Something clinked as it dropped into Ava’s hand. “Rings?!” Ava squeaked, like it was getting too overwhelming. “How did you make these?”
“If a fae’s strong enough, they can create illusions that become reality,” Kallie reminded us.
“Like your sofas you make in the Lair,” I said. “But those fade as soon as you leave.”
Kallie laughed. “A ring is a lot easier to make than a couch… and well, it helps when there are strong emotions behind the spell. These will never fade.”
“Strong emotions?” Ava’s tone became hard to read. I had no idea what she was thinking right now, and that in itself was crazy, because I was connected to her mind.
“Of course!” Kallie cried. “It’s your wedding day. I’m happy for you, bitch! Now, let’s get you two married.”
Neither of us got a chance to respond before Ivy threw himself in front of us, practically knocking me into one of the pews. “Can I be the flower girl!? I’ve always wanted to be a flower girl.”
“Um… sure?” I said. Everything was happening so fast. I barely had a chance to process it. My whole body was going numb.
“Oberi can be the ring bearer!” Opal suggested.
I’m on it, sister!Oberi sounded thrilled. He shifted into unicorn form, and the rings clinked as Kallie slid them onto Oberi’s horn.
“This is perfect!” Kallie gushed.
“There’s just one thing missing,” Ivy said. “I didn’t get to design a gown!”
Kallie gasped, like she just had a good idea. “Yes, of course! How could I miss that? I’ve got you covered. Ava, spin around.”
“You’re going to make her a dress with illusion magic?” I asked, my tone sounding hollow.
Ava stiffened next to me. Her aching emotions swelled like a powerful wave that was nearly out of control, ready to crash upon the shore and ruin whatever had the misfortune to be beneath it. It almost did me in.
“You sound upset,” Marcus remarked.
Chancey chuckled. “I bet he’s disappointed he can’t feel it so he can rip it off of her later.”
“Shut up,” I growled, shoving him.
“No, Chancey has a point,” Kallie said. “I’ll make it solid, but it won’t last like the rings—”
“Stop!” Ava screamed, and her shout echoed around the area. It’d become too much, and she finally cracked.
The chatter died down instantly.
“Okay, everyone. Listen up.” Ava used that bossy tone she was so good at. “You’re all acting like this is a real wedding, and you know what? It’s not. We’re here to save Charlie’s life, andthat’swhat matters to me. Not decorations, or some stupid dress. Can we stop acting like this is something to celebrate and just get it over with already?”
My heart sank. Ava was right, and I agreed with her, but it still hurt. This wasn’t at all the way I pictured our wedding day would go... but I didn’t have a choice. I couldn’t give her a proper wedding even if I wanted to.
She didn’t want to marry me anyway.
The chapel went dead silent. It was obvious everyone was disappointed, but what did they expect? Ava and I weren’t together. This was an arrangement out of convenience, nothing more.
The doors burst open behind us, and Hemlock’s heels clicked against the floor. “I got the paperwork. Let’s get started.”
Kallie clapped loudly. “Everyone in place!”
“Kallie!” Ava snapped.
Kallie leaned in and whispered, just low enough for the two of us to hear. “I know the wedding’s a sham, but you at least have to play the part. The Warden will do anything to reverse this marriage. You need to make everyone believe it— even him.”
Ava gave an annoyed sigh, like she knew Kallie was right. I just stood there for a second, unable to believe this was happening. Oberi nudged me in the ass with her horn.
