Ariana’s POV
Three days ago, I would have said I had enough time, but instead of counting days, it felt like I was counting seconds.
Just like that, the day had come—or rather, the night. I was in my room getting dressed for the ceremony.
Looking in the mirror, I knew this wasn’t a dress I would have chosen myself if I’d had the energy to fight against it.
The only good thing was that it wasn’t flashy—appropriate for Mother’s agenda.
And then my mind went to Marco.
He’d been so intent on protecting me that he’d rather give audience to the pack warriors than spare five minutes to talk to me—or at least that’s how it had felt these past few days.
All the more reason why any interaction we might have tonight would be strange.
Mother looked perfectly ready.
She had already briefe
