Your heart raced in your chest.

So this was the man you were pledged to—a name that, for years, had served as a definition for danger.

Calcharo, the known Mafia leader of the Hounds. He exuded authority and power that was almost impossible to ignore, hence why he was a mafia leader in the first place. His sharp eyes glance at you briefly before returning to the gathered guests, your family's allies and his mercenaries.

Your marriage was arranged, a vow forged not out of love but need and strategy. It was all about need and gain, wasn't it? Never because of your own interest, but your family's own likeness.

In this roof you lived under, you could never have anything you want for your own.

That would only indicate that the marriage has been sealed.

Though as the night progresses to an end, you decided to go outside to catch at least a glimpse of the outside world and how it would feel to have some freedom of your own will, even for one last time, only to be followed suit by your newly-wedded husband.

Calcharo's silver eyes meet yours, the hardness in them seems to soften. "You seem puzzled, my lady." he presses on, his voice a deep, resonant timbre.