to this point. Every relative had arrived, filling the estate with life, laughter, and the scent of anticipation.
Alaric dressed quickly and headed downstairs, the hum of activity greeting him as he descended. The grand hall was alive with conversations and the sound of children's laughter. Servants moved briskly, attending to last-minute preparations, while the family mingled and enjoyed each other's company.