chapter 76

I stood at the altar, my heart racing. Today was the day I’d waited for, the day I’d marry the woman who owned every inch of my soul. Lyra. My eyes flickered to the grand double doors, expecting her to walk through at any moment, looking like the goddess I knew her to be. But… nothing.

The church was buzzing softly, the guests whispering amongst themselves. The air was thick with the scent of fresh roses and tension. It wasn’t like Lyra to keep me waiting. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay calm. “She’ll be here,” I muttered under my breath.

Beside me, Alex shifted awkwardly. He leaned in, his voice low. “Kurtis, she’s probably just taking her time. You know, wedding day nerves.”

I nodded, but the knot in my stomach tightened. Something wasn’t right. I glanced at my phone for the tenth time, hoping—no, praying—that a message would pop up, some excuse for her lateness. But the screen stayed blank.

“Where the hell is she?” I whispered, my voice rough with worry. I could feel the w