As though the heavens themselves were oblivious to the storm that was brewing beneath them, the morning of the union began brightly. There was a lot going on in the inner courtyard of Barduff Castle, with decorations unfolded, ceremonial clothing laid out, and the moon altar ready for the quick, high-born union of Serafina Barduff and Thomas Shaw.
While Leah brushed her daughter's hair gently, Serafina sat in her chamber with the deep plum of her bridal gown draped across the chaise. Too young to comprehend the weight that pressed into every breath in the room, Amelia scurried away after peeking in from the doorway with a basket of white blossoms.
Leah whispered, "You don't have to smile," as she tucked a strand behind Serafina's ear. "You seem to be trying,"
Serafina nodded slightly, her eyes averted.
There was a loud knock on the door of the chamber.
A guard's voice called urgently, "My Lady, there's... someone here," before Leah could respond. She claims that the spirits guided her.
Leah scowled. "Who?"
"Her name is Gisele." A prophet. She is adamant about talking to Serafina.
Serafina got up. "Give her access."
The door creaked open a moment later, revealing a woman dressed in dark gray. Gisele had silver-threaded hair, but her face was youthful, with tattoos of crescents beneath her eyes. With a presence that electrified the air itself, she entered.
Leah stood between Serafina and Gisele out of instinct, cautious and protective.
Gisele declared, "I come with no harm." "Just the truth. "Before the moon takes her word for it, one must be heard."
Serafina nodded, but Leah shot her a questioning look. "Talk."
Gisele had odd, too-clear eyes that seemed to see right through time. She spoke in a low, enigmatic, eerie voice.
"A forest will burn if two hearts are forced." The roots will become ash. A union based on chains will call forth the storm."
Serafina gasped for air.
Gisele took a step forward, staring into Serafina's eyes. "You are standing on a path that is not intended for you. Your bond is found in the shadows of someone else—someone who waits without realizing he waits—rather than in your groom's arms.
Do you believe that this marriage is doomed? Leah insisted.
Gisele didn't directly respond. Rather, she covered Serafina's heart with her hand. "The moon is truthful. It sings when it talks. However, there won't be a song tonight."
Her robes swirled like smoke as she turned. "This isn't fate. It's a duty-dressed decision. And every decision has a cost."
Then, leaving the room colder than before, she departed as quickly as she had arrived.
Serafina's heart was racing as she gazed at the ground. Leah grabbed her hand and came to her side.
Leah muttered, "She might be mistaken." "Seers walk the path of both truth and madness."
Serafina's voice, however, was steady and quiet.
"No. She is correct. And ever since I said yes, I've felt it in my bones.
The marriage ceremonies began as the bells outside tolled.
Serafina could feel the walls closing in around her.