I couldn't sleep well that night.
The question kept eating at my mind: "How am I going to do this in two days?"
To be honest, I was scared. I had no idea what was waiting for me. The Grimvole family had been preparing for the ceremony for two days. A special dress was made for me—midnight blue, adorned with gemstone details, off-shoulder, tight at the waist with a daring neckline… It was truly mesmerizing.
During those two days, Ivy and my grandmother endlessly went over how the ceremony would unfold and what I needed to do.
Two days later:
I was woken up early by the servant girls, Ravena and Ves. They brought special scented oils for my bath. After the shower, I put on a light chiffon gown. I was about to head downstairs for breakfast when Ravena said,
"My lady, you must be very excited."
I looked at her, trying to steady my voice.
"I am, Ravena… I'm trying to keep my breathing under control."
Ves immediately jumped in,
"My lady, you will do everything perfectly. And we'll be right beside you."
Her words eased me a little, but the tension stayed. When I entered the grand hall, the entire family was already waiting at the table. I greeted everyone and sat next to my brother. I didn't know why I always chose that seat, but being beside him made me feel safe. I trusted him.
Shortly after breakfast began, my grandfather Antanius looked at me and said,
"You look nervous. Relax, you'll do well."
"I hope so, grandfather. It's my first time going through something like this," I replied.
My brother Adem spoke softly,
"It's fine. I'll be with you. From now on, you'll always be by my side… as you should be."
I could hear the sincerity in his voice.
Then Aunt Petunia spoke in her usual mocking tone,
"I hope you don't embarrass us, Mono. After all, you weren't raised here."
I lowered my voice and replied,
"I'll do my best, Aunt Petunia, don't worry."
It was obvious she had a problem with me, though I didn't know why. I figured I'd understand eventually.
After breakfast, I went back to my room with the servant girls. My presentation ceremony was at noon. Ivy had told me some information about the families. Each family had a ruler:
Lukas Vantmoor of the Vantmoor family,
Tom Crowlok of the Crowlok family,
Cedric Miretharn of the Miretharn family,
and Regulus Artumus Voidhart of the Voidhart family.
I learned that the families hated one another, though they didn't show it publicly. The people knew anyway. Ivy had spent the last two days warning me constantly to be careful around them. Could they really be that bad?
But after all, my mother and father died because of them.
The girls prepared my ceremonial gown. They helped me put it on and styled my hair, leaving loose strands in the front. I didn't do any heavy makeup, just applied a bit of blush I brought. When I stood up and looked in the mirror, I truly looked like a princess. To be honest, it was a little hard to breathe inside the dress.
There was a knock on the door, and my brother walked in holding a box. He froze for a moment when he saw me.
"You look so beautiful… you look so much like our mother, Mono," he said.
His words made me smile. He stepped closer.
"And that's why I'm giving this to you," he said, handing me the box.
I opened it. Inside was a necklace and earring set of blue emeralds. I couldn't take my eyes off of them.
"It belonged to our mother. It's only right that I give it to you," he said.
My eyes filled with tears. Was it really hers? My brother touched my shoulder,
"Don't you dare cry. You just got dressed," he teased.
I laughed. He helped me put on the jewelry. It suited me perfectly.
"And now, the most important piece," he said, taking a ring box from his pocket.
"Every family has a crest, Mono. This is yours. Keep it safe."
When I opened the box, I saw a crest ring with a skull engraved on it. The moment I slipped it onto my finger, the ring disappeared. I stared at my brother, shocked. Then I felt a burning sensation on my back. I turned toward the mirror and saw the family crest appear on my skin.
"Don't be afraid, it's normal. All of us have it. It shows which family you belong to," my brother explained.
I took a deep breath. He extended his hand.
"Come on, sister. Let's show everyone how powerful the Grimvole family truly is."
I held his hand, and we headed down the stairs. Agatha was waiting by the door.
"You look beautiful, my girl… I mean, my lady," she corrected herself, pride shining in her eyes.
I told her it was fine. She was the one who raised me.
We walked out of the palace and toward the car. Kohl opened the door.
"Please, my beautiful lady, your escort today is me," he said playfully.
I smiled at him.
"Of course, sir… but my escort is right here," I said, pointing to my brother.
"You hear that, Kohl? You're second choice now," my brother laughed. Kohl laughed with him.
We got into the car and headed toward the grand palace. Forty minutes later, we stopped in front of the magnificent building in the heart of the city. My brother helped me out. I waved and smiled at the cheering crowd. They were all here for me.
"Why is it called the Shared Palace?" I asked my brother.
"This palace belongs to all five families. Meetings and balls are usually held here," he replied.
I nodded.
Kohl had gone in before us. He returned after a while.
"Sir, the families are all here," he said.
I took a deep breath. My brother said,
"Alright. Mono, go upstairs. I'll join you soon. I have to greet the families—it's tradition. Even if I'd rather not, I have to do it."
I let go of his arm. Ivy rushed toward me.
"You look stunning, cousin! Come on, let's go upstairs," she said.
I looked at my brother.
"It's fine, I'll walk you in. Just wait for me," he said.
I relaxed, and Ivy and I headed up.
Regulus Artumus
I stood in the hall, silently praying for this ceremony to end. At the entrance, Adem Grimvole appeared. He looked pleased about his sister's arrival. I didn't even know the girl's name, but they used to say she was dead. I was curious… I had never seen a Soul Weaver before.
Adem approached me.
"Hello, welcome Voidhart family. Hello, Regulus," he said, emphasizing my name.
I didn't have a problem with Adem, but he always irritated me. Grimvoles loved to believe they were superior, and they never hesitated to say it.
I inclined my head slightly.
"Hello, Adem. It's been a long time."
He stared at me for a while, clearly annoyed.
"Yes, it has… Regulus," he replied sharply.
We exchanged a brief glare before he walked to the other families. I turned to my guard, Fin.
"Let's get this over with. I'm suffocating."
Fin said,
"This is a big day, sir. A Soul Weaver will enter through the opposite door any minute now."
I brushed him off and walked out to the large balcony to get fresh air. As I walked, I caught Lukas looking at me. I paused and stared back. It took effort not to kill that man some days.
Two women walked past me, whispering:
"Did you hear? She's a Soul Weaver."
"Yes, but what matters is her beauty. I saw her at the door—she was glowing like moonlight."
How beautiful can she be? I wondered.
I leaned against the wall next to the balcony entrance. Suddenly, a loud voice echoed through the hall:
"Manolya Grimvole!"
Manolya?
Strange name… but I remembered it was a flower.
I lifted my head and looked toward the door. A woman with fiery red hair walked in, wrapped in a blue gown. I lifted my gaze to see her face…
Her eyes were locked on mine.
Manolya
I was taking deep breaths as I waited inside. I waited for my brother to extend his hand. At last, he came.
"From this moment on, you are a Grimvole. Remember that," he said.
I swallowed and took his hand. After a short wait, my name was called. I stepped inside. People stared at me, whispering.
Scanning the hall, my eyes landed on a tall, black-eyed man with an intimidating presence. He was staring at me, a sly smile on his lips. I quickly looked away.
When I reached the altar, the priest began speaking.
"Repeat after me, daughter."
Just then, I glanced toward the balcony side and quietly asked Ravena,
"Who is that man leaning against the wall?"
Ravena leaned closer,
"My lady, that is Regulus Artumus Voidhart, the ruler of the Voidhart family."
I looked at him. His body was strong, towering, his brows slightly furrowed, black hair framing sharp features. He looked harsh. As I stared, he lifted his head…
And our eyes met...