Chapter 46

• POV: Bella
• The mirror reflected someone I barely recognized.
• My gown clung to every curve, shimmering like molten gold with threads of crimson weaving through the fabric as if the dress itself burned with embers. The plunging neckline was scandalous, dipping dangerously low, while the skirt flared out like flames licking at my skin. I’d chosen it for a reason — I wanted to be seen, wanted to remind everyone, especially them, that I was not a fragile little girl to be caged.