Ariana
The morning came slowly.
Ariana sat quietly on the edge of the bed. Her body still felt weak, and her mind was not at rest. She did not sleep the whole night.
Not even for a moment.
Her chest felt heavy.
Today was the day.
The mating ceremony.
She swallowed slowly.
"I don't want this…" she whispered to herself.
But she already knew.
She had no choice.
The door suddenly opened.
Some maids walked in quietly, their heads lowered.
"It is time," one of them said.
Ariana did not respond.
They started preparing her.
They changed her clothes.
Touched her hair.
Placed ornaments on her body.
She stood there without saying anything.
She felt empty.
Like she had no control over herself anymore.
When they were done, she stood up
