Lara descended the grand staircase moments later, her steps light but measured. She had changed into a flowing lavender summer dress trimmed with silver thread, her hair pinned with soft curls cascading down one shoulder. The morning light streaming through the tall arched windows caught the shimmer of the fabric and made her look almost ethereal.
Alaric looked up and fell momentarily silent. She had always been beautiful, but today, there was a quiet power to her presence, as if the burdens of the night before had crystallized into grace.
"I'm ready," she said softly, smoothing the skirt of her dress.
Alaric offered his arm. "Shall we?"
Lara looked around and found Gideon descending the stairs. Then she hooked her hand on the crook of Alaric's arm, ignoring Mira's thin-lipped stare from the hallway. As they passed the gathered family, her brothers offered a chorus of teasing farewells, but none dared follow them out.