The party hall sparkled with crystal chandeliers and the warm glow of lanterns. Guests laughed, the clink of glasses echoing off marble walls, but Ivy’s mind wasn’t on the music or the decorations. She ran her fingers lightly over the ring Damon had placed on her finger.

It felt heavy in a way that reminded her this night was more than a celebration, it was the beginning of something irreversible.

Damien stood beside her, the pride in his eyes obvious. He caught her gaze and smiled ...