Two weeks have gone by since we came to the decision to turn down Gregory's offer. In order to avoid talking with Gregory, I have been busying myself with the wedding planning. I still find the time to meet with Flavius, though sometimes I cannot. My afternoons, per Soren's doing, are spent having tea with Geoffrey much to my dismay.        The cool morning air caresses my skin like a cold silk blanket. I stare out at the glimmering blue lake

    I have been locked in this cell for so long I do not even know how many more days until the wedding. The only thing keeping me going is my anger. I have been betrayed by everyone who I thought loved me. My heart is filled with profound darkness, the kind of darkness found in a deep, bottomless chasm. The lack of light down here that had once bothered me so much is now normal. My world is now etched in charcoal, the vibrant hues of the outdoors feel like a distant dream.        The poison coursing through my veins pushes me to the edge of insanity. I fear that without my smoldering anger I would lose myself in the darkness of my mind. My anger is warm and encompassing pushing away my deep loneliness. So, I focus on my anger, holdin

  The moment the music ends so does my wedding. Within seconds of me arriving at the altar, the throne room is swarmed with soldiers. Many of the unsuspecting nobles scream out in fear, while others hide behind their seats. The smacking of metal soon fills the room, along with the cries of the scared. Without a moment to lose, I pull my sword out from under my gown. However, I am surprised to see many of the soldiers immediately head for Gwen, who is seated next to Evalene and her parents. But the soldiers going for Gwen are quickly intercepted by the other soldiers.         Scanning the room, I see Daniel and Neron fighting alongside many soldiers. His body becomes encased in icy blue flames as takes out many men crowding him. I watch in amazement as Daniel expertly uses his powers as a half dragon, sending blazing blue f

   Everyone is solemn and quiet as we filter out of the throne room. The events of the wedding are a clouded haze in my mind, leaving me riddled with anxiety.         I am so entrapped by my thoughts that I do not even realize that we have made it to my chambers until I hear the door creaking open. I look to see the room they have taken me to is the one that I was placed in when I first arrived in the capital. Flavius is the only one the enters the room with me; I briefly see Soren leaving as the door is being closed.         "I apologize," I mumble, "I do not know what came over me. I was just so angry."   

  We stand at the edge of the forest to say our goodbyes. The midday heat caresses my skin like a warm blanket. I turn towards those gathered here, pulling an unsuspecting Daniel into a firm hug. The tips of his now untamed mane tickle my face.        "I am going to miss you," I mumble against him.        Daniels's body is rigid against mine, but he finally loosens up, hugging me back.