Kaelen's POV
The ceremony concluded with thunderous applause that seemed to echo off every surface of the ornate hall. I remained seated, observing Cassius as he claimed his bride's lips, witnessing the collective exhale of relief that swept through the assembled guests like a wave breaking against shore. The crimson ribbon still connected their joined hands when they pivoted to acknowledge the crowd, while the spiritual leader retreated with that serene expression holy people always maintained, as though they possessed insight beyond mortal understanding.
The audience began rising from their seats. The solemn atmosphere shattered instantly, dissolving into overlapping voices and genuine laughter as the ceremony's weight lifted from everyone's shoulders. According to the invitation, cocktails would follow in the adjacent ballroom. But my priority was locating Lyra first.
I swiveled toward the section where she had been positioned.
Empty.
