The grand hall of the castle was bathed in golden candlelight. Today was supposed to be a day of joy—Alina and Elric's wedding.
Alina stood near the altar, dressed in a soft ivory gown, her hair gently braided with pearls. Elric stood tall beside her, looking at her like she was his entire world. The air buzzed with excitement.
The guests filled the hall, nobles from both kingdoms smiling and whispering about the perfect match. Music began to play. The priest stepped forward to begin the vows.
But just as Elric reached for Alina's hand—
Bang!
The castle doors burst open.
All heads turned.
Raelynn stood there, dressed in black, her face calm but her eyes full of fire.
"I object," she said.
A gasp rippled through the hall.
"You don't belong here," Elric said coldly.
"I built this kingdom before you ever stepped into it. You think you can steal it from me? Marry her and erase my legacy?"
Alina stepped forward. "This was never your legacy—it belonged to the people."
Guards rushed forward, but Raelynn raised a hand. "I didn't come to fight. Not yet. But let this be your warning. If this wedding happens, there will be consequences."
With that, she turned and left, disappearing into the shadows.
The priest hesitated.
Elric looked at Alina, his jaw clenched. "I won't let her ruin this."
But Alina's voice was quiet. "We need to wait, Elric. Not out of fear… but because I want our wedding to be a peaceful memory. Not the beginning of another war."
He nodded, reluctantly. "Then we fight first… and marry after."
The music stopped. The guests slowly exited. The celebration turned to silence.
And war loomed closer than ever.