The chandeliers glimmered like scattered stars across the ballroom, reflecting off the crystal glasses and the polished marble floor. Every inch of the hall had been meticulously decorated, soft cream roses in delicate vases, golden ribbons trailing along the edges of tables, and candles flickering faintly in brass holders, their flames dancing with shadows that seemed to hide secrets of their own. Seraphina Vale stepped into the hall and felt a tightness in her chest, a thrill that danced dangerously close to fear. This was her dream wedding, or at least, it had been her dream. Tonight, everything should have been perfect.
Her gown flowed behind her like liquid ivory, whispering over the floor. It was a dress she had imagined for years: fitted at the bodice with delicate lace, cinched at the waist, flaring out gently to create a timeless silhouette. Her hands clutched the bouquet of pale roses tightly, as if holding on would anchor her to the life she thought she was choosing.
"Seraphina," a soft voice whispered behind her.
She turned and found her best friend, Elise, adjusting the train of her gown with a practiced, gentle smile. But there was something off about her expression, something fleeting and tense that passed too quickly to catch fully. It made Seraphina's chest tighten further.
"You look… perfect," Elise said, her voice lilting with what should have been joy but carried a hint of unease. "I mean it."
Seraphina smiled faintly, brushing off the thought. Everyone had their nerves tonight. Weddings were stressful; she had always known that. But deep down, there was a knot of unease she couldn't shake. She tried to breathe, steadying herself, smoothing the skirt of her gown.
The music swelled, and it was time. As she took her first steps toward the center of the hall, every eye followed her. Heads turned politely, but some lingered a moment too long, with looks she couldn't fully read. The chandeliers caught her veil and scattered light over her shoulders, painting her in gold and shadow.
And then she saw him.
Lucien. Her husband-to-be. The man whose name alone could command attention, whose reputation preceded him like the shadow of a storm. He stood at the altar in a black tuxedo, perfectly tailored, his posture impeccable, every detail of him deliberate. His eyes met hers, dark and calculating, and for a moment, Seraphina felt the thrill that had always drawn her to him, the dangerous attraction she tried to deny.
But tonight, she felt something new. Something dangerous lurking beneath that perfect veneer.
The hall fell silent as she walked toward him, each step measured and deliberate. The whispers ceased, replaced by the faint hum of anticipation. She could feel the weight of expectation pressing on her, but she would not falter. Not now.
Her hand reached his as she passed him, and he took it, strong and cold. His grip was firm, controlling, but there was something more in his eyes tonight, something that made her stomach twist.
"Beautiful," he murmured, low enough that only she could hear. And then, a fleeting smile, just for her, or so it seemed.
The ceremony began, officiated by a friend of the family. Words were spoken, promises made, but Seraphina's mind was elsewhere. She noticed the subtle movements of those around her, the clench of a jaw, the slight stiffening of shoulders. Small details, almost imperceptible, but enough to prick at the back of her mind. Something was off. Something hidden.
And then it happened.
During the toast, the glasses were lifted. Champagne, pale gold and sparkling, was poured with the usual flourish. Seraphina felt the glass in her hand, cold and heavy, and lifted it with a smile. Everyone followed suit, raising their glasses.
"To Seraphina and Lucien," the toast began, smiles all around. "May your lives be full of happiness and love."
She drank. Just a sip. It was sweet, effervescent, harmless, or so it seemed. But the second the liquid touched her lips, a strange bitterness crawled across her tongue. She coughed, startled, a sharp tickle at the back of her throat. The room seemed to tilt slightly, the lights flickering as her vision swam.
And then she felt it, a slow, burning tightness creeping through her chest, a weight that was not hers. Panic blossomed, a flower of terror in her stomach, as she realized something was terribly wrong. Her hands shook slightly, and she put the glass down.
"Seraphina?" Lucien's voice cut through her haze, calm and measured, almost too calm. He took her hand again, but this time his grip felt tighter, more deliberate. She looked up at him, and for the first time, truly saw the calculation behind his gaze.
She stumbled slightly, catching herself on the edge of the table. The crowd's smiles began to blur, the whispers turning into indistinct murmurs that seemed far away. She tried to call out, but her voice faltered.
And then she saw Elise, her best friend, standing nearby. Elise's smile was no longer warm, it was sharp, controlled, and fleetingly triumphant. A flicker of horror struck Seraphina.
Her legs gave out beneath her. She fell, her hands hitting the floor first, the world tilting dangerously. The crystal chandeliers swayed above, light scattering across her vision in dizzying patterns. She tried to call out, tried to scream, but no sound came.
Lucien's hands were on her shoulders now, steadying her, or was he? She could feel the control in his grip, a precision that made her throat close in panic. He leaned close, speaking softly, almost tenderly:
"Relax, Seraphina. Everything's fine."
But it wasn't. Her vision blurred further. Faces melted into shadows. The room spun, and she could hear nothing but the pounding of her own heartbeat, a frantic, chaotic drum that drowned out all else.
Then came the darkness.
As she collapsed fully, her mind grasping for clarity, a single thought flared, betrayal.
And then she was gone.
The chandeliers flickered again. The crowd gasped. Lucien looked down, eyes unreadable, calm as a predator watching its prey fall. Around him, the hall erupted into chaos, but he didn't move. He simply let the moment stretch, savoring it silently.
Somewhere, Seraphina's promise in the darkness whispered in her mind: if another life were given, revenge would come.
And in that fleeting moment, even death felt like the beginning of something far more dangerous.