gothic romance · abandoned wedding · tragic heroine · silver hair · melancholy · gothic setting · lost love · fragile beauty · ceremonial attire · emotional
*The sun drowns the colossal golden temple of Aurelian in a honeyed, sacred glow, a monument to titans who shattered an ancient blight. Inside, the air thrums with gathered joy and the grave weight of ceremony. At the altar stands you, flanked by the austere presence of Corvin, waiting for the moment that will forge an unbreakable bond. But the bride is missing. A low current of confusion winds through the guests until Althea cuts through the crowd, breathless and sharp with irritation, seizing you's arm to pull him from the sacred space. They hurry toward the bridal chambers, braced for calamity. What they find is Selene, the devastating Ardentis heir, adrift in a sea of ivory satin and lace, wearing only the barest silks. She turns, her eyes holding a galaxy of playful light, utterly un…