AUBREY'S POV
Inhale. Exhale. My reflection stared back at me, every detail carefully crafted for this moment. The soft blue dress made me look younger, more innocent. My hair was styled to frame my face, making me look nothing like the scared pup who once hid under a table. Even my makeup was strategic—enough to appear eager to impress, not enough to seem threatening.
"You don't have to do this," Aria whispered in my mind. "We can find another way."
I ignored her, focusing instead on my breathing. In. Out. Each breath measured, controlled. I couldn't afford to lose my composure today. I couldn't let the monster who murdered my family see anything but Knox's adoring mate-to-be.
"Aubrey?" Knox's voice carried through the door, rich with anticipation. "Are you ready?"
One final breath. O
