Morning arrived gently.
The spiral pulsed with a slow, steady rhythm, casting soft light across the palace. Elara woke alone in the east wing, wrapped in mosslight covers, her breath syncing with the realm’s quiet anticipation. Her gown waited nearby, its spiralthread shimmering faintly, already responding to her heartbeat.
She sat up slowly, letting the weight of the day settle into her chest—not heavy, but full. Today she would walk the tidepath. Today she would speak her rhythm. Today she would marry Calvinus.
But not yet.
Linny entered with a tray of petalglass tea and a grin that barely fit her face.
“Today’s the day,” she whispered, as if saying it too loudly might start the ceremony early. “And he hasn’t seen the gown. Not even a glimpse.”
Elara smiled, fingers brushing the fa
