#Chapter 527: The Moments Before

Enzo “Today is the day, my love.” Mila’s voice, soft and sweet, pulled me out of my reverie. I found myself sitting beside those pools of unfathomably deep water again, although this time, I couldn’t quite remember how I had gotten here. Furrowing my brow, I turned to see Mila’s face smiling down at me. She reached out and touched my cheek, and… Yes. Right. I was just relaxing here before my big fight. The arena waited for me now, and I couldn’t have been more excited. After all, once I won the fight, the ceremony would begin—and after that, Mila would finally be mine. And I would be hers. I smiled, pressing my hand against hers. “I can’t wait,” I said softly. “It’s a good thing you don’t have to, my dear. It’s time for you to start getting ready.” I followed her gaze to the doorway, where a servant waited for me. I already knew what was in store: a ceremonial bath, during which they would likely scrub my skin within an inch of its life, just like last time.