Abraxas stood at the end of the aisle, wearing an excited smile that didn’t reach his eyes. In truth, he was bored out of his mind and eager for the whole ordeal to be over. Marriage, to him, had never been romantic or grand, it was business, a way to preserve bloodlines and secure alliances. That was why he hadn’t protested the arranged marriage, unlike his soon-to-be wife, who had fought tooth and nail against it. Her resistance had been more exhausting than entertaining. She’d refused to take part in planning, so her mother had done it all herself.

The ceremony, while lacking any personal touch, was undeniably stunning. Rows of white roses lined the aisle, their soft petals glowing under enchanted floating lights. Elegant ivory drapes cascaded from the high ceiling of the manor’s grand hall, catching the golden shimmer of candlelight. Delicate crystal charms floated lazily in the air, occasionally catching the light like stars. Every table was wrapped in imported silk and set with goblets of enchanted glass. Abraxas noted the presence of many high-ranking pureblood families, their eyes flicking between him and the aisle with polite curiosity.

He checked his watch. She was late. The audacity. If she’d truly fled and left him at the altar, humiliated him in front of all these people, he swore he would— Then she appeared. Everyone stood and turned. Abraxas did too, narrowing his eyes as she stepped forward. Her walk was hesitant, forced, but under her mother’s pointed glare, she pasted on a dazzling smile. Her gown was breathtaking, an off-shoulder creation of white fabric with embroidery winding like vines across the bodice and down the flowing skirt. Tiny pearls shimmered at her waist, and her veil trailed behind like mist. As she neared, he studied her more closely. Her complexion was smooth, flawless, but her eyes gave her away. Red at the edges, likely from tears, though she hid it well behind a cold, sharp glare. The ceremony began.