Ryder strode into the grand hall, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Caleb, his best friend and confidant. Caleb, a fellow siren, stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the gardens below.
"Ryder, what's the hurry?" Caleb asked, noticing the urgency in Ryder's step.
"We need to prepare for Arya's wedding," Ryder announced, his voice low and serious.
Caleb's eyes narrowed. "Already? I thought we had more time."
Ryder shook his head. "Roham wants the ceremony to take place within two days. We need to make sure everything is perfect."
Caleb's expression turned skeptical. "And you're okay with this? You know Roham's reputation, Ryder."
Ryder's eyes clouded, and he glanced around the room, ensuring they were alone. "I'll explain later, Caleb. Just trust me on this one."
Meanwhile, in Arya's chambers, Madison, a quiet and efficient maid, entered with a gentle knock.
"Arya, I have some news from Ryder," Madison said, her voice soft.
Arya looked up from her book, a hint of curiosity on her face. "What is it?"
Madison hesitated before speaking. "Ryder says...your wedding to Roham will take place in two days."
Arya's eyes widened, and she felt a flutter in her chest. "Two days?!" she exclaimed, a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Madison nodded. "I'm to help you prepare, Arya. We'll need to work quickly to get everything ready."
As Madison began to outline the preparations, Arya's mind reeled with the sudden deadline. She had always dreamed of marrying Roham, but the reality of it was daunting.
Back in the grand hall, Caleb's expression turned stern. "Ryder, what's going on? You can't seriously expect me to believe you're okay with Arya marrying Roham."
Ryder's eyes dropped, and he rubbed the back of his neck. "I owe Roham a debt, Caleb. A debt I can never fully repay."
Caleb's eyes narrowed. "What kind of debt?"
Ryder's voice barely above a whisper. "I went to Roham for help when Adriana...when she died. He brought her back to me, Caleb. But at a price."
Caleb's face paled. "Arya? He wants Arya as payment?"
Ryder nodded, his eyes filled with regret. "I had no choice, Caleb. I would do anything to keep Adriana safe."
Caleb's expression turned cold, his voice laced with anger. "You're sacrificing Arya's happiness for your own guilt. What about what she wants?"
Ryder's jaw clenched. "I know it's not ideal, but I have to protect my family. And if that means Arya marries Roham, then so be it."
Caleb's eyes blazed with fury, but he bit back his retort. Instead, he turned and stalked away, leaving Ryder to wonder if he had just made a grave mistake.
Little did Ryder know, Caleb's anger was fueled by a secret: his own forbidden love for Arya.