Elysium shot awake as a knock sounded at her door. Still heavy with sleep, she rubbed her eyes and wrapped her robe around her before opening the door. There, Lupus stood, his ash-brown hair falling over his forehead. He wore a solemn expression as he stepped inside, guiding Elysium toward the ottoman with a steady hand.
"I must inform you," he said, taking a shaky breath. "Sylvan is dead. He was assassinated this morning."
Elysium's blood ran cold. She slapped a palm over her mouth; her body froze, and her heart dropped to her stomach.
"What?" she croaked.
"I'm so sorry." Lupus pulled Elysium to his chest, stroking her hair.
"Who did this?" Her voice was poisoned with rage.
"Alastor sent one of his own to kill him."
Elysium raised her head, looking up at Lupus. "He told me they didn't have access to magical weapons."
"Then he lied to you, Ely." He continued to stroke her hair. "Alastor is the Dark Prince. He is greedy for power, which is why he asked for you yesterday."
Elysium froze, her eyes narrowing. "How did you know that I went to Sheol?"
"Celeste told me," he replied. "Your protection is important."
Elysium buried her face into Lupus's chest, sobbing quietly. The air left her lungs with every breath, and her eyes stung with tears. She wiped beneath her eyes and stood, sniffling.
"The wedding is tomorrow," she said. "We'll avenge Sylvan."
She put her arms around Lupus's neck and kissed him softly. His hand traveled to the small of her back, winding her tightly against him. The scent of fire and sweat flooded her nose as she nestled her face between his neck and shoulder. He kissed the back of her hand before departing; it was time to prepare.
That night was the pre-wedding ball. The commoners gathered at the Alarian palace, dressed in shades of cream and blue. Elysium stood in front of her mirror as Celeste helped button her dress. In honor of Sylvan, the bodice was a sculpted masterpiece of deep sapphire velvet, cinched tight to reveal a silhouette of royal precision. It was encrusted with an intricate web of emerald filigree and starlight-bright crystals that shimmered with every shallow breath. From her shoulders, a diaphanous cape of translucent silk trailed behind her, billowing like captured smoke in the amber glow of a thousand chandeliers. Zeta lifted Elysium's tiara onto her head, and the pair looked at their princess.
"Your parents would be so proud," Zeta said.
Elysium felt a sharp pang at those words. She forced a smile, and the three of them walked down the hallway toward the ballroom. Elysium straightened as they reached the balcony overlooking the crowd. She took a breath and waved over the sea of people. As she and Celeste descended the staircase, the sound of applause rippled through the room. She stepped onto the tile floors and curtsied just as Lupus walked up beside her. She squeezed his arm tightly and gazed up at him. He smiled back before they walked together through the crowd, greeting the civilians.
The conversations felt repetitive, focused only on future children and wedding plans. The thought of looking so far into the future made her throat tighten, and she began to tremble. Seeking an escape, Elysium slipped away to the gardens, where she heard Amarok's growl rumbling in the distance. The wolf's tail wagged when he saw her, his crystal-blue eyes lighting up. He nuzzled her fingers, licking them lightly.
She walked over to the pond behind the courtyards, where swans glided across the rippling water and fireflies lit the surface. She knelt by the shore, tossing stones into the water and resting her chin on her knees. Amarok sat loyally beside her. It was the night before her wedding; she was supposed to be excited. Instead, she sat alone in the dark, on the verge of tears.
Elysium replayed Alastor's words in her head, then thought of Sylvan. Had Alastor manipulated her into doubting the wedding because he feared their combined power? Her mind flashed to the "merging" and the dormant war waiting to begin. Elysium had been trained in combat since she was small, and she was an expert marksman. Archery was her greatest strength; she loved the logic and strategy of it over pure rage. It took consideration, something both Alastor and Lupus seemed to lack. Sylvan had been the closest thing to sanity in her life.
When Elysium stood to go back inside, she heard Lupus calling her name. She walked up the hill and met him near the statues. Lupus's eyes softened, and he lightly grazed her hand.
"Ely," he said gently. "What's wrong?"
"Sylvan should be here tomorrow," she whispered, her voice silken with grief.
Lupus kissed her forehead and wrapped his arms around her. "We will do right by him," he replied quietly.
Together, they walked hand-in-hand back into the ballroom.
The party lasted for hours before Elysium was finally able to retire. She changed into her silk nightgown and pinned her hair up. From her balcony, she watched the villagers leaving the palace, excitedly discussing the ceremony. She sighed, dropping her head into her hands. That night, she wept herself to sleep.
