River stood before the mirror, her breathing measured, her spine straight. The silk of her gown clung to her curves, an elegant sapphire blue chosen to match the crest of Almira. Her hair had been pinned, her posture trained, and her words rehearsed. But none of that could still the storm whirling in her chest.
You are not just an Omega anymore... You are the Lady of Almira.
The words Heiko had whispered to her that morning still echoed. But now—he was gone.
The air was too still. The sun too bright. And when the carriage rolled in through the gates—black, crested, flanked by soldiers in the gold and crimson of the royal court—she already knew this was not just a courtesy visit.
A cold shiver ran down her spine as the hooves clattered to a halt in the courtyard, and her heart beat agai
