Cindra’s POV
Walking through the castle toward the temple, I felt lighter than expected. This should’ve been death march, but after receiving the necklace from Helio, I no longer felt like I was headed toward my doom.
Perhaps I had finally lost my mind. Everyone in attendance knew what was about to happen to me, yet I felt indifferent.
I reached up, barely letting my fingertips graze the delicate lines of the necklace. The feel of it around my neck weighed down all my panic and worry. The sapphire and ruby elements glinted in the dim light, throwing light across my skin. I smiled at the sight, thinking of Helio rather than the man I was supposed to be meeting at the end of the walkway.
Arriving at the temple doors, I relaxed even more. I stepped inside and surveyed the crowd, trying no
