Page 48 of Daughter of Shadows and Ash

Through my darkness, Oryn blazed like the sun itself. I'd surrendered to his light, to the intoxicating feeling of being loved.

"And wait until you see your dress! It's fit for a goddess."

Guilt clawed at my insides.

I'd fallen in love with Oryn, truly and deeply. His kindness, his warmth, the way he looked at me like I hung the stars in the sky... it was everything I'd ever dreamed of. But was I betraying everything else I held dear by choosing this path?

You're choosing life,Maël's voice cut through my doubts.You have a mate, Lor, blessed by the gods themselves. Would you risk their wrath by turning your back on such a gift?

The mere thought of leaving Oryn, of shattering his heart, left me breathless with pain. I loved him. I craved this life with him. But my unfinished business loomed over me like a guillotine blade.

Maël's words echoed in my mind like a prayer. Mates were sacred, Oryn had told me, as rare as stars blazing across the sky. The window beckoned, promising freedom to continue my hunt for Johan, but would the gods curse me for such defiance? Would I spend my life running, forever chasing shadows?

"Alora, are you alright?" Luella's concerned voice broke through my spiraling thoughts.

I forced a smile. "Yes, just... overwhelmed."

She squeezed my shoulder gently. "Everyone gets wedding nerves. But when you see Prince Oryn waiting for you, the world will right itself. Besides, you'll drive him mad looking this beautiful." Her laugh chimed like silver bells. She knew well how Oryn pursued me, from stolen moments in the library to every mundane escort through the palace halls.

I wanted to believe her promises of peace. Rising from the bath with Luella's help, I faced my reflection. A stranger stared back, caught between shadow and sunlight, belonging to neither.

She helped me into my wedding gown, the ivory silk flowed down my body, a lace covered corset accentuated my curves, with tiny gems sewn into the light material. Luella laced up the back, her enthusiasm bubbling over as she couldn't contain her joy as we both inspected the finished look. In her eyes, I could tell she saw a princess, one who treated her lady's maid as her equal, a romantic notion of a commoner turned royal.

I saw something else entirely, a fraud wearing silk and gems, a shadow masquerading as sunlight, a girl whose quest for revenge would forever stain her mate's golden name.

"Oh, Alora, you look absolutely breathtaking! Prince Oryn won't be able to take his eyes off you."

I forced a smile, grateful for her warmth, my fingers twisting in my lap to hide their trembling. As I sat at the vanity, Luella carefully pinned my hair, weaving in small white flowers that glowed like captured starlight against my dark strands, each bloom a delicate contrast between light and shadow.

"Oh, I almost forgot! A letter came in for you, my lady," she said, handing me an envelope.

I recognized Augustus' familiar scrawl immediately. Relief flooded through me as I read his words, he had departed early that morning, before dawn could paint the sky. I was thankful he'd be safe from whatever storm my choices might unleash, but his absence still left an ache in my chest.

As we prepared to leave for the ceremony, Magnus appeared at the door, striking in his formal uniform.

"You look radiant, Lady Alora," he said, his usual gruffness softened by genuine admiration.

We began our walk to the great hall, my nerves wreaking internal havoc with each step. Suddenly, I turned to Magnus.

"Magnus, would you... would you walk me down the aisle? Augustus won't be able to, and I-"

"It would be my honor, my lady," he replied, his voice thick with emotion.

With a grateful nod. Augustus's absence would raise few eyebrows. Most viewed him as a frail old man, and his poor health would provide a convenient excuse. Still, appearing without an escort would set the palace gossips aflame. Magnus was the next best choice.

We found Shefferd waiting at the grand hall's towering doors. His sweat dampened suit stretched tight across his frame as he directed the staff with frantic gestures.

"Excellent timing. We must proceed," he pressed a bouquet of golden flowers into my hands while hurrying Luella toward her next task. Magnus offered his arm and I took it, trying to hide my trembling.

"You'll make a fine princess, my lady," Magnus murmured as the ancient hinges groaned, "and one day, you'll be a great queen."

The moment we crossed the threshold, my gaze found Oryn. He stood resplendent at the altar, his golden hair blazing in the sunlight. His formal attire and gleaming medals transformed him from the casual prince I knew into every inch a royal heir. Our gazes locked, and heat surged through our bond, a sun bright tide of emotion.

Every step toward him, I felt the weight of our connection grow stronger. The bond thrummed between us like a living thing, each pulse sending shivers of golden warmth cascading through my veins, making my skin tingle as if touched by sunlight. By the time I reached the altar, the world beyond us dissolved into nothing but whispers. There was only us, our hands clasped together, our hearts beating as one.

This was the path I needed. To hell with every "what if" that plagued my mind before. I could have everything, my revenge against Johan, my mate, my future. No one would ever know. My heart twisted painfully in my chest, torn between the burning need for vengeance and the pure, golden love radiating through our bond. I could listen to Maël's voice in my head and just... just live. The thought settled in my chest like a prayer, a desperate hope that maybe, just maybe, I could find peace in Oryn's arms without sacrificing the justice my grandmother deserved.

Elvirana stood before us, her red and golden robes catching the light as she raised her hands to begin the ceremony. Herpower brushed against my skin like static electricity, making the shadows within me curl and retreat from her probing magic.

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