Back to the real world, while Aether was still unconscious,
In just a matter of a few short hours, the entire palace had been transford into a grand marriage function.
The halls glittered with soft, magical lighting; fluttering paper decorations floated gently in the air. Candles flickered along the aisles, their golden flas dancing against crystal chandeliers. Tables were lined with grand cakes in rich red velvet, chocolate, and cream. Dishes of exotic food emitted warm, tempting aromas.
Everything had been prepared with astonishing speed—like... Fuck!
It was unbelievable how all of this had co together so fast, in re hours. It looked like the kind of lavish wedding only nobles dread of.
Sitting calmly inside the heart of the grand hall, Nyx Shadowfall remained close beside Aether. The unconscious man was dressed in noble black garnts, wrapped in fine, velvety layers. Black on black, as if darkness itself had stitched his outfit. His head leaned heavily against her shoulder, unaware of the chaos—or rather, the celebration—unfolding around them.
Nyx, in contrast, looked like sothing out of a divine painting—a goddess of the underworld.
She wore a breathtaking midnight-blue gown that shimred under the candlelight, the fabric glistening like polished obsidian. The gown hugged her waist and hips, tight and graceful, forming a silhouette of raw elegance. Dark violet roses blood across her thighs in intricate embroidery, alive with depth and shadow. The bodice laced up her back in a corset-like design, cinching her figure while revealing her bare spine through a daring oval cut that ended just beneath her shoulder blades.
Her long sleeves were sheer, flowing like mist as she moved, adorned with black lace and subtle, enchanting patterns. Her black hair, tipped with soft hues of purple, was styled into a loose, elegant bun held in place by fine violet thread. A single earring—shaped like a silver cross—dangled from her left ear, swaying ever so slightly as she turned toward Aether.
In one hand, she held an ornate fan made of thin bone and black silk, etched with skull motifs and lace, sothing both morbid and refined. [Imgincmt]
Nyx and Aether sat at the very centre of the grand hall, a silent, surreal pair. Surrounding them were a few nobles, those who had arrived after receiving the sudden and cryptic summons.
Their eyes widened at the sight.
"She’s really getting married now?"
"Is that the groom? He’s... unconscious?"
Still, they walked up to her, one by one, offering polite smiles and words—none daring to question too deeply.
"You finally found your man, Lady Nyx,"
One said, gently shaking her hand.
"Good luck, little girl,"
Another offered with a chuckle.
They congratulated her without hesitation, without even blinking at the sight of the groom’s limp body. It didn’t matter if he was forced, tricked, or simply dragged here—everyone in that hall knew this was Mary’s doing.
And no one would dare speak against Mary.
This land had always been lawless, even for the commoners. For soone like Nyx, of royal status, there was no need for permission or tradition.
If anything, the unknown man should consider himself lucky. To be chosen by Nyx—soone close to Mary—was nothing short of a blessing.
Nyx smiled softly, almost shyly, and nodded as she shook hands with those who congratulated her.
She hadn’t expected Her Majesty to go to such lengths... arranging all this with such speed and secrecy.
But surprisingly, she didn’t mind.
In fact, a quiet warmth filled her chest. She had found her soulmate. And now... she was about to start a family.
As her gaze returned to Aether’s resting face, her fingers reached into the small pouch tied at her waist. She pulled out a silver comb and gently began brushing his wild, unkempt hair.
She combed through the strands with delicate care, like a mother soothing her sleeping child.
So of the nobles nearby stared, slightly taken aback.
They had never seen Nyx act like this—tender, almost glowing with emotion.
Indeed... that man must be truly blessed to have a woman like her.
Nyx tilted her head, thoughtful for a mont.
’Where did Her Majesty disappear to?’
The last thing she rembered, Mary had said she was going to fetch her daughter... for the wedding.
anwhile, just a short distance away from the main hall—within the grand palace walls—a different room ca alive in striking contrast.
A large chamber bathed in soft pink light glowed with innocent charm. Stuffed toys lined the shelves and walls, heart-shaped pillows were scattered across the floor and bed, and tiny dresses in frilly patterns and pastel colours hung carefully on open racks.
Everything about the room radiated sweetness, warmth, and love.
"Mommy... whose marriage are we going to now?"
Lia’s voice rose curiously as she sat obediently before her mother, who gently combed her hair.
She was dressed in a deep black outfit—a long skirt that swept the floor and a shoulderless top that gave a soft, puffy flair at the sleeves. It was not her usual preference.
She had wanted to wear sothing cheerful, bright, sothing that matched the fluffy pillows and stuffed animals around her. But her mother had chosen this outfit—a darker one, rich in elegance but... sad?
Lia blinked.
Her mother had co into the room suddenly, told her to dress perfectly for a wedding, and didn’t explain whose. Lia hadn’t asked at first. She was used to surprises. But as she saw the way her mother kept looking away, the way her voice trembled when she picked out the dress, she couldn’t help but feel a knot of curiosity.
Her mother made her look beautiful. Elegant. But also... broken?
The kind of broken that ca from rembering sothing painful, yet moving forward with grace.
Mary finally finished brushing her daughter’s silky hair, smiling softly as she leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"My cute baby~"
She whispered sweetly, giving her a playful wink.
