Liana's Pov
I stood in front of the mirror, barely recognizing myself. The dress was pristine white, simple and yet lovely, its lace sleeves brushing against my arms as though they were trying to remind me that I was finally allowed to live in light. My hair had been pulled into soft curls that covered my face, and the veil was pinned with precision. Behind me, my mother took a deep breath and I immediately turned towards her. Her eyes were gleaming and her lips curved in a tremulous smile.
"You look lovely, my darling," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I am so proud of you. For everything you've done, everything you've suffered. You've carried more burdens than anyone should, and today, you get to set them down finally.".
Her tears failed me and I began to cry. I moved closer, takin
