Aurora sat stiffly in front of the mirror, her eyes cast downward as Nanny Su braided her hair. Her heart felt heavy with dread.
As Nanny Su's fingers weaved the strands together, Aurora's mind raced with the terrifying rumors about Lord Adrian. Wolves devouring human flesh, their sharp claws and teeth tearing apart unsuspecting victims. The thought of living with one, surrounded by an entire pack, made her skin crawl.
Her thoughts drifted to Aster, her childhood love, the one person who had ever made her feel truly seen and loved. She remembered the way he smiled, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners, the way his touch made her feel safe. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she realized she might never see him again.
"Your highness, you mustn't frown on your wedding day," Nanny Su said, her voice conveying a hint of sadness.
Aurora forced a weak smile, her heart heavy with sorrow. She knew she had no choice but to go through with the marriage, but her soul rebelled against the fate that awaited her.
As they descended into the grand hall, the murmur of the crowd grew louder. Aurora's heart raced with every step, her eyes fixed on the figure waiting at the altar. Lord Adrian's piercing gaze met hers, his expression unreadable.
The ceremony began, and Aurora's mind wandered to Aster once more. She remembered the way he made her laugh, the way his eyes sparkled in the sunlight. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she realized she might never experience that joy again.
As the priest declared them husband and wife, Aurora felt a sense of suffocation. Lord Adrian's hand grasped hers, his fingers cold and firm. She forced a smile, her heart heavy with sorrow.
The reception was a blur of faces and words, Aurora's mind numb, she just forced a smile on her face when she felt like she had to.