chapter 74

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room, but inside me, a cold knot of fear tightened in my stomach. I stood still as Ella and Mary fluttered around, adjusting the delicate lace of my gown, smoothing the train. It was my wedding day “my” day. I was supposed to feel overjoyed, excited even. Instead, my fingers trembled, and my heartbeat thundered in my ears.

“Lyra, breathe.” Ella’s voice broke through the fog in my mind as she fixed the veil on my head. “You look like an absolute goddess. Kurtis won’t believe his eyes.”

I forced a smile, but inside, I was unraveling. The texts… they wouldn’t stop haunting me. “Tick tock, Lyra. Time’s running out.” Those words had echoed in my mind all night. And then, the last message from just hours ago, “Beware, something hard is about to hit you.”

I glanced at my phone, hoping for some sign, an explanation. But the screen was dark and silent, mocking me with its stillness. My gut twisted tighter. Who