I woke to a bitterly cold morning. Though it was only September, the palace courtyard lay blanketed in untouched snow, as if the night itself had quietly summoned winter. I stepped closer to the window, pressing my fingertips against the chill glass, and let my gaze wander over the landscape wrapped in white. The snow muffled every sound, and for a moment, time itself seemed to hold its breath. There was something ominous about it, yet strangely comforting, as if the world had paused, fragile and silent, just for an instant.
"The calm before the storm," Selene's voice murmured within me, soft yet heavy with meaning.
"I don't understand why you always expect the worst," I replied quietly, draping my silk robe over my shoulders. I moved toward the balcony door, cracked it open just enough to let the cold air bite at my face.
"Because I feel something coming. The silence is too deep," she said.
"You're overthinking it," I answered, though deep down I knew Selene never spoke without reason. "Today will stir everything anyway… your senses included."
For a moment, she was silent. The quiet between us said more than any words could. In that brief pause, I realized she truly was worried.
"I hope you're right," she finally sighed. "I'm looking forward to the ceremony," she added, clearly shifting the subject.
"Me too," I smiled. "I can't wait to see him again."
Even now, it was hard to believe that after so much suffering, the Moon Goddess had truly granted me a second chance. And not just any chance. From the moment he officially asked for my hand, he had never left my side for more than a single moment. And when he did, he always returned with something extraordinary—not jewels, not promises of wealth, but small, heartfelt gestures that quietly, but surely, found their way into my heart.
My eyes drifted to the table, to the beautiful bouquet of red roses he had given me a few days ago. The velvety red petals still glowed softly in the dim light. Nestled among them was the small note I had read countless times:
"To the woman more beautiful than any blossom. Soon, you will be mine."
A warmth spread through me every time I remembered that moment. That smile. That kiss…
Today was our wedding. I only hoped that nothing unexpected would darken this day.
A soft knock pulled me from my thoughts. The door opened, and Amira stepped in, carrying a steaming cup of coffee. The aroma filled the room instantly. Behind her, the other ladies were already gathering, ready to help with preparations. Their whispered words and delicate movements brought the room to life.
"Feeling nervous, Rowena?" Amira asked, handing me the cup.
"Not really… just my wolf is restless," I sighed, curling my fingers around the warmth of the cup.
"That's perfectly normal," she smiled knowingly. "This is one of the most important moments in a wolf's life. If you like, I can bring some calming tea."
"No need, thank you," I replied with a faint smile.
"Alright. Then let's go over today's schedule."
---
As I descended the stairs, four ladies-in-waiting followed, gently adjusting my train at each step. On the ground floor, Amira waited with my bridal bouquet—red orchids intertwined with snowy white roses, the colors of the Deliaghi family. The contrast was striking yet harmonious, much like the world I was about to enter. Tradition dictated that the bride's family members also appear in these colors.
Perhaps today I would finally have the chance to meet them.
A ceremony like no other awaited us. I had never met my relatives… nor had they known me. We were strangers, now bound together by the same unbreakable tie.
Escorted by four guards, we made our way to the castle's parliamentary hall. There, we would speak our eternal vows. There, before thousands of eyes, we would mark each other with words and instincts that transcended time.
All my doubts and tension melted the moment I saw him at the altar. When our eyes met, it felt as if the world had started breathing again. A deep, unshakable calm washed over me.
Nothing else mattered—not the decorations, not the dress, not the crowd of guests.
There was only him… and me.