Sunlight poured into the bedroom the next morning. Elysium squinted, shielding her eyes as the sound of cheerful music carried through the streets. Decorations were everywhere; it was her wedding day. She had spent years dreaming of this, but it felt nothing like her fantasies. Her courtiers sat her down to style her chestnut hair in loose curls that framed her soft features. Finally, her wedding gown was brought in.
It was a sculpture of cream-colored silk and vintage lace. The bodice featured architectural lace with a sweetheart neckline, and the corset was alive with silver-threaded vines that spilled over the hips into a heavy, matte satin skirt. She slipped into pearl-colored slippers, and a lace veil was secured with a petite gold tiara.
The courtiers stepped back in awe. Celeste entered and placed her hands on Elysium's shoulders, trying to hide her own excitement. Celeste's ivory sleeves fell over her shoulders, her petticoat blooming beneath a cinched corset. She took Elysium's hand and led her toward the carriage.
At the palace gates, the cheers of the people were deafening. The ride to Valenmaris's cathedral was spent in an aimless silence. She only snapped back to reality when the carriage stopped at the gates. The cathedral had been draped in ivory and maroon. As the sound of organs and harps filled the air, Elysium looked down from the second-floor balcony, trembling.
In a moment of sheer panic, Elysium rushed down the hallway and out into the apse, where the warm air hit her face. She hunched over the stone railing, trying to gather herself, frustrated by the situation and her own fear. Hearing footsteps, she straightened and smoothed her skirts. Lupus walked slowly toward her.
He looked every bit the commander in his midnight-black tunic, silver embroidery, and golden aiguillettes. His black cape was lined with white ermine, and a sunburst buckle cinched his ivory trousers. His steel-gray eyes met hers, and he quickened his pace, cupping her face with his hands.
"They're all waiting for you," he said.
"I can't do this!" she shouted, pushing his hands away.
Lupus stumbled back, stunned. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, I can't do this," she said, shaking her head and backing away.
"This is the only way to save our kingdoms," he said desperately.
"I'm sorry, Lupus." She looked at her fiancé, her eyes filled with sorrow.
Lupus took a breath, rubbing the corners of his eyes. When he looked at her again, his expression had hardened into cold stone.
"You don't have a choice," he said grimly.
Elysium shot him a confused look.
"I will rule Alaria," his eyes narrowed, "with or without you."
Elysium's heart raced. Her ears began to ring as she backed away in terror. "He was right," she whispered hoarsely.
Lupus tossed his head back and laughed. "The Dark Prince has reason to be afraid, Ely." He inched closer, brushing hair from her face. "And now, so do you." His eyes were void of compassion.
"Why would you do this?" she croaked.
"Because, Elysium," he circled her like a predator, "I want power. The kingdoms give me that. I'm already a shoo-in, so it doesn't really matter whether you live or die. I've already taken care of one prince."
Elysium's skin began to crawl. She shoved her fists into Lupus's chest, hitting him over and over, cursing under her breath. Winded, she straightened and stared at him with pure loathing.
"I will not allow this," she said, her voice tense. "You will not do this."
Lupus smirked and folded his arms. He leaned down to her ear. "I already have," he whispered, then turned and walked away.
Inside, he turned to one of his generals. "Change of plans. This starts now."
The general nodded and hurried to alert the others.
Elysium jumped at the sound of clicking footsteps. Zeta ran toward her, frantically pulling her close. "Lupus has sent his military to attack Alaria! We have no defenses!"
Zoning out, Elysium stumbled. She doubled over, feeling as though she might vomit. Zeta caught her and, with Celeste's help, dragged her toward the carriage. Outside, chaos erupted in the distance toward Sheol. Lupus had sent fleets to the two most powerful kingdoms. His plan wasn't just to reign; it was to enslave everyone, including Elysium.
The carriage raced back to Alaria. As they neared the border, thick smoke darkened the sky. Villagers cowered under Valkareth soldiers. Once they reached the palace, Elysium rushed to her room and tore off the cursed wedding gown. She changed into her traveling clothes: a masterpiece of ivory and gold with a silver-grey velvet cloak. She pulled the hood over her head, fixed her white-gold circlet in place, and rushed to the stables.
She grabbed her quiver and bow and leaped onto her horse, Vail. Zeta placed a hand on the horse's flank. "Go to the Prophet. He'll know what to do."
Elysium nodded and kicked Vail into a gallop. As she rode through the burning hills of Alaria, she watched her kingdom fall, the air filled with blood-curdling screams and the roar of towers engulfed in flame.