ISOLDE

I paced around my chamber like a lost soul, my feet barely touching the ground. The walls felt too tight, the air too thick. My heart wasn’t just beating, it hammered against my ribs like it wanted out. I kept looking at the door, hoping someone would say this wasn’t happening… that Rowan changed his mind. But deep down, I knew. He never did.

Elsa stepped in quietly. She didn’t speak at first, just watched me. Then finally, “Are you ready?”

“Ready?” My voice came out ...