Chapter 3: The Wedding
"Ouch!" Lirian winced as the silk of the wedding dress brushed against her fresh wounds.
Her father's parting gift haunted her with the sharp sting with every move.
The black fabric clung to her skin.
It was a brave choice in a world demanding purity.
She'd chosen this dress as a symbol of her mourning—for herself, her lost freedom, and the life she was forced into.
As she was led to the carriage, whispers surrounded her, murmurs of the union between two notorious families.
"Perfect match," they said.
"Traitors both."
Her heartbeat was beating faster with each step, but her face showed no emotion.
The road to Gabriel Sylcrest's estate was fast.
The lavish surroundings and fancy decorations only deepened her sense of depression.
She immediately thought of the story she'd read about him—handsome yet cold, with a reputation as dark as his hair was bright.
Arriving at the estate, she was ushered into a grand hall where the ceremony would take place.
The room was full of guests, glaring at her as she moved forward.
Lirian felt every eye like chains, binding her to this unwanted fate.
Then she saw him—Gabriel stood at the altar.
His long silver hair framed a face that was both striking and severe; his golden eyes watched her approach.
Tall and muscular, he seemed every bit the formidable person the rumors described.
Arrogant. Selfish. Petty. Merciless.
They stood side by side, yet none of them even bothered to greet each other.
Not a word passed their lips, but the silence spoke everything they needed to hear.
There was no affection, no warmth—only the cold understanding of a shared destiny neither desired.
The officiant began the ceremony.
Lirian barely listened, she was already thinking of escape, revenge, and survival.
She glanced at Gabriel, wondering what thoughts he had behind those piercing eyes.
The officiant's voice filled the hall.
"Do you, Lady Lirian Nightwind, take Duke Gabriel Sylcrest to be your husband?"
"I do."
"And do you, Duke Gabriel Sylcrest, take Lirian Blackwood to be your wife?"
"I do."
With those words, their fates were sealed.
As the vows were exchanged, her body was calmer.
Gabriel's tone seemed equally impassive, each word he spoke was like a command rather than a promise.
The moment approval passed through the crowd. Lirian caught their sly comments.
"What will he do with her? She has no magic."
"Divorce will follow soon."
The reception that followed was forced with pleasantries.
Lirian played her part, smiling when necessary, but remaining on the man now tied to her fate.
Gabriel stayed close, yet he said nothing, his silence was a fortress wall.
She wondered if he felt any of the dread that consumed her.
At last, they were alone, away from prying eyes.
The atmosphere between them was uncomfortable.
"You didn't have a choice either," she finally said, breaking the silence.
He shrugged, "you didn't because I bought you."
His dismissive and arrogant tone was more painful than Lucius's whip. "Unfortunately," he added.
He looked at her for a long moment, as if trying to understand her words.
"We do what we must to survive."
Lirian nodded, understanding all too well the truth of his statement.
Yet, a part of her yearned for more—for freedom, for a life beyond the shadows of their families' sins.
For now, they were bound together, two reluctant players in a game of power and blood.
And as they faced their destined future, Lirian vowed silently to carve out her own life no matter what.
But with this, she had to leave Rita's name behind forever.
>>>>____<<<<
When the wedding was over, guests rushed out as if they didn't want to be there.
Nightwind family didn't even bother to attend it.
But she thought it was for the best. She also didn't want to see them.
"These are my rules," Gabriel finally said. "You will not look at another man except me, you will not speak with another man except me, and you will not even think about any other man. Do you understand, my dearest wife? I don't like repeating myself twice, so let's get the idea in your head."
"My lord, I agree," said Lirian, looking at the ground.
Gabriel smiled, "at least you're submissive. Not so useless after all."
The word submissive was like a dagger into her mouth.
"Heh!"
"Did you say anything?"
Lirian's heart collided with the darkness that matched her wedding dress.
She managed to form a small smirk on her lips.
"The nerve." She hissed under her breath, watching his shoes.
Gabriel took off her veil and put it aside.
His eyes were like an eagle's, aware and cunning. "Then kiss me, wife."
wife."
"I would rather wrap a rope on my neck than kiss you."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, surprised?
He had never heard these kinds of words, coming from a lady.
But he didn't like it, either.
He got closer and placed his hand on her neck, making her face turn crimson.
"You are my property, my wife. You should do whatever I tell you. And if you don't obey, you'll get a punishment."
"You can kill me, and I will not do anything you say!" She yelled.
He took a deep breath. "Well, my dear wife, then I'll make sure to kill you if you don't listen."
"Tr-try me!" Lirian gasped.
"Any last words?"
"Yes. I want to get a divorce."