AIDAN.
My heart skipped a violent beat the exact moment I realized the bonding ritual was about to be finalized. Panic seized my chest as I watched them on the altar; I knew with absolute certainty that I couldn't allow them to tie the knot.
If that red cord bound their hands completely, if those final bows were exchanged, everything we had fought for would be over in an instant.
I had to quickly crack my brain, desperately searching for anything—any distraction, any absurdity—to pause the wedding until all our arrangements were fully set.
Throwing out that ridiculous speech about marriage advice had been a gamble, and thankfully, my idea worked like a charm. I was immensely glad Davian had instantly picked up on my cue and backed me up, turning the formal ceremony into a chaotic, loud joke that bought us precious time.
