Chapter 12. Prophecy Trauma and Claim

The sense of belonging Mira felt after revealing her marks was fragile, anchored by Kaelen’s constant presence and the women’s gentle acceptance. But the true test of her new reality arrived not in solitude, but in joy.

The village square had already transformed into a whirlwind of excitement and color. Kaelen guided her into the tide of movement. They found radiant and excited Noah and Serena near the center. Mira watched them—their hands brushing, their shared glances—and something inside her twisted.

Mira watched them speak their vows that evening—clear, joyful, surrounded by the warmth of their people. It struck her then, with paralyzing force, what she was seeing: No blood. No chains. No sacrifice. Just love.

This was the antithesis of the ceremony that had shattered her six years earlier. She remembered her own ceremony: the stone pedestal, the white gown wet with sweat and blood, the cold weight of expectation pressing down like a collar. She had walked forw