chapter 1: The arranged union

Elara's heart raced as she stood before the Council of Mages, her fate hanging in the balance. The grand hall, adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering tapestries, seemed to shrink as the weight of her destiny settled upon her.

Orion, her betrothed, stood beside her, his eyes fixed on the floor. They had never spoken, never met until this moment. Yet, their lives were about to become inextricably linked.

The Council's leader, the venerable Mage Alderan, gazed at them with an unreadable expression. "Elara, daughter of House Lyra, and Orion, son of House Kael, you have been chosen to fulfill an ancient decree. Your union will bring peace to the warring houses and restore balance to the mystical energies."

Elara felt a surge of resentment. She had always dreamed of choosing her own path, not being bound to a stranger for political expediency.

Orion's voice was barely audible. "I understand, honorable Mage Alderan."

Elara's father, Lord Lyra, stepped forward. "We accept the arrangement. It will strengthen our alliances and secure our future."

The Council members nodded in agreement, their faces impassive. Elara's mother, Lady Lyra, placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, but offered no words of comfort.

Mage Alderan raised his hands, and a soft, blue glow enveloped Elara and Orion. "By the power vested in me, I seal this union. May the mystical energies guide and protect you."

As the magic washed over her, Elara felt a shiver run down her spine. She glanced at Orion, but his eyes remained downcast.

The ceremony concluded, Elara and Orion were ushered out of the hall, their lives forever entwined. They walked in silence, the only sound the soft rustling of their attire.

Their arranged marriage was meant to bring peace, but Elara's heart whispered a different truth – she was trapped in a loveless union, bound to a stranger for eternity'

As they exited the grand hall, Elara's thoughts swirled with rebellion. She couldn't accept this fate, this loveless union. Orion's silence was oppressive, his indifference a palpable force.

Their escort, a stern-faced mage named Kaida, led them through winding corridors to a lavish suite. "Your chambers, Prince Orion and Princess Elara. You will reside here until the wedding ceremony."

Elara's gaze swept the opulent room, her heart sinking. This was her prison, her gilded cage.

Orion moved to the window, his back to her. "I'll leave you to settle in," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.

Elara's anger flared. "Wait!" She approached him, her voice barely above a whisper. "What's the point of this? We're strangers, forced into a marriage we don't want."

Orion turned, his eyes guarded. "It's duty, Princess. Our families' hatred must end. We're the sacrifices."

Elara's frustration boiled over. "Sacrifices? Is that all we are to each other?"

Orion's expression remained impassive. "What else can we be?"

With that, he turned and left, leaving Elara to seethe in silence..

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***