The morning of the wedding arrived with a sky choked by storm clouds, their bellies heavy with unshed rain. Ash stood before the mirror in his chambers, his reflection a stranger clad in black and silver. The tailor had outdone himself—the doublet was embroidered with threads of onyx and platinum, the high collar framing a face that still felt unfamiliar.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. "Enter," he called, his voice steady despite the storm raging in his chest.
The door creaked open, revealing a servant with downcast eyes. "My lord, the carriage awaits. It's time."
Ash nodded, his throat dry. He followed the servant through the castle's winding corridors, his boots echoing against the stone. The air was thick with tension, the kind that precedes a thunderclap.
The chapel loomed ahead, its spires piercing the gray sky. Inside, the air was thick with incense and the murmur of voices. Nobles filled the pews, their masks and finery a kaleidoscope of color. At the altar stood Seraphina, her gown a cascade of black silk and lace, her mask a masterpiece of gold and obsidian.
Ash's breath caught. She was breathtaking, a queen of shadows and light. But her eyes—those frozen violets—were as unreadable as ever.
He took his place beside her, the priest's voice a distant drone as he recited the vows. Ash's mind raced, his fingers tightening around the vial hidden in his sleeve. The Alchemist's words echoed in his mind: *One drop will kill a man in seconds.*
"Do you, Lord Ashton Blackwell, take Lady Seraphina de Voss to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the priest intoned.
Ash hesitated, his gaze locking with Seraphina's. For a moment, he saw something flicker in her eyes—fear, perhaps, or defiance. Then it was gone, replaced by icy resolve.
"I do," he said, his voice carrying through the chapel.
The priest turned to Seraphina. "And do you, Lady Seraphina de Voss, take Lord Ashton Blackwell to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Her lips curved in a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I do."
The priest pronounced them man and wife, and the chapel erupted in applause. Ash took Seraphina's hand, her fingers cold even through her glove, and led her down the aisle.
---
**Scene Break**
The reception was a blur of music, laughter, and poisoned smiles. Ash moved through the crowd like a ghost, his mind racing. He spotted the Duke near the banquet table, his laughter booming as he raised a goblet of wine.
"To the happy couple!" Magnus Blackwell declared, his voice dripping with mockery.
Ash's fingers tightened around the vial. *Now.*
He slipped through the crowd, his heart pounding. As he approached the Duke, he felt Seraphina's gaze on him, sharp and calculating.
"Uncle," Ash said, his tone deferential. "A word?"
Magnus turned, his smile fading. "What is it, boy?"
Ash leaned closer, his voice low. "I know about the northern army. About your plans to betray the Crown."
The Duke's eyes narrowed. "You're a fool if you think you can stop me."
"Maybe," Ash said, his hand tightening around the vial. "But I'm not the only one who knows."
Before Magnus could react, Ash uncorked the vial and let a single drop fall into the Duke's goblet. The liquid shimmered for a moment, then vanished.
Magnus raised the goblet to his lips, his smile returning. "To your health, nephew."
Ash watched as the Duke drank, his heart pounding. The poison would take effect in seconds.
But as Magnus lowered the goblet, his expression twisted in pain. He clutched his chest, his face turning ashen. "You—"
The room erupted in chaos as the Duke collapsed, his body convulsing. Guests screamed, and guards rushed forward, their swords drawn.
Ash stepped back, his mind racing. He had to get to Seraphina.
---
**Scene Break**
He found her in the garden, her gown billowing in the wind. She turned as he approached, her eyes blazing.
"What have you done?" she demanded, her voice low and dangerous.
"What I had to," Ash replied, his tone steady.
She stepped closer, her hand gripping the hilt of her dagger. "You've ruined everything."
"No," Ash said, his gaze locking with hers. "I've given you a chance."
For a moment, she hesitated. Then she drew her dagger, the blade glinting in the moonlight. "You're a fool if you think I'll let you live."
Ash didn't flinch. "Then kill me. But know this—I did it for you."
Her hand trembled, the blade inches from his throat. Then, with a cry of frustration, she lowered the dagger. "Why?"
"Because I couldn't let you become the villain," Ash said softly.
Her breath hitched, and for the first time, her mask slipped. "You don't know me."
"I know enough," Ash replied.
Before she could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed through the garden. Guards appeared, their swords drawn.
"Lady Seraphina, step aside," one commanded.
She hesitated, then turned to Ash. "Run."
He didn't need to be told twice. He turned and fled, his heart pounding as he disappeared into the shadows.
---
**Scene Break**
As Ash vanished into the night, Seraphina stood alone in the garden, her dagger still in hand. The wind tugged at her hair, and for the first time in years, she felt something she thought she'd buried long ago—hope.
But hope was a dangerous thing. And as the guards closed in, she knew the game was far from over.
---