Ara’s POV
[A week later]
I sat before the full-length mirror, the golden gown hugging my curves and flowing like liquid sunlight from my waist. The fabric shimmered with every breath I took.
Behind me, Luna Celestine worked patiently, tucking pearls and stone beads into my braided hair, shaping them into a crescent moon around my bun.
“There,” she said with a soft smile. “All done.”
“Thank you, Luna,” I replied, returning the smile as I studied my reflection.
Today was my coronation… and my mating ceremony. Standing here at this point, wearing this gown makes me think of my last. I’d had one once before— with Lucian. That marked the beginning of all my nightmares, my broken fairytale. The torment I had to go through. Lucian's cold gaze, my back stabbing best friend... and my cancer t
