Chapter 3
The grand ballroom of the historic cathedral had been transformed into a breathtaking vision of wealth and romance. Towering floral arches of white roses and peonies lined the aisle, crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, and soft classical music drifted through the air as hundreds of elite guests watched in hushed anticipation. Sunlight filtered through stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the marble floor.
Liora Vale's heart hammered against her ribs as she stood at the entrance, her arm linked with her uncle-the only family she had bothered to invite. The heavy silk train of her gown whispered behind her, and the diamond-encrusted veil felt like a cage around her face.
This was it. The moment she had dreamed about for two years.
She began her slow walk down the long aisle, every step measured and graceful. Guests murmured in approval. Cameras flashed discreetly. Silas waited at the altar, tall and composed in his tuxedo, offering her a small, satisfied nod. The perfect image of a powerful groom.
But Liora's eyes didn't stay on her husband-to-be.
Halfway down the aisle, her gaze was pulled, as if by an invisible force, to the man standing beside Silas-Kael Draven.
He stood like a dark god among polished statues. Towering. Broad-shouldered. The tailored tuxedo did nothing to hide the raw power beneath it. Those sharp silver-gray eyes locked onto hers with such intensity that her breath caught in her throat. His expression was calm for the crowd, but she felt the hunger behind it. Possessive. Dangerous. Promising.
A shiver raced down her spine.
For a brief, dizzying second, it felt like she was walking toward him.
Kael's gaze traveled slowly down her body-taking in the way the gown hugged her full breasts, the curve of her waist, the gentle sway of her hips. When his eyes returned to hers, the corner of his mouth twitched into the faintest, darkest smirk. It was gone so quickly she almost thought she imagined it.
Liora's cheeks burned beneath the veil. Her core clenched involuntarily, a rush of slick heat gathering between her thighs. Stop it, she scolded herself. This is your wedding day.
She reached the altar. Silas took her hand. His fingers were cool, dry, and impersonal.
The ceremony began.
The officiant's voice echoed through the grand space as he spoke of love, commitment, and forever. Liora barely heard the words. Silas recited his vows in a steady, emotionless tone-promising to provide, protect, and build a legacy together. She smiled softly at him, playing the part of the blushing bride.
Then it was her turn.
As she spoke her vows, repeating the ancient words of obedience and partnership, her eyes kept drifting. Kael stood just behind Silas, watching her with unwavering focus. Every time she glanced at him, he was staring. Drinking her in. His silver eyes burned with something primal that made her knees feel weak.
"...to love, honor, and cherish..." she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Kael's jaw flexed. His tattooed hand curled into a fist at his side, as if he was physically restraining himself from stepping forward and taking her right there in front of everyone.
In that moment, standing before God and society, promising herself to one man, Liora felt a terrifying, electric pull toward another. A pull that made her nipples tighten against the silk of her gown and her untouched pussy throb with shameful need.
Silas slid the heavy diamond band onto her finger.
"You may now kiss the bride."
Silas lifted her veil and pressed a brief, cool kiss to her lips. Polite. Public. Empty.
As the crowd erupted in applause, Liora's eyes found Kael once more.
He didn't clap. He simply watched her with dark, unreadable hunger-the kind that promised he would ruin her.
And deep down, some secret, starved part of her hoped he would.
