Chapter 123 Bonds Of Friendship

• Selene and Lydia sat on the sunlit steps outside the school, watching students milling about, unaware of the weighty topic that filled their conversation. Selene tugged nervously at the hem of her sleeve, her gaze drifting to the patch of wildflowers blooming near the steps.
• “I still can’t believe our parents agreed to this,” she murmured, casting a sidelong glance at Lydia. “It feels… unreal, like something out of an old story.”
• Lydia sighed, folding her arms across her chest. “You’re right. I mean, I’ve always known I’d probably end up in an arranged marriage—it’s common in packs, right? But I always thought I’d have more time.” She looked down, her shoulders slumping a bit. “I didn’t expect to be promised to someone I don’t even remember.”