Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 1 - Chapitre 4

NYRA’S POVI sat motionless in the bridal chamber that should have belonged to Arabella. Servants moved around me in a blur of silk and frantic hands. They slipped the heavy red gown over my shoulders, fastened the corset ropes at my back, and arranged the long veil over my face. I said nothing. I had not spoken a single word since my parents made their demand.My mind remained trapped in that phone call. Kieran’s calm voice still echoed in my ears. The way he said he loved her. The relief in his tone when he chose my sister over me. Everything inside me felt hollow, as if someone had scooped out my heart and left only a cold space behind.Mother adjusted the veil again, her fingers trembling. “You must keep your head down. Do not speak unless he asks you a direct question. Arabella’s voice is brighter than yours. He might notice the difference, just try to pretend to be her till the ceremony is over.”Father stood near the door, checking his watch every few seconds. “Walk slowly. Smi

NYRA’S POVI sat on the edge of the couch in the grand chamber they had given me, my back straight and my eyes fixed on the heavy wooden door. Sleep never came. Every creak in the old fortress made my heart slam against my ribs. I waited for Valerian to storm in, for his cold fury to finally break after the deception at the altar. Hours passed. He never appeared. That silence terrified me more than any outburst could have.The bed behind me remained untouched, its silk sheets smooth and perfect. It felt wrong to lie there, as if claiming even that small comfort would make this nightmare more real. Instead I stayed on the couch, knees drawn up, replaying every moment of the day. Arabella’s note. Kieran’s calm voice telling me he loved her. My parents pushing me forward like a spare tool. And then their lies at the altar, blaming me for the switch while I stood there in her gown and veil.Why did they do that? I had agreed to save them. I had stepped into this marriage so Valerian would