The cool evening air whispered against Ariel's skin as she leaned against the railings of the balcony, her hands shaking and clenching the cold metal, the hum of traffic buzzed distantly, a restless undercurrent, while her world stood still. It felt like the weight of Anna's actions and the images displayed in the ceremony lay heavy on her chest, making her breathing difficult.

She squeezed her eyes shut to avoid the tears that filled her eyes from dropping but they came anyway, so hot and so strong, running down her cheeks as her mind shifted back to the events of the day.

How the guests had gasped, how Jayden's face...