Chapter 42

Viona's POV

Four years later

I stood before the full-length mirror, staring at my reflection with a kind of hesitant awe. For the first time in my life, I wore something entirely untraditional-no warrior leathers, no training gear, no ceremonial furs or armoured boots. Instead, I was dressed in a flowing navy-blue dress that shimmered in the light like water under moonlight. A delicate silver pendant rested against my collarbone, a parting gift from my mother.

My hands smoothed ...