SAVED BY MY TWIN MATES

Beads of sweat form and trickle down my forehead, my hands shaking as anxiety violently shoots through my entire body. My feet feel like lead as I drag myself down the stairs toward the wedding hall. Below, my father stands with his back to me, his posture straighter than a ruler—calm, yet as dangerous as a tiger on the hunt.

I take a sharp breath, tapping his shoulder lightly as I reach the last step. He turns to look at me and nods, offering his hand. I clasp it tightly, avoiding his gaze and waiting for him to walk us in. Serene and Rhea stand behind us, their expressions unreadable.

"You should know what to do and how to behave in there. Do you understand?" he says, a sharp edge to his voice.

I nod, nearly cowering in fear.

With that, he pushes open the giant doors to the wedding venue and steps in, my hand firmly held in his. Applause erupts as I try to muster a smile, scanning the crowd for him.

"Watch your step," my father's voice thunders in my ear.

"Sorry," I murmur, feeling my eyes prickle as we approach the altar.

Theron stands tall and giant, his eyes piercing into my skin as I struggle to match my father's pace. I avoid his gaze, my hands shaking as I wipe my sweaty palms on the dress, desperate for an escape.

Heat floods my body as Theron's eyes fixate on me, a mocking satisfaction dancing in his stare. I think back to that night and fight the urge to visibly cringe at myself, ashamed at my own lack of self control.

The priest's voice breaks through my thoughts, asking us to say our vows. Theron speaks first, his tone quick and irritated as he says, "I do." Then the priest turns to me, repeating the words and waiting, his patient smile feeling more like a smirk.

Sweat beads on my forehead, and I shift my weight from one foot to another, turning to look at the expectant crowd. Time feels suspended, the only sound the ticking of the giant clock.

I open my mouth, my lips quivering, then close it again. My father coughs from the front row, urging me on. Serene nudges me from behind, and I stumble forward. Theron catches me, his fingers digging into my shoulder and lingering a moment too long.

Applaud erupts again, but I can't focus. My mind feels blank. I force the words from my mouth, sealing my fate.

"I do."

The priest's words blur as he pronounces us man and wife. The crowd claps, leaning forward with anticipation. Theron takes a step toward me, his hand gripping my waist. I recoil, but his smug look warns me not to make a scene.

He pulls me close, his lips brushing mine as I press them tightly shut, anger coursing through me. I close my eyes and decide on what to do to feel better. I bite down hard on his lips, drawing blood. He immediately pulls back and wipe his lip with a hiss. The crowd misreads our tense exchange, cheering wildly.

When the ceremony finally ends, we take our seats uncomfortably next to each other. The rich scent of sandalwood and vanilla engulfs me, bringing me back to the present. I force myself not to look at Theron's elegant face.

"You smell delicious," he remarks, breathing me, his baritone voice close to my ear. I turn to glare, hate burning within me, but my mind betrays me as it replays the warmth of his lips.

"Too stunned to speak?" He mocks.

I bite my lips, chewing on my tongue as I try to hold back my words, facing the crowd instead.

Theron stands and adjusts his tie, throwing me a mocking look as he heads to the bar where my father and his men are waiting. I watch as he whispers something to my father's ears, and his jaw clenches with annoyance. He spares me a quick glance before beckoning on Serene.

Moments later, an exhausted Serene returns to my side. "We need to go," she yells over the loud music.

I nod, letting her pull me to my feet, relief floodinh through me as I leave the crowded hall.

Back inside my childhood bedroom, I collapse onto the larhe bed and close my eyes, sighing heavily.

"No. You can't do that. You need to change and leave right away," Serene says, lifting yo one of my shoes.

"Leave? Right now?" I raise an eyebrow, confused.

"Mhm. Your father says you need to leave immediately. Your groom's family is waiting to receive you."

"Don't call him that," I snap, unable to hide my anger.

"I'm sorry, but I really mean it. I brought you here so you could be in here one last time."

One last time?

"What do you mean?" I ask, sitting up instantly as my heart starts to race.

She crosses the room, sitting next to me and taking my hand in her. "Eirlys, I overheard your father and Theron talking. I don't think you'll ever come back here." She explains, playing with the perfectly trimmed nail on my index finger.

A chill runs down my spine. "What does that mean?"

Her eyes meet mine, a strange intensity in them. "Eirlys, your father…he's sold you off."

My blood turns cold as her final words hang in the air.

"And it's far worse than you think."