The interior of the cathedral was a cavern of cold stone and flickering candlelight, where the scent of ancient incense battled the cloying sweetness of thousands of white lilies. As the heavy oak doors groaned shut behind the bridal party, the misty world of Zurich was replaced by a hollow, echoing stillness. Kai stood at the altar, his posture rigid. Every breath he drew caused the transparent surgical thread in his side to pull against his flesh, a sharp reminder of the blood he had washed away only hours before. He watched the white figure of Elea approaching, her veil shimmering like a spider’s web in the dim light.
To the elite guests seated in the velvet-lined pews, they were a masterpiece of romance. To Kai, every step Elea took was a tactical advancement. He glanced toward the f
