[Music recommendation: Civil Twilight - Teardrop]
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With the doors opened, swelling chords of the ceremonial music drifted outward, reaching Aliana's ears. Each note made her heartbeat pound louder against her ribs until it echoed in her ears.
Without even realising it, her fingers tightened around her father's arm.
Alester's warm hand settled over hers.
"Don't be nervous, dear," he whispered gently. "Remember who's waiting for you."
Those simple words melted away a fraction of the nervous knot inside her.
Slowly, she released the breath she had unknowingly been holding, and together, they took their first step.
One after another, their footsteps carried them towards the grand entrance until they finally came to a stop before the open doors.
The second Aliana lifted her gaze… her light grey eyes widened in awe as the breathtaking spectacle unfolded before her.
