They called it a wedding.
But as I knelt on the cold marble floor, staring at the sword trembling in my husband's hands, I knew it was my execution.
"Do it," my sister whispered behind him. "She deserves it."
Blood dripped down my wrist where the chains cut into my skin. I had sacrificed everything for this family my magic, my dignity, my future.
And this was my reward.
The blade fell.
Pain exploded.
Then darkness swallowed me whole.
I woke up gasping.
Not in chains.
Not bleeding.
But in a massive bed draped in black silk.
My heart slammed against my ribs as memories flooded my mindmemories that weren't mine.
"Elena Valen.
Married today.
Husband: Kael Drayce."
I stared at my reflection in the mirror.
This face wasn't mine.
And the man standing behind me…
…was the monster every legend warned about.