I sank onto the couch, completely drained, like the weight of the entire day had settled deep into my bones. I lifted my hand and stared at the ring on my finger—the bold ruby wrapped in gold, almost pulsing like it had a life of its own.

No matter how hard I tried to ignore it, it was there, claiming me. It was reminding me that something irreversible had begun.

What did this even mean?

Was it really just a contract?

I let out a long, tired breath, the kind that comes from somewhere dee