Fallen Bride

A thunderclap exploded in the indigo sky, and Valeria felt as if the thunder had struck her right on the forehead. Her diamond-studded crown, already unsteady on her head, plopped down.

Rain, which was held back all morning, began to drizzle down. The crowd dispersed, leaving Valeria standing on the rooftop like a stone, gazing despairingly at Kaelen's departing figure. Kaelen did not look back, l