The First Night

The hotel suite is all champagne and white silk, and Lily stands at the window in her wedding dress, watching the city lights blur as Aarav loosens his tie behind her. He crosses the room, his hands sliding to her shoulders, and she feels his fingers find the zipper at her back, the metal cold against her spine. 'You're mine now,' he says, his voice flat, and she feels the pendant press hard against her collarbone, a small, stubborn heartbeat. She turns, her hand catching his wrist, and she sees the surprise in his eyes as she says, 'Not tonight. I'm tired.' His grip tightens for a moment, his jaw working, and then he steps back, a thin smile on his lips. 'Fine. But the contract doesn't wait, Lily.' He walks to the bar, and she feels the pendant burn against her skin, a promise she's already breaking.