Raven's POV
The halls blurred around me as Maria led us through winding corridors.
Her arms were full of the fabric, sketches, and pins we picked on the way to the testing room—her words were rushed and clipped. She didn’t ask how I felt about any of it. No one did.
The Fae Queen walked beside me, calm and composed like she already belonged there.
They brought us to a private chamber.
Gold-framed mirrors. Velvet seats. A long platform in the middle surrounded by glowing lanterns. It looked like something out of a dream or a nightmare—I couldn’t tell which anymore.
Maria motioned for me to stand. “We’ll clean you up first. Then dress. Then crown fitting.”
“Crown fitting?” I muttered under my breath, but I stepped onto the platform anyway.
The Queen came closer, reaching up to gen
