The echoes of the chaotic ceremony still reverberated in Elara's mind as she stormed through the castle corridors, her heart pounding with a mix of anger and betrayal. She could hardly believe that Mira, her childhood friend, had unleashed dark magic during what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of her life. The guests had scattered in fear, and the joyous atmosphere had turned to one of confusion and dread.Elara found Mira standing in a secluded alcove, her face pale but defiant. "Mira!" Elara called, her voice trembling with emotion. "We need to talk!"Mira turned slowly, her expression a mix of surprise and annoyance. "What do you want, Elara? Have you come to berate me for ruining your precious wedding?"Ruining it? You nearly destroyed everything!" Elara shot back, her anger bubbling over. "How could you do that? You've been my friend for years!"Mira crossed her arms, a bitter smile creeping onto her lips. "Friend? Is that what you call it? You were always the golden girl—the one everyone adored. I was just the shadow, always in your wake."Elara felt a pang of guilt mixed with confusion. "That's not true! I never wanted to overshadow you. I thought we were in this together."Together?" Mira scoffed, stepping closer. "You're marrying a man who doesn't even know you! Do you think this union will bring happiness? It's a trap! A way for our families to gain power at the expense of our freedom."Mira, this is not just about us," Elara replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "It's about our kingdoms. We have responsibilities."Responsibilities?" Mira echoed mockingly. "You mean shackles! You've chosen to bind yourself to a man who doesn't care about your dreams or your desires! He's using you just as much as your family is!"Elara took a step back, hurt flashing across her face. "You don't know him like I do! Kaelan has been nothing but kind and supportive."Kind?" Mira spat, her voice rising. "He's charming, yes, but charm can hide the darkness. You're too blinded by love to see it!"A heavy silence fell between them as Elara grappled with Mira's words. Was she so naive? Could Kaelan be hiding something sinister beneath his handsome exterior? The doubt gnawed at her insides."Mira," Elara said finally, her voice softening, "I thought you wanted what was best for me. Why would you resort to dark magic and sabotage?"Mira's expression shifted from anger to something more vulnerable—a flicker of pain that caught Elara off guard. "Because I'm tired of being overlooked! I'm tired of being the one left behind while you get everything handed to you on a silver platter!"Elara felt the weight of Mira's resentment settles heavily on her heart. It was true; she had always been the favoured daughter, the one everyone celebrated. But she had never asked for it—never wanted it at the cost of their friendship."I never wanted this for us," Elara said softly, tears welling in her eyes. "I wanted us to be happy together."Mira shook her head vehemently, tears glistening in her own eyes now. "You don't understand! This isn't just about you and me; it's about power! I deserve more than being your shadow!"Then why not support me instead of trying to tear everything down?" Elara pleaded."Because I can't stand by and watch you throw away your life!" Mira shouted back, desperation lacing her voice. "This marriage will ruin you!"Elara felt torn between loyalty to her friend and the responsibilities thrust upon her by her family and kingdom. The weight of their shared history pressed down on her like an anchor pulling her under."Mira," she said softly, stepping closer despite the tension between them, "I don't want to lose you as my friend."But you already are," Mira replied bitterly. "You've chosen your path; I'll choose mine."With that final declaration hanging in the air like a dark cloud, Mira turned away from Elara and walked into the shadows of the corridor, leaving Elara standing alone in the dim light.As tears streamed down Elara's cheeks, she felt a profound sense of loss wash over her—loss not only for Mira but also for the friendship they once shared so freely. She had hoped they could navigate this tumultuous time together but now found herself adrift in uncertainty.With each step away from Mira's retreating figure, Elara felt more isolated than ever—torn between two worlds: one filled with love and duty and another shadowed by betrayal and resentment.As she stood there in the empty corridor, she realized that tomorrow would not only mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life but also present challenges that would test not only her heart but also the bonds she held dear.