The morning of my wedding, I woke to rain.
Heavy. Relentless. Drumming against windows. The weather forecast had promised sunshine. Clear skies. Perfect conditions.
Instead, storm clouds covered everything. Dark and ominous.
“It’s a sign,” Aunt Clara said. Helping me into my dress. White silk that Elena had chosen months ago. Before everything changed. “Rain on your wedding day means good luck.”
“Or it means the universe is crying for my poor life choices.” I tried to smile. Failed. “I’m marrying into a world of conspiracy and danger. Maybe the rain is appropriate.”
“Stop that. You’re marrying a man who loves you. Who’d die for you? That’s rare. Special.” She zipped the back carefully. “Everything else is just noise.”
But the noise was deafening. The Collective watched. Waited. The m
