Once Betrayed Never Forgotten

Chapter 137: Running Late–1

We turn to leave the chamber, the dagger safely in my grasp. The journey back through the tunnels is uneventful, the weight of the task ahead pressing down on us.

As we emerge from the temple and into the open air, Pyra creates a fiery portal, its edges glowing with red and gold. “This will take us back to the Castle of Endless Night,” she says, her voice steady.

We step through the portal, the familiar surroundings of the castle greeting us. The air is cool and crisp, a welcome change from the oppressive heat of the Fiery Realm

Stepping out of the portal, the familiar grandeur of the Castle of Endless Night envelops us. The cool, crisp air is a welcome change from the oppressive heat of the Fiery Realm. But instead of the expected stillness and quiet, the castle is alive with music, laughter, and the murmur of many voices.

Before I can fully grasp what’s happening, Seraphina comes rushing toward us, her small figure a flurry of motion. She’s dressed like a gothic flower girl, her outfit a mix of dark elegance and childlike whimsy. Her dress is a deep black velvet, adorned with intricate lace patterns and tiny, sparkling gemstones that catch the light with every movement. The skirt flares out in layers of tulle, each layer edged with delicate silver thread. On her feet are tiny black ballet flats, each with a small silver bow. Around her neck, she wears a choker made of black lace, set with a single blood–red ruby. In her hands, she holds a bouquet of black roses and deep red lilies, their rich colors contrasting starkly with her pale skin.

“Arianna! Aleksandr! By all the Gods! Where in the seven realms have you been?” she exclaims, her voice high–pitched with anxiety. “You’re an hour late for your own wedding!

1 blink in confusion, my mind struggling to catch up. “What? We were only gone for a day at most, and the wedding was supposed to be three days away.”

Pyra’s eyes widen with realization. “Time passes differently in the Fiery Realm,” she says, her beautiful golden eyes flashing as she sgiles. “Much faster. Remember when you were trapped there before? You thought it was weeks, but it turned out to be months. Almost a year.”

The reality of her words sinks in, and I feel a rush of panic. “Three days have passed?”

Seraphina nods vigorously. “The guests arrived hours ago. We started a little party to keep them entertained, but I’ll let everyone know the wedding ceremony will commence shortly.”

Vampire lords and ladies, dressed in their finest clothes, mill around the grand hall, socializing and sipping champagne. The men wear tailored suits in dark, rich fabrics, their ties and pocket squares a dazzling array of silks and satins. The women are draped in gowns of every imaginable color and style, their jewels glittering in the candlelight. Diamond necklaces, emerald earrings, and ruby rings catch the light with every movement, casting prismatic reflections on the polished marble Doors. The air is filled with the tinkling sound of laughter, the soft clinking of crystal glasses, and the hum of lively conversation

Seraphina takes charge, her anxiety giving way to decisive action. “Luka, get Aleksandr ready. The groomsmen need to get dressed. Bloodhane, Pyra, find your places. Sandra and I will get Arianna ready.”

As Seraphina leads me to my chambers, we pass through the feasting hall. A massive tower of champagne glasses stands in the center, each glass filled to the brim with bubbling golden liquid. An enormous wedding cake, intricately decorated with sugar flowers and delicate lace patterns, dominates one comer of the room. The aroma of roasting meats, fresh bread, and spiced wine fills the air, making my stomach rumble despite my nerves

Staff bustle about, preparing the wedding feast with a sense of urgency. Platters of hors d’oeuvres, bowls of fresh fruit, and trays of decadent desserts are arranged with precision and care. The sounds of clattering dishes, bubbling pots, and hurried footsteps create a symphony of pre–wedding preparation.

We pass another hall, this one filled with wedding gifts from the guests. A mountain of beautifully wrapped presents rises before us, some clearly designer, their elegant packaging hinting at the luxury within. The sight of it all sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

We finally reach may chambers, and Seraphina pushes open the door. The room is bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, the familiar scent of lavender and sandalwood calming my frayed nerves. My wedding dress hangs in the corner, a vision of lace and silk, waiting for me.

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Chapter 137: Running Late–2

Seraphina turns to me, her eyes softening with empathy. “We’ll get you ready in no time, Arianna. Everything will be perfect.”

I nod, taking a deep breath to steady myself. The reality of the situation settles over me, a mix of excitement and anxiety. I am about to marry the love of my life. and nothing the matters.

