ARIA’S POV

Relief.

That was the first word that came to mind when I opened my eyes that morning. Not excitement. Not nervousness. Not even happiness.

After everything we had survived, everything we had lost, everything we had fought so desperately to regain, I finally understood what it meant to wake up without expecting the next disaster.

Today was a beautiful day.

And for once, I wasn't afraid of it.

I stood before the mirror while Agatha adjusted the final details of my dress.

“You're staring again,” she said.

“At what?”

“My reflection.”

I laughed.

“You're beautiful.”

“So are you.”

She smiled at me through the mirror. For a moment,...