The letter shook in Mia's hands as she read it a second time, hoping the words might rearrange themselves into something less impossible.
By order of the Ashford Council, the union between Kade Ashford and Mia Callahan shall proceed on the twenty-third of this month.
Three weeks. Not the careful months of preparation the elders had promised her mother. Three weeks, starting today.
"That's not possible," Lucas said, reading over her shoulder. "The Council doesn't move ceremonial dates without cause. There are traditions, requirements—this isn't how it works."
Mia's phone buzzed before she could answer him. Kade's name lit the screen.
Heard about the date change. Are you alright? Call me when you can.
Four words that shouldn't have undone her as much as they did. She stared at the scre