As my mother and Seraphina begin to help me prepare, I can’t help but smile. The chaos, the unexpected timing, it all fades away in the face of what truly matters. Today, I become Aleksandr’s wide, and I am ready for whatever the future holds.

is a whirlwind of activity as my mother and Seraphina rush to get me ready. The soft light of the room casts a warm glow, the flickering candles adding a of magic to the atmosphere. Mircea, already dressed in her bridesmaid outfit, joins in to help. Her presence is a comfort, her gentle hands soothing my nerves. “How was the temple of the Blood Scribe? Mirova asks, her voice soft as she helps untangle my hair. “I’m glad to see you made it back in one piece.

I take a deep breath, recalling the events. “Yeah, it was intense. There was an entity guarding the dagger of Blood and Shadow, and we had to solve riddles to get it. There was a moment when I thought we might lose Pyra, I shudder at the memory. But we made it through. We have what we need for the transformation.”

Mircea smiles, her eyes shining with pride. “I knew you’d make it. You’re stronger than you think, Arianna..”

My mother guides me towards a large tub Elled with warm, fragrant water. The scent of roses, jasmine and lavender bath, sweetheart. We don’t have much time.”

the air, calming my frayed nerves, “Quick

I sink into the water, the warmth enveloping me. The tension begins to melt away, replaced by a sense of calm. My mother and Seraphina work quickly, washing my hair and scrubbing my skin until I feel refreshed and renewed.

After the bath, they help me out and wrap me in a plush towel Mircea starts drying my hair, her hands gentle and efficient. “We’re going to make you look stunning. Arianna

The celebrity makeup artist team arrives, their presence commanding attention. They set up their equipment with precision, and I feel a mix of excitement and nerves. “Let’s get started, one of them says with a confident smile.

The makeup artists all appear to be human, and I wonder if they are aware that they are preparing me for a vampire wedding, in a castle filled with literal blood drinking vampire royalty. If any one of their group wanders off alone into the castle, they might just become a tasty snack for one of the guests.

They work quickly, their hands moving with practiced rase. My hair is styled into an intricate updo, with delicate tendrils cascading down in soft curls. They weave small, sparkling jewel into my hair, catching the light and adding a touch of glamour. The process is meticulous, each strand of hair carefully placed to create a look that is both elegant and timeless.

Next, they apply my makeup. The foundation is smooth and flawless, giving my skin a radiant glow. They use a soft, smoky palette for my eyes, accentuating my green eyes and making them pop. A hint of shimmer on my eyelids adds a touch of magic. My lips are painted a deep, rich red, the color hold and striking. The final touch is a dusting of highlighter on my cheekbones, giving me a luminous, ethereal look.

As they work, my mother and Seraphina bring out my wedding dress. It’s a vision of lace and silk, the fabric flowing like water. The bodice is fitted, adorned with intricate lace patterns that shimmer in the light. The skirt flares out in layers of tulle, each layer edged with delicate embroidery. The veil is long and sheer, with tiny crystals scattered throughout, catching the light with every movement. My shoes are delicate heels, adorned with tiny pearls and ribbons that wrap around my ankies.

Almost ready, my mother says, her voice filled with emotion. She helps me into the dress, her hands gentle and steady. Seraphina secures the veil, making sure it aits perfectly.

Mircea hands me my bouquet, a stunning arrangement of deep red roses and white lilies, the flowers fragrant and freshs.”

fresh. “You look beautiful, Arianna.”

I take a deep breath, feeling a rush of emotion. Thank you, all of you. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Once I’m dressed, they lead me through the castle corridors towards the grand hall. The hall is the same place where my mother was transformed into a vampire during the Blood Moon ceremony, after she wed Konstantin a little under a year ago. It’s hard to believe that now it’s my turn to walk down the aisle. I never could -haver imagined it.

As we reach the doors of the grand hall, I can hear the faint strains of the wedding march being played on a church organ. The music is haunting and beautiful, like a demonic symphony. Seraphina and Macea go through alvend, Seraphina scattering red rose petals as she walks down the aisle.

My mother uns to me, her eyes filled with love and

pride. “Are you rendy for

this, sweethean7”

1 take a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. As ready as I’ll ever be.”

3:30 PM

Chapter 137: Running Late–2

The doors open, and I step forward, my heart filled with anticipation and love.

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Aren’t her eyes red now?