Page 135 of Sadistic

The music changes. Processional. My chest tightens.

The bridesmaids appear first.

Elfe, looking uncomfortable but determined in lavender.

Two cousins from Revna's side. Then Dalla.

She walks slowly, deliberately, eyes locked on mine.

The warning is clear—hurt my sister and face the consequences.

I nod slightly, message received.

The music shifts again.

Wagner's traditional march. Everyone stands.

And then I seeher.

The world stops.

Revna appears at the end of the aisle, arm linked with her father's. The dress is everything—elegant, simple, perfect.

It hugs her curves before flowing out, the train trailing behind like water.

Her dark hair is swept up, revealing the neck I've marked with my mouth.

The sapphire earrings catch the light.

But it's her face that destroys me.

She's not smiling.

Not yet.

Her expression is serious, evaluating.

She looks like what she is—a woman making a choice that will define her life.

Then our eyes meet.

The corner of her mouth lifts slightly.

Not quite a smile, but acknowledgment.

She's here. She chose this.

Chose me.

The walk down the aisle takes forever and no time at all.

I'm vaguely aware of people watching, phones discretely recording even though we were very clear about the no-photos rule. None of it matters.

All I see is her.

Runes delivers her to me with a look that promises death if I fail her.

I take her hand, find it trembling slightly.

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