Chapter171: Ceremony of Lies

|| Lilac’s POV || The white gown clung to my skin like a second layer of shame, its delicate lace scratching at my collarbones with every breath. Moonlight streamed through the window, casting silver streaks across the floor, but the fabric meant to honor the full moon felt more like a burial shroud. I stared at my reflection— pale face, hollow eyes, lips painted a perfect, lifeless pink. A doll dressed up for slaughter. This isn't happening. The knock at the door was too soft, too hesitant. "Come in," I said, my voice flat. Elara slipped inside, her usual sharp edges softened by the peach bridesmaid dress she wore. "Wow," she breathed, her dark eyes sweeping over me. "You look pretty." "Where have you been?" The words tore from me, raw and jagged. "No calls. No texts. And now—" I gestured wildly at the dress, the room, the farce waiting outside. "You let them do this?" Elara didn't flinch. "Calm down. Your bridesmaids are here." Astrid and Madeline filed in behind her, their matching