Lia’s cheeks ward slightly as she caught her mother’s gaze lingering on her. A gentle smile curled on her lips, and she tilted her head with innocent curiosity.
"So? Whose marriage is it, Mommy?"
Mary’s eyes glimred with a mischievous light, her tone dipping into sothing playful—yet sly.
"Well, my darling... you’re going to be surprised. Very surprised. You see... the ones getting married were quite close to you."
Lia blinked, confused. Her brows furrowed slightly as she processed the words.
"Close to ? Who?"
Her tone wavered, uncertain.
Mary gave a slow, deliberate nod,
"Mm-hm. Soone very close. Soone you never imagined would be in a wedding without you being part of it..."
Her voice trailed off.
Lia stared at her mother, puzzled.
Mary’s heart twisted as she looked at her daughter’s innocent, unprepared face. Her precious girl... was soon going to experience a brutal kind of heartbreak.
A pain that would tear deep.
But this—this was necessary.
She had no other choice.
To protect her.
To keep her safe.
To take her for herself!
Because her daughter’s heart... belonged to her.
Only her!!
And once the heartbreak shattered it to pieces, Mary would be there. To hold her, to comfort her. To rebuild her. To beco her everything.
And in that fragile aftermath... her daughter’s heart would slowly, irresistibly, beco hers and hers alone.
’Yes... All mine.’
A wicked giggle escaped Mary’s lips, low and amused, laced with twisted joy. Her tongue flicked out, licking her lips sensually—as if already savoring the mont, as if she was about to taste sothing rare, exquisite... divine.
"Mommy?"
Lia’s soft voice broke through the silence, her head tilting adorably as she watched her mother stare blankly at the wall with a dreamy, unsettling smile.
Mary blinked, snapping out of her spiraling thoughts, and let out a long sigh. Her voice dropped to a whisper—calm, heavy with warning.
"But... steel your heart, darling. You must prepare yourself. You’re about to witness a truth that might hurt you."
Lia tilted her head further, visibly confused. Her brows drew closer.
Just who could it be?
Without saying another word, Mary turned and reached for her daughter’s hand. She gently guided her out of the room and down the corridor. Her pace was steady, deliberate. Every footstep echoed faintly on the marble floor, creating a tense rhythm.
They weren’t heading toward the exit.
Lia noticed that imdiately.
Her eyes widened as she looked around and saw they were walking deeper into the palace.
"Inside the palace?" she asked, eyes darting to her mother’s face. "Wait... we’re not going outside?"
That could only an—
"Nyx?" she asked hesitantly, her voice a soft whisper of disbelief.
Mary’s lips stretched into a proud smile. Her eyes glead with delight.
"That’s my clever little baby. You figured it out so quickly. Mmm~ Here’s your reward~ chu~chu~"
Without warning, Mary cupped Lia’s cheeks and pulled her in, planting a deep, smothering kiss on her face—right there in the open corridor!
"M-Mom!" Lia squeaked, face turning red. She pouted with embarrassnt, glancing nervously around them.
Kissing was fine when they were alone—but doing it out here?
Absolutely not!
"Nghh... Mommy!" she protested softly.
Mary laughed, the sound light and teasing.
"My baby is always so adorably shy~ Fu~Fu~Fu~"
She ruffled Lia’s hair lovingly as if nothing was wrong.
They continued walking.
And soon, they reached the massive, black-embellished doors of the grand ceremonial hall. The sounds beyond were muted but distinct—people chatting, the faint music of strings, laughter echoing in celebration.
Lia stood still, her heartbeat accelerating uncontrollably.
Why... why did she feel like sothing was about to crash down on her?
Mary gave her daughter one last glance. Her eyes were calm now. Cold, calculating. Almost... triumphant.
She didn’t say a word.
She just pushed open the door with both hands.
Thud!
The heavy doors parted slowly, revealing the magnificence of the decorated grand hall. Candles floated mid-air, and petals drifted like feathers across the polished floor. Guests in regal dresses and tailored coats filled the long aisles, and at the far end—beneath the gleaming ceremonial arch—
Nyx Shadowfall.
And...
Aether.
Sitting together. Dressed in ceremonial attire. Side by side.
Lia’s feet locked in place.
Her mind froze.
Everything blurred except for the sight of him.
Aether.
Her eyes locked onto his face, refusing to blink, refusing to look away. Her mouth parted slowly, lips trembling. Her pupils quivered.
She couldn’t breathe.
She couldn’t think.
Her whole body refused to accept what her eyes were showing her.
No.
No.
No...
Her heart clenched painfully, like sothing sharp had stabbed it without warning. The air left her lungs in a shallow gasp.
And behind her—
Mary smiled.
A quiet, eerie smile of pure satisfaction.
Her daughter’s lips had begun to tremble downward, broken, collapsing with shock and pain.
And at the sa mont, Mary’s lips curled upward.
Her joy mirrored Lia’s sorrow.
She took a deep breath and suddenly scread out with a strange, insane mix of tragedy and glee:
"DON’T CRY, MY BABY! MOMMY IS HERE!!"
Her voice rang through the marble halls, echoing with an unexplainable tone that was both heartbreakingly tragic and disturbingly overjoyed.
People turned. Servants flinched.
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