Chapter 21 Mate Ceremony

• ARIA’S POV
• The morning dawned with an unusual brightness. I woke up with a strange, heavy feeling in my chest, an unidentifiable unease I couldn’t figure out. I dragged myself out of bed, and each movement was heavy and sluggish. Today was obviously not my day. As I was getting ready, trying to mentally prepare myself for the day, Amara came to my room unannounced. Her usual cheerful self was like a light in my own darkness.
• "Aria!" she said, her eyes bright and full of energy, her smile wide. "Today's a big day! We need to go shopping. We have to get everything ready."