Elle’s POV
The morning air was cool, a little windy, the kind that usually helped me think straight. Amelia skipped beside me, holding my hand with her tiny fingers swinging back and forth. She was talking about a drawing she made, something about a cat with wings, but I could barely focus.
My mind was too full.
My wedding with Damien was getting close.
Just thinking about it made my stomach twist.
I didn’t love him. I cared about him, yes. He saved me when no one else did. He gave me a new identity, a place to stay, a way to survive.
And I repaid him by signing that stupid marriage deal.
Back then, I was scared, confused, running for my life. I thought I wouldn’t last a week.
Now everything felt different. Dangerous in a whole new way.
I can’t marry him… not like this.
I needed
