As Avery stood tall beside Julian , facing the council of Mages , she could not shake off the feeling of unease that lingered from their earlier conversation. Julian is words still echoed in her mind . " You are mine now . You will stand by my side , and support me in every single thing . "
The grand ballroom seemed to fade into the background as Avery is thoughts drifted back to the moment Julian had claimed her as his own . She remembered the way his eyes looked at her with an inner intensity of devouring her , the way his touch sent sparks through her body .
But as she gazed into Julian is eyes now , Avery saw something different. She saw a glint of ruthless determination. It was a reminder that Julian was a man who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals .
Avery felt a shiver run down her spine as Julian is hand clasped around hers , his grip like a vice . She knew that she was trapped , bound to Julian by a magical contract that she could not escape .
The doors to the ballroom burst open , and a group of dignitaries entered , their faces solemn and their eyes gleaming with curiosity . Avery recognized some of them as members of the council of Mages , the ruling body of Tenebrous .
As the dignitaries took their seats , she felt a sense of trepidation wash over her . She knew that her Union with Julian was about to be legalized , but she could not help but wonder what lay ahead .
The ceremony began , and Avery is heart pounded in her chest as Julian is voice echoed through the ballroom , promising to protect and cherish her . But she knew his words were empty and that he cared little for her feelings or her well being .
As the ceremony concluded, Avery felt a sense of despair wash over her. She was trapped , bound to a man who seemed to care little for her . But she refused to give up and refused to surrender to her fate.
Avery is eyes locked onto Julians and for a brief moment , that they had stared at each other , tension rose between them .
And then , Julian is expression changed , his eyes gleaming with a fierce intensity.
"It is time , he said , his voice low and commanding ."
Avery is heart skipped a beat as Julian is words sent a spark of fear through her .
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