Elara POV
They came for me at dawn.
I hadn't slept. How could I? Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the Dragon King's face. Heard his words: I'm going to decide whether to keep you... or return you to your land in pieces.
The door crashed open. Six guards entered, all with scales and bright eyes.
"Get up," one ordered. "The ceremony begins in one hour."
"What ceremony?" My voice cracked.
"Your wedding, Princess."
My heart stopped. "What? No! He said he was deciding—"
"The king has chosen. You will marry him today. Now move."
They dragged me from the room before I could complain. Through halls that twisted like a maze. Past animals that watched with hungry eyes.
We entered a room where women waited—not human women. These had shiny skin, pointed ears, wings like birds. Fae, I understood. Like in Mama's stories.
