The soft glow of candlelight flickered in the room, casting warm shadows across the walls. Lyra stood in front of the large, ornate mirror, slowly unzipping her wedding gown, feeling the weight of the day finally begin to lift. Her fingers trembled slightly as she let the dress slide off her shoulders, pooling at her feet in a delicate heap of silk and lace.
Behind her, the sound of the door creaking open reached her ears. She didn't have to turn around to know it was Lucas—she could feel him. His presence, steady and certain, wrapped around her like a warm embrace, as though he had always belonged by her side.
When she finally turned, their eyes met in the reflection of the mirror. The moment felt electric, charged with a thousand unspoken words, a thousand emotions that had built up be
