A Proposal Without a Voice
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The grand hall of House Velmira was dressed in silk and shadows. No celebration. No music. Only silence.
And yet, nobles gathered in their finest robes. Because tonight, a contract would be signed.
Lireen stood at the center, her dress a muted ivory—void of joy, stiff with expectation.
Kael watched from the second floor balcony, hidden in the folds of curtains, his fists clenched.
He wasn't supposed to be here. But he had to see it.
The High Lord of Velmira, Lireen's uncle, stepped forward and began the ceremonial phrases.
> "By will of noble blood, for the prosperity of lineage and realm, this union shall bind two houses…"
Lireen did not speak. She was not required to.
A nod was enough. A signature.
Kael's heart pounded as Taven emerged from behind the altar, smirking. His suit was flawless. His eyes cold.
Lireen stared at the quill placed before her.
She did not move.
The silence dragged.
Taven's father whispered sharply from behind:
> "Sign it. Or your family will answer for it."
Still, Lireen did not move.
Kael pressed closer to the edge of the balcony.
> "Don't… Please don't."
Then, Lireen lifted her head and spoke—not to the nobles, but to the sky above the glass dome.
> "If love must be silenced… then I choose to scream in silence."
She turned, threw the quill to the ground, and stepped back.
Gasps filled the hall.
Taven lunged forward.
> "You dare disgrace me—?"
But before he could finish, a blinding light surged through the room.
From Lireen's chest—a pulse of silver flame.
The feather.
Kael watched in awe as the artifact activated, sending out a wave that shattered every chandelier.
Nobles screamed. Guards drew swords.
But in the center, Lireen stood untouched.
> "I will not be bartered."
Kael moved. He leapt from the balcony, landed hard, and took her hand.
Lireen gasped.
> "You came."
Kael: "Now we run."
Together, they dashed through the chaos. Guards chased them. Magic barriers collapsed.
But as they escaped through the eastern wing, Lireen whispered:
> "The feather chose me."
Kael: "Then let's make it count."
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🔹Chapter Highlight Teaser : During the arranged engagement ceremony, Lireen refuses to speak—until her defiance triggers a burst of ancestral power. As nobles recoil, Kael leaps into the fray and the two flee House Velmira, bound now by rebellion and fire.
Next: Chapter 25 – "The Mask of the Bridegroom"
Chapter 24 – A Proposal Without a Voice ,, clear 💍🔥
When love must choose between honor and courage, Lireen chose to shout in silence - and the whole world heard. In that chaos, he and Kael finally fled ... no 🕊️
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📌 Highlight Teaser:
> During the arranged engagement ceremony, Lireen refuses to speak—until her defiance triggers a burst of ancestral power. As nobles recoil, Kael leaps into the fray and the two flee House Velmira, bound now by rebellion and fire.